Frequently Asked Questions

This page is meant to answer the questions I get most often. More specific information about my offerings can be found on my services page.

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My Services

Copy/Line Editing

A lot of editors, including myself, combine copy editing and line editing into one step. I do this because of how my brain works: I am always looking for how to make your manuscript as clear as possible, without taking away your voice, so it looks for grammar and sentence structure at the same time.

Copy and line editing have the same goal: clarity.

Proofreading

This will be the final eyes on your work! I will look for formatting errors, typos, and any lingering grammatical and stylistic errors.

Sensitivity Reading

This step is extremely important for authors writing an identity that is not their own. At this stage, I look at how being marginalized affects characters, settings, worldbuilding, and word choice.

Workshopping

Group workshops are great, but oftentimes my experiences in workshops have been lackluster. I haven't gotten the constructive feedback I so desperately crave because people are shy to be critical of emotionally-charged poetry, work about traumatic events, etc. Hiring an editor for this step is one way to solve that problem.

Poetry Ordering

I'll order your poems in a document for you according to what you're wanting. Want themes separated? Mixed together? Want your collection to tell a specific story? I got you!

What type of editing do I need?

This is what sample edits are for! If you're still not sure after reading over my service offerings, I can do a free sample edit for you to see what I think your manuscript needs. I also have blog posts outlining the self-publishing process for both novels and poetry!
What genres do you edit?

I edit fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry! In fiction, I specialize in romance and mystery. I cannot edit horror or gore, but most other content I am fine with as long as you send your trigger warning list. I've enjoyed the occasional thriller! (Wondering why you need trigger warnings or how to implement them? Read more here)
What is your process?

-Contact me! Fill out my inquiry form or DM me questions. -If you didn't fill out my inquiry form, I'll ask you to fill out my new client form to give me the info I need for your sample edit. I will send you a price quote at this point in the process, if you know how many words you would like edited. -Decide if you would like a free sample edit of up to 1,000 words (less for poetry). These help you decide if my editing style works well for your brain, and it helps me help you decide what type of editing your manuscript needs. If you would like one, I'll send it back within a week. -Want to move forward? Great! I'll send you a contract to sign and an invoice. -I require a deposit of 50% for projects over $100 due before work can begin. The final invoice is due 15 days after the project is delivered. Custom payment plans are also available, if that payment schedule doesn't work for you! I have a $20 minimum for each project, even if you are sending me less than $20 worth of words. -I update authors about every week on the progress of their manuscript. I don't want anyone sitting with their anxiety waiting to hear from me for a month (or however long it takes)! -When I deliver your manuscript, I will send you a link to my review form. I appreciate all feedback! -Questions are welcome and encouraged at every stage of the process. There's no such thing as a stupid question here!
What format should my document be in?

For long works, I prefer to work with Word files. For poetry and other short works, Word or Google docs work just fine. I would make a copy of the document then share it with you when I'm done. I can also edit PDFs, which is great for checking layout errors.
How long does the editing process take?

It definitely depends on the service, genre, and word count, but a ballpark estimate for is me about four weeks for longer works (like novels) and about two weeks for shorter works (like poetry collections). This estimate can also be affected by how many other projects I have booked, and if I have any time off planned for things like holidays. I will give you a specific delivery date in the contract we sign!
Why should I hire you? What are your qualifications?

I've known that I've wanted to be an editor for almost a decade, and have spent so much time working toward this dream job! I'm passionate about stories, connecting through emotion, and helping writers put out their best work while supporting them in their publishing journeys. I've worked with a lot of neurodivergent/disabled writers, and I wrote an entire post about how my neurodivergence is an amazing asset as an editor. More about my story can be found on my about page. I have a degree in Creative Writing and Communications on the honors track from Wichita State University, where I got valuable experience in editing, analyzing literature, writing, and many workshops of poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction. In 2023 I did an editorial internship with Yale University Press, and I loved every second. I took a grammar and Chicago style quiz every week and completely nerded out over it all! I've also had my poetry published twice (about to be three times!) so I understand the process of trying to get your words in readers' hands intimately. I was the poetry editor for my college's literary magazine for four years, and having to send out rejections was the worst part of my job, but I loved getting to read hundreds of poems every year. I'm an affiliate of four language organizations and attend their events often to learn how to be the best editor I can be. These organizations are Sigma Tau Delta, the Editorial Freelancers Association, the American Copy Editor Society, and the Editors Tea Club. But most of all, I care. I care about you, your work, your future. The world needs your story!

Ready to take the next step?