My rate ranges from 1.2 to 2.5 cents per word, depending on the editing job. The rate for your project will be determined based on what kind of editing you request and how much editing I find that your manuscript requires. A line edit on a fairly "clean" manuscript will fall on the lower end of the scale; a copy edit plus more on a book with technical issues will come out on the higher end.

Writing is by its nature a highly personal endeavor. Editing must take that into account. The only way to be certain your writing and my editing styles will mesh is to try it out. I therefore offer a sample edit on the first 5,000 words of your book of 45,000 words or more (the sample edit will be smaller for shorter works and will depend on the length of the work). This will allow me to determine the rate for the project and will give you the chance to see if my editing will work for you.

If you decide not to engage my services, there will be no charge for the sample edit. If you choose to proceed, the rate per word quoted for the project will be applied to the entire manuscript (including the sample-edit portion).

What's the turnaround time?

Depending on my workload, I can generally get edits back within a month. Longer books will take longer, of course. I'll let you know my schedule (I'm typically booked up for at least the next several months) and the projected turnaround time when we first talk and will set a guaranteed return date when you send me the full manuscript.

How are the edits done?

I use Track Changes in Microsoft Word. You will be able to see my editing recommendations and notes and decide for yourself which ones you choose to take. No changes will be made to the manuscript file you send me without the Track Changes function on. If you do not use Word (or Pages, which is a format I can also offer) or if this method of editing won't work for you, let me know and we'll see what we can work out.

What about confidentiality?

Your privacy is important to me. I'm the only person who will see your manuscript and will not share your book or any part of it with anyone, now or ever.

What genres you do work with?

My primary experience is with genre fiction -- in particular mystery, romance, suspense, horror, and science fiction/fantasy -- but I have experience in and can work with all kinds of fiction and non-fiction. See the Authors page for a list of some of the authors whose books I've worked on.

How do we get started?

The Contact link on the left of this page will take you to a form you can fill out to get in touch with me, or you can email me at the address on that page. Let me know the genre of the book you've written and what level of editing you're interested in. From there, we'll make arrangements for you to send me a portion of your manuscript for a sample edit. I'll return the sample edit as soon as possible with a quote for editing the whole project. If you decide to engage my services, we'll get you added to my calendar. A week before the scheduled start date of the edit, you'll send me the full manuscript and I'll send an invoice through Paypal for a deposit of 1/2 of the cost of the full edit. The remainder won't be due until I return the completed edit to you. Even after all's said and done (manuscript returned, balance paid), I'll be available to answer any questions you might have about my recommendations.