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Developmental Editing Services

Frequently Asked Questions

For when you want to know a little bit more about how I operate.

Top Three Editing FAQs

How much do you charge?

My services are based on a $20/hour fee for editing services.

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In every developmental editing project, I include a free 30min pre-edit conversation and 30min review call. All other video services are $25/30min session.

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Every author will be provided both a cost estimate based on the manuscript's word count and a cost maximum quote so that there are no billing surprises regardless of how long a particular project may take me.

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Read down below for more information on billing practices.

How should I send you my writing?

I use Microsoft Word with the Track Changes function as this format is best for both me and my client. If necessary, we can discuss working in other formats.

 

Furthermore, I want to know your expectations for my efforts and any specific publication guidelines for me to keep in mind. When you contact me, I'll walk you through how to get started, including a pre-edit conversation.

What are your qualifications?

I took journalism and writing classes in college, was a staff writer for the campus newspaper, and routinely edited essays and articles for my peers in a number of subjects and genres.

 

In order to best help my clients, I continually invest in courses to help keep me sharp and up-to-date on current practices and standards. I regularly reference the Chicago Manual of Style and the Editorial Freelancers Association.

 

I'm happy to provide sample edits upon request. Read down below for more information.

More 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.

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How do you handle payments? How do I know you're being transparent with the time you spend on each project?

I keep meticulous record of the hours I work and am happy to share these records. This will allow me to track exactly how much time I spend on your project and provides a record to substantiate payment.

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

$0.0025 x Total Word Count = Down Payment

The remaining cost is calculated after I am finished editing and is based on the total time needed at the $20/hour rate minus the down payment. This final cost will never exceed the maximum cost quote provided at the start of the editing project. The balance will be invoiced after completion.

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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 post-edit review 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 freelance contract outlining the services you are hiring me to perform and the agreed upon payment. Furthermore, we will both sign an IP agreement that specifies who owns what work alongside an NDA to protect your unfinished product. All communication containing your writing will be done via secure email (I use proton mail).

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.

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Do you provide any discounts?

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

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.

All discounts will be applied to the final payment due after completion of the contracted services.

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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. If you submit a final payment and are unsatisfied by my work, I am happy to provide one follow-up edit or video conference of thirty minutes to address your concerns at no additional cost​.

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