Writing can be an epic undertaking. Handing your project off to a skilled editor is an investment that readies it for publication. But what an editor does depends on who you ask. Some imagine a light touch-up just before publication. Others may think of extensive cutting and rewriting.
In reality, there are many types of editing, and terminology varies even within the industry. My services are closely aligned with the definitions laid out by Editors Canada, but may differ in small ways.
As each editing project is unique, I have no fees listed for these services. I have instead provided example projects—including scope, estimate and excerpts—for each service listed below to give you an idea of potential cost as well as my editing style. Please note that taxes are applicable on all fees.
I encourage you to reach out so we can assess your project together.
Manuscript Critique
What is it? A critique focusing on strengths, larger points to address and quick fixes. Critiques are presented as reports of approximately 8 to 12 pages.
Best suited for: Authors unsure of their next steps or those looking for a cost-conscious entry point into editing. This can be especially helpful for authors who are confident in applying changes based on more general feedback.
Developmental Editing
What is it? A high-level review of structure and content. May include revising, reordering, cutting or expanding material. The plot, character arcs and setting of a story are all closely examined in this edit. Inline edits will be provided along with a detailed report of approximately 10 to 24 pages.
Best suited for: Early stage drafts prior to sentence-level revision.
Stylistic Editing
What is it? A line-by-line edit to clarify meaning, ensure coherence and flow and refine language. It may include eliminating clichés, ensuring a consistent language level, adjusting syntax and reinforcing authorial style and voice. Queries and suggestions will be made in the manuscript.
Best suited for: Middle-stage drafts after developmental editing.
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Submit an intake form or send me an email, then book a discovery call in my calendar. It’s great if you already have a general idea of your project’s needs, but I’m also happy to provide more details on my services when we meet.
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Once we’ve determined the most suitable service for your project, I will request your manuscript so I can provide you with a free sample edit. Sample edits usually touch on the first couple of pages and may vary depending on the length of the manuscript.
Please note that manuscript critiques are not eligible for a free sample edit.
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Once we’ve determined the service that best suits your needs and I’ve reviewed your manuscript, I will be able to provide you with a comprehensive quote for your project and outline the terms of the agreement. Free sample edits, if applicable, will be factored into the project’s total cost.
A 50% deposit, invoiced at the time of the contract signing, secures your place in my schedule. Taxes will be applied to the final invoice.
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If my initial quote exceeds your timeline or budget, I am happy to tailor my process to fit your needs. This may include reducing the number of passes performed during the edit or narrowing the project’s scope of work to a few key elements.
Please note that payment plans are also available.
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Sometimes a project’s focus, needs or timeline don’t line up with my own specializations or availability. If I am unable to take on your project for any reason, I will help direct you to a suitable alternative.
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A project officially begins on the agreed-upon start date, which will be outlined in the terms. I’ll get editing, either in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, depending on your preference. To help prevent data loss, I ask that you refrain from making any updates to the manuscript when a project is underway.
Communication is typically concentrated at the beginning and end of an editing project. I may only reach out during an edit if I encounter a roadblock, but feel free to send me an email if you’d like to check in on progress.
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When the edit is complete, I will deliver all of the files associated with the project to you via email. You’ll be able to review and apply edits as you see fit once the project has concluded.
I’m happy to book a free, one-hour consultation upon project completion to answer any outstanding questions you may have or provide any final guidance.
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I’ll send the final invoice, with taxes and any other discounts applied, after the project files have been delivered.
Please note that late payments are subject to the terms outlined in my service agreement.