FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
All prices are based on my hourly rate of $150-$175/hr. I do have package rates for common services, which you can look up on my Services page on my website. I often will work on a small retainer if a client and I are unsure of the scope of the work. I think of it as a test run for both of us; after several hours of working together, we'll be clearer on what type of work you want me to do on your project. I'm very flexible with how we structure our deal. However, I always have plenty of work so I do not cut my hourly rates, nor do I ever work for free on promise of a back-end payment.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
As a Latin major from a state university, I graduated in a time of recession. I had no idea what to do for a living. I worked on my school's "career finder" software and the computer spat out three potential jobs. #1 was "editor." I figured out in a roundabout way how to get myself to NYU and an intensive six-week course in book and magazine publishing, packed my suitcase, guitar, and typewriter (yes, I'm old enough to remember typewriters), and began my career in 1987. I started writing when I was 7--little journals and stories. I always thought I'd become a teacher and a writer. As it turns out, I'm a writer, an editor, a coach, and a consultant, so I guess I knew myself pretty well at age 7.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Ghostwriting and developmental editing of books by super-busy professionals with substantial platforms and followings. Evaluating and improving book proposals by nonfiction authors seeking a book deal. One-on-one consulting to help would-be authors strategize their book publishing goals and brand themselves. Structural and line editing of self-published books (lately, I've been working on a lot of 20-40,000 word eBooks). Evaluation of fiction manuscripts by authors seeking to self-publish or get a book deal. I am very particular to choose manuscripts in categories I know well; if it's not a genre I'm experienced with, I'll try to pass you along to a colleague I trust who would be better suited to the project.