Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the editorial process is crucial for your manuscript's success. Below are answers to questions that will help you get the most out of our potential collaboration.
Rates & Payments
Q: What are your rates for different services?
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A: Here are my current service rates:
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Manuscript Evaluation
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Full manuscript (up to 100,000 words): $700
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Additional words: $0.015 per word
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Partial manuscript (first 20,000 words): $300
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Developmental Editing
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$0.015 per word
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Beta Reading
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Flat fee: $200
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Historical Research and Fact-Checking
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$40 per hour
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Minimum 10-hour commitment
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Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: All services require a 50% deposit at contract signing to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due upon delivery of the editorial packet.
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Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: I accept all payments through PayPal.
Refund Policy
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: The deposit is non-refundable with the following exceptions:​
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If I cancel the contract before work begins, the deposit is fully refundable
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If I cancel after work has started, a pro-rated refund will be issued based on work completed
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If you cancel before work begins, the deposit can be applied to future services within 12 months
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If you request a stop work order after editing has begun, the deposit is non-refundable and cannot be applied to future services
Turnaround Times
Q: How long will my project take?
A:
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Manuscript evaluations typically take 2-3 weeks.
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Developmental edits require 4-6 weeks.
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Beta reading takes 2-3 weeks.
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The research services timeline varies based on the project scope and will be discussed during consultation.
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Q: Can I get a rush service?
A: Rush services are currently not available to ensure each project receives thorough attention.
Getting Started
Q: How do I book your services?
A: Contact me to discuss your project, schedule a 30-minute consultation call, review and sign the service agreement, submit your manuscript and deposit, and receive your timeline confirmation.
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Q: What happens during the consultation call?
A: We'll discuss your manuscript, your goals, any specific concerns, and determine which service best fits your needs.
Genres & Specialties
Q: What genres do you work with?
A: I specialize in contemporary romance, historical romance, women's fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy. I'm comfortable with all heat levels from sweet to spicy romance.
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Q: Are there genres you don't work with?
A: I don't work with children's books, erotica, horror, or poetry as these aren't genres I regularly read or have expertise in.
Types of Editing
Q: What types of editing do you provide?
A: I provide developmental editing, manuscript evaluations, beta reading, and historical research/fact-checking services focused on story development and narrative elements.
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Q: Do you provide line editing or proofreading?
A: No, I don't provide line editing, copyediting, or proofreading services. My focus is on story development and narrative elements.
File Requirements
Q: What format should my manuscript be in?
A: Submit your manuscript as a Word document (.docx) in Times New Roman 12pt font, double-spaced with page numbers. Include your project and author name in the header. The file should be titled: PROJECT NAME_AUTHOR LAST NAME_AUTHOR FIRST INITIAL.
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Q: What if I write under a pen name?
A: Use your legal name in the file name even if you write under a pen name.
Editorial Process
Q: How many rounds of editing are included in a developmental edit?
A: One comprehensive round of feedback is included. If you'd like a second round of editing, I offer a 10% discount on the follow-up edit.
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Q: Do you offer sample edits?
A: Yes, upon request during our consultation call. The sample edit covers your first 500 words and includes both in-line comments and a one-page assessment. Sample edits are returned within 3 business days. Please follow the standard manuscript formatting requirements (see "File Requirements" above) with the file name: PROJECT NAME_SAMPLE_AUTHOR LAST NAME_AUTHOR FIRST NAME.
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Q: What happens if my manuscript goes over the agreed word count?
A: If your final manuscript exceeds the word count originally invoiced, you'll receive an additional invoice for the excess words. This must be paid before editing begins.
Genre & Craft Specific
Q: How do you handle dual-timeline historical fiction?
A: I'm well-versed in dual-timeline narratives. I evaluate each timeline as its own distinct storyline with unique plot threads and character arcs, while also examining how the narratives weave together to create a cohesive whole.
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Q: For romance manuscripts, do you evaluate both character arcs or focus on the main protagonist?
A: I examine all character arcs in romance manuscripts. My goal is to explore how each character can be developed and incorporated to create a rich, engaging reading experience. This includes the main characters, love interests, and supporting characters who enhance the story.
Research & Historical Accuracy
Q: What sources do you use for historical research?
A: I prioritize primary sources, followed by reputable secondary sources. When authors provide their source list, I begin fact-checking there, evaluating the credibility of each source. I focus on academic and verified historical sources, avoiding Wikipedia and informal blogs.
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Q: How do you handle historical accuracy vs. creative license?
A: In historical fiction, there's a balance between historical accuracy and creative storytelling. While certain elements like event dates and locations should remain historically accurate, I support creative exploration of unknown aspects of historical figures or adding fantastical elements to historical settings. For example, an author might write about WW2 Paris and include magical elements while maintaining historical event accuracy.
Working Together
Q: Can I contact you while you're working on my manuscript?
A: Yes, I welcome occasional check-ins during the editing process. As an author myself, I understand the vulnerability of waiting for feedback. While I'll typically communicate 1-2 times during the editing process, excessive contact may impact my editing time. I aim to balance accessibility with maintaining focus on your manuscript.
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Q: What if I disagree with some of your suggestions?
A: It's perfectly normal and expected that you won't agree with every suggestion. My feedback is observational, based on experience, education, and industry knowledge. These are recommendations aimed at enhancing the reader's experience, not mandates. The one-hour follow-up call provides an opportunity to discuss and collaborate on solutions that work for your vision.
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Q: Do you sign NDAs?
A: Yes. My contract includes a confidentiality clause protecting your work from being shared without permission. For my portfolio, I use author testimonials and/or book covers rather than manuscript content.
Technical Details
Q: How should I mark specific questions or concerns in my manuscript?
A: You can share your questions and concerns during our consultation call, list them in your submission email, or include them in a separate Word document with your manuscript submission.
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Q: Do you use Track Changes in Word?
A: Yes, but with a focus on developmental elements. My inline comments appear as colored notes and margin comments addressing story structure and character development, rather than line-level editing marks.
Editorial Feedback
Q: What's included in the editorial feedback packet?
A:
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For developmental edits: 10+ page editorial letter, in-text comments, customized craft resources, and a one-hour follow-up call.
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For manuscript evaluations: 2-3 page report on story elements and a follow-up call.
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For beta reading: Reader report addressing plot, characters, pacing, tension, and your specific questions, plus a 30-minute follow-up call.
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Q: How do follow-up calls work?
A: After you receive your editorial packet, we'll schedule your follow-up call via Zoom to discuss the feedback and answer any questions you have about moving forward with revisions.
Scheduling
Q: How far in advance are you typically booked?
A: Currently (as of January 2025), there is typically a two-week timeline between initial contact and calendar scheduling.
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Q: What happens if I need to postpone my editing date?
A: Postponements are acceptable with at least 3 days' notice before the agreed-upon submission date. While the deposit remains non-refundable, we can work together to find a new spot in the calendar. Please review the refund policy for complete details.
Service Customization / Combination
Q: Can I combine different services?
A: Yes! I offer flexible service combinations to create a comprehensive editing journey. You can pair core editorial services (Manuscript Evaluations, Developmental Editing) with support services (Beta Reading, Historical Research) to meet your manuscript's specific needs.
Popular combinations include Developmental Edit + Historical Research for accuracy and authenticity, two rounds of Developmental Editing for deep revision support, and Partial Evaluation + Beta Reading for new writers.
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All service combinations receive a 10% discount on the total package price. For payment flexibility, the total cost will be divided into installments based on your service combination (typically three or four payments). Each installment will be due at specific milestones throughout your editing journey.