There are several types of editing, and each happens at a different stage in the process. Depending on your plan for your manuscript, you may decide to put your book through each stage, or you may decide on just one or two. Here is a quick overview of the major types of editing:

1. Manuscript Evaluation: This is big-picture feedback on the major story elements of your manuscript, such as plot, pacing, character, setting, etc. Manuscript evaluations do not come with in-line comments in the manuscript, but rather an editorial letter covering these major elements, what is working well, and suggestions for improvements.

2. Developmental Edit: A developmental edit covers the same material as a manuscript evaluation, but it also includes in-line (or in-margin) comments in the manuscript to give more specific thoughts, ideas, and suggestions throughout. This type of feedback is much more detailed and time-intensive, which is reflected in the cost.

3. Copyedit/Line Edit: this type of editing focuses on line-level issues such as grammar, spelling, consistency, syntax, and word choice. This comes after big-picture services like manuscript evaluations and developmental edits because it is a waste of your time (and money!) to focus on big chunks of text that may be completely reworked (or even deleted) after big-picture feedback.

4. Proofreading: this is the last line of defense for remaining spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. This stage usually happens after your manuscript has been sent to a designer or typesetter. It’s a final quality check before your manuscript goes to print.

I do not provide copyediting or proofreading services, as big-picture feedback is where I can add the most value to your project.

Just as a note, descriptions of each of these services can vary from editor to editor, so make sure you know exactly what is included when hiring an editor for a specific service!

When you have poured your heart and soul into a manuscript, it can feel scary to hand it over to an editor for feedback. First of all, know that I already think you’re amazing. You’re serious about making your book the best it can be, and I know this precisely because you’re looking for professional feedback! I also want your book to be its best, so I strive to give honest, kind feedback. I will never tear your work down or give harsh notes. I will also never tell you something is top-notch if it isn’t. My goal is to let you know exactly what is working well in your manuscript and what needs some more attention. I will give you specific examples of each, and ideas about how to fix issues that crop up. I want my feedback to make you excited about digging into revisions!

It depends on the project and word count! Here are some averages:

Professional Beta Read - 1-2 weeks

First 50 Critique - 2-3 weeks

Manuscript Evaluation - 3-5 weeks

Developmental edit - 4-6 weeks

I want to be able to do a deep dive into your project and give you the best possible value for your money. If you need a quicker turnaround on a project, I will do my best to accommodate (depending on my schedule) with an additional rush fee.

Sample edits can be a great way to get the feel of an editor’s style before you decide if they are a good fit for your project. This works particularly well for copy editors, and can help editors provide a good basis for a job quote as well.

This approach doesn’t work as well for developmental editors because it is hard to give feedback on big-picture elements - like characterization and plot - without seeing a big chunk of the manuscript. For example, if I flag an issue on page three (your main character’s motivation isn’t clear!) that you have resolved on page 10, then I haven’t been helpful and you get feedback on something that isn’t actually a problem. A sample doesn’t have enough information for a developmental editor to be effective.

So the short answer is no, but I would be happy to talk with you about your project to see if we’re a good fit! Another option would be to purchase a Professional Beta Read and then go deeper if my feedback feels like a match for your needs.

For bigger projects like a manuscript evaluation or developmental edit, I ask for a 50% deposit to hold your place in my schedule, with the second half being due right before I return your manuscript with feedback.

For smaller projects, such as beta reads and First 50 Critiques, full payment is due before I begin the project.

Coaching is paid for in advance either monthly or by the hour.

If you need to divide the payments up in a different way, please let me know - I can usually work something out!

I love all genres in middle grade and YA! I particularly love to read and edit fantasy, science fiction, adventure, and anything with a touch of magic!

I may not be the editor for you if your manuscript centers around child abuse, neglect, or parents with substance abuse/misuse issues. Many books have this in backstory, and that is no problem! It’s just manuscripts in which the main story revolves around these issues that I may decline to work on. If this describes your book, it does NOT mean that your book is not wonderful or needed, just that I am not the right editor for you at this time.