Frequently Asked Questions

How do we get started?

Submit a contact request form here, letting me know a little bit about yourself and what services you're looking for. If we agree that we're a good fit for one another, I'll get you started from there!

For the most efficient start possible, let me know the following in your contact message:

• The genre or type of writing you'd like to get edited

• The word count of your document

  • This is so I can provide a cost and time estimate.​

• If you're interested in a video call to start​

• Any specific publication guidelines when relevant

• Your desired deadline

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Can you provide sample edits?

I would love to! Upon request, I can provide a one-time free edit for any new client on a sample that is 2,000 words or less. For the most effective experience, consider sending me a short story, personal essay, or other writing sample that feels like a completed narrative. Because I focus on developmental editing, I can better convey my approach and expertise by working on a completed narrative as opposed to an excerpt from a larger work.

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How do you handle payments?

For every contract, I require a non-refundable down payment. I calculate each commission's down payment using the following formula:

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$0.0025 x Total Word Count = Down Payment

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The remaining cost is calculated based on a $0.025/word rate. The down payment goes toward this final cost, and I am happy to split the total cost into a monthly or biweekly payment plan upon request. Payment plans should not exceed six months.

 

The pre-edit call is included in this price. Additionally, I offer up to three one-hour review calls after I have sent you my feedback. These three calls can only be utilized within one month of the receipt of my Developmental Editing Letter (DEL). These review calls are also included in the project total. Any additional video calls outside of the month window will be charged at a rate of $25/30 mins. 

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Currently, I utilize a software called Bonsai to help me track my contracts, payments, and taxes. Bonsai contracts and invoices for project payments will be sent via email. All payments are in USD.

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How long does an edit take? Do you provide estimates?

While I'm a fast reader, I'm also very detail-oriented. This means that I take the time that is necessary in order to give you the edits your writing deserves. Moreover, each commission takes different lengths of time to complete based on overall word count, the depth of editing needed, and time constraints influenced by both your deadline and my workload. Estimates are difficult to provide on the front end, but knowing your manuscript's word count will help me give you a better idea as to what length of time and approximate cost to expect.

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What if I want to see you, face-to-face?

I love to offer video chats for those who want to speak directly with me, either before or after I edit their work. The pre-edit conversation and up to three post-edit review calls are free and included in the project cost estimate. For additional video services, sessions cost $25 for 30 minutes but can be scheduled for longer. Message me here to get one on the books!

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How do you protect the intellectual copy rights of my writing?

Before I start your edit, I will send you a service agreement via Bonsai outlining the services you are hiring me to perform and the agreed upon payment. This contract includes clauses that protect your intellectual property rights and serve as a Non-Disclosure Agreement. All communication containing your writing will be done via secure email (I use proton mail).

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If using Word, I will keep a copy of the original document you send me as a back-up, as well as a copy of the document I send you containing the edits. All work or contracts related to a specific project will be saved for two years, and I will do my best to contact you prior to deleting any documents from my work drive. If you choose to share your manuscript via a cloud-based platform such as GoogleDocs, it is up to you as the author to remove my access after we have completed our working relationship for that project.

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While I do collect and store an author's personal information for the sake of establishing communication, collecting payment, and managing my website data and Bonsai project tracking, I will never sell your information to a third-party company.

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Do you provide any discounts?

For return customers, I provide a 10% discount on your second edit.

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If you refer me to another writer who starts a new contract or allow me to use you as a testimonial on my website, I provide a 10% discount on one subsequent edit. Discounts cannot be added together on one project (for instance, a 20% discount on one manuscript), but I will apply them to separate projects (so a 10% discount on one project and a 10% discount on the next).

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All discounts will be applied to the total payment due for a project prior to the calculation of a recurring monthly or biweekly payment if using a payment plan.

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What is your cancellation and refund policy?

I require a non-refundable down payment for all contracts once I begin working on the edit. You are allowed to cancel at any time, but I will not release any work I have completed if you cancel prior to your final payment.