FAQs

Does my manuscript need to be in a certain format before I send it?

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Answer: The first thing I do as I acquaint myself with a manuscript is format it to industry standards according to your publication goals. If you'll be querying, I'll add headers, page numbers, and a title page with the information an agent or publisher would expect to see on a submission. If you're self-publishing, I'll remove excess formatting to leave things easier for you in the book design phase. 

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That said, it's always great to start learning industry standard manuscript formatting, an example of which can be found here.

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The basics:

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• Typeface is Times New Roman (final typeface will be decided in the design phase)

• Paragraphs are indented using rulers or presets in the paragraph settings menu (using the Tab key to indent creates spacing issues)

• Margins are 1 inch all around

• Lines are double-spaced

• There is no additional line space between paragraphs

• After the very last character in each chapter is a page break, which automatically starts the next chapter on a new page (using the Return key to start a new chapter causes everything to shift whenever content above it is changed)

 

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Which programs can I send you a manuscript in?

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Answer: Microsoft Word is the industry standard program for manuscripts, and this is my strong preference. If you would like to use Google Docs or Pages, please let me know ahead of time so I can make arrangements. (Yes, documents can go from one program to another, but it gets messy, and we want your manuscript as clean as possible.) If I cannot accommodate Docs or Pages, I can help you find an editor who will. 

 

For proofreading, I also work in Adobe.

 

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Will editing change my writing voice?

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Answer: A good editor knows how to make suggestions according to the goals of the writer and the intended audience. Changing the author’s voice is never part of that. In fact, good editing will help eliminate things that might distract from your writing style, leaving your voice stronger in the end. 

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Some of the suggestions I make might be worded differently than you would word them. This is part of the after-work of receiving an edit—most authors don’t accept every change as written, and they continue tweaking until it’s just right to their own ear.

 

It’s all up to your discretion in the end. Rejecting a change is easy, and most writers do some of this with every edit they get back. You know your story best! 

 

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How long does an edit take?

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Answer: Most novels take four weeks. If you're on a tighter deadline, I can sometimes accommodate with a rush fee. 

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Teen beta reading slots are booked for one month.

 

Query letter review and résumé optimization vary, as we often do many rounds back and forth. The turnaround is usually a few days for each round. I can usually work with tight deadlines for job seekers looking to apply before an opportunity closes.

 

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Will I feel judged?

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Answer: Edits can be difficult to receive, and as a writer myself I face that too! My goal is always to help you feel like I’m on your team. I delight in highlighting the things that are working well alongside gentle suggestions, in hopes that you walk away feeling supported and confident with the version you're sending out.

 

When editing, I always assume that the writer was in the headspace of telling a good story. So when I find a detail to address, I do it without judgment because I know the writer's focus was on bigger-picture matters.

 

And that's what I love most about editing: My work allows writers to stay in the zone, with their focus on their art—knowing that I'll get the details. 

 

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Do I have to worry about my work being stolen?

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Answer: Once you’ve written something, that work becomes your copyrighted property, even without officially filing anything. So your work is legally protected. 

 

I also understand that some authors wish to remain private about the fact that they’ve used an editor. I don't post on social media about who I’m working with or what they’re writing unless I have direct permission to do so. I also don’t share editing “catches” on social media, out of respect for the vulnerable feelings that come with allowing someone to read your work. 

 

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Do you edit every type of book?

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Answer: Although I’m trained to edit any content, it’s important to have an editor who reads your genre and is familiar with its conventions. So while I do read widely, I’m not the best fit for horror or erotica genres. I also don't often take on historical fiction, which requires a lot of fact-checking that would be best served with an editor who specializes. I'm happy to refer you to colleagues who can help you with these genres!* 

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My specialty is children’s books, both prose and rhyming. I read all of these categories for pleasure and stay current on industry trends and expectations:

 

• picture books

• chapter books

• middle grade

• young adult

 

I'm an active member of SCBWI, and I also learn a ton from my teen beta readers' feedback! 

 

Other favorite genres include:

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• science fiction (LOVE)

• contemporary

• fantasy

• thriller

• romance

• nonfiction

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I do not handle developmental edits. I'm well connected in the editing community, so if you're looking for another specialty, I'd be happy to help you find someone.*

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*I do not accept referral fees

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Do you do sample edits?

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Answer: Yes! I highly recommend getting a free sample edit so you can feel confident that we're a good fit. You should also consider getting a sample edit from at least two other editors to make sure you've found the best fit for your goals and communication style. 

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Can you help me edit other things besides manuscripts?

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Answer: I edit many smaller projects for clients in addition to full-length manuscripts. Examples include magazine articles for submissions, short stories, poems, business presentations, and admissions letters. I especially delight in optimizing résumés, CVs, query letters, and book proposals to help clients feel confident pursuing their goals. 

 

Prices vary by project.

Résumé services

Query letters

Shorter materials

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