Here I provide answers to common questions authors have. If you would like to know more about my experience, my services, or how I work, please get in touch. The typical response time is within 48 hours, however, please note that I do not check email over the weekend.
THE EDITING PROCESS
What is a Sample Edit?
Sample edits are required for me to provide a confirmed quote and timeline for a project. They are free of charge, and I will return your sample with edits and comments intact.
As editing is a deeply creative process, and the relationship between an author and editor is of utmost importance, I also complete sample edits to help determine if we are a good creative fit. If either of us feels we are not, it would be unfair of us to continue the relationship. I promise no feelings will be hurt, and I will provide resources to help you find another editor.
What Type of Work Do You Edit?
To give the best possible feedback, I need to be familiar with the genre in which you write. Therefore, I provide editorial solutions for self-publishing authors of contemporary, historical, or speculative fiction classified as adult or young adult. I will edit short story collections, novellas, and novel-length works.
Do You Edit in Google Docs?
While there are some advantages to Google Docs, especially for teams, editing fiction is much, much easier to do in Microsoft Word. It has been used by editors and publishing professionals for decades and has numerous functionalities and special add-ons designed to make editing more efficient and effective. Google Docs has almost none of these tools, and the edit may take more time to complete; some editors charge more to work in Google for this reason.
Will You Rewrite My Work?
Never! The mark of a good editor is one who respects an author’s style and who does not create content, change meaning, or rearrange an author’s story to suit personal taste. I promise the same.
Of course, I will make suggestions and corrections, and may rework a sentence or paragraph so it reads more effectively—but I always provide an explanation! If I am unsure of your meaning, or believe a deeper level of edit is needed, I will flag it for your attention, outline the reasoning behind my query, and suggest an alternative or provide further resources.
Which Styles Do You Work In?
I am familiar with most style guides and dictionaries, including The Chicago Manual of Style and Editing Canadian English. I most commonly edit for US spelling and use Merriam-Webster online as my reference. I can also edit for Canadian and British spelling and conventions.
SERVICE & PAYMENT DETAILS
How Do Payments Work?
When you hire me for editing, I will ask for a project fee upfront to secure your spot in my schedule. As each project is different, the amount and frequency of payment will be determined before editing begins.
Invoices are due within 10 days of receipt. For Canadian clients, I accept payment via bank e-transfer, and for all others, I accept payment via PayPal.
Which Currency Do You Use?
I charge in Canadian (CAD) dollars, and the appropriate tax rate (dependent on your province of residence) is also added to all projects. If you reside in the US, or overseas, I will invoice in CAD but no tax will be applied.
Are You Open To Payment Plans?
Absolutely! I understand professional editing is expensive, and that we all have different financial realities. Payments are spread out over specific milestones (see “How do Payments Work” above), but if you require more, please let me know and I will work with you to create a plan that is fair to us both.
I will not negotiate fees, however. They are based on my level of expertise and take into account the amount of work (and time) that goes into an individual project.