I’ve listed my favorite (and thus preferred) genres, but it never hurts to reach out. I have a network of fellow editors I refer out to if I think I’m not the best fit for a project.

1. We’ll connect and I’ll send you a link to schedule an intro call (if you want!). We’ll get to know one another and discuss your project.
2. If you think you may want to move forward, I’ll complete a free sample edit/manuscript evaluation and provide you with a quote, an estimated time to complete, and tentative delivery date.
3. You review my sample edit and proposal and realize that I can help take your work to the next level.
4. You say, “Let’s do this,” sign the contract I send you, and pay the retainer fee. Then it’s all on me to dive into your fictional world and get to work!

Depending on my schedule and the size of your project, I may be able to accommodate an expedited deadline for an additional rush fee.

For developmental editing, I require an upfront retainer fee of 50% or $500, whichever is greater, to hold your spot in my schedule. The remaining balance is due upon my delivery of feedback to you.

Preferred payment methods: Zelle (U.S.) or Wise (International). Alternative methods available upon request.

There is a lot more to getting published than putting words to the page. Editing is one step. Marketing is another. But there are factors in between that are entirely up to you and the industry. I can tell you that I’ll provide you with expert feedback and guidance based on my subjective experience and expertise, all intended toward perfecting your writing and ability to self-promote.

Developmental is the first and deepest round of editing. The manuscript must be read through very slowly, at least twice. I also keep detailed spreadsheets of timelines and key information, make comments, offer suggestions, etc. I then spend several hours writing a comprehensive letter with all of my feedback and suggestions for you to work from.

An 80,000-word manuscript can take me anywhere from 40-60 active editing hours, more if it’s in rough shape.

Developmental editing and beta reading are often confused for one another, but are quite different—thus the different price tags. Most self-publishing authors will hire multiple betas in addition to professional editors. Who you hire and when comes down to where you are in your revision journey and your specific needs.

Beta reading includes one read through with minimal marginal comments. It includes a 2-page note summarizing my perspective as a reader, questions I had, etc. This is ideal for folks looking to get a sense of whether or not their reader is “picking up what they’re putting down,” or if revisions are effective.

Developmental editing includes two slow read throughs with significant note-taking and heavy marginal comments. The editorial report can be anywhere from 10-25 pages long, depending on how much work the manuscript requires. Because of how much more work is involved, this takes about 5x as long as a beta read. Developmental editing should be the first level of your professional editing passes.

I test edit a random 1,000-word section from the middle of your manuscript to determine 1) if I am a good fit for your needs, and 2) the amount of time I can expect to spend reading through and providing you feedback in order to provide an accurate quote and time to complete.

Regardless of whether or not you decide to move forward with me, I will also provide you with feedback for the section I reviewed, free of charge.

For you, a sample edit gives you a sense of my communication and editing styles so you can evaluate if I’m the right fit for your work.

For me, manuscripts of the same length can require different levels of time and attention. For example, a manuscript in its first draft, or a manuscript containing heavy language or grammatical issues, will take more time than one that has undergone several revisions already.

This is why I do not recommend submitting a first draft of your manuscript for developmental editing. Ask (honest) friends, writing groups, etc. for their feedback, revise your work, and then seek a developmental editor.