My rate is $0.0025 per word.
This includes:

• Developmental work
  • Discussing and implementing issues concerning: characterization, plot, pacing, character motivations, worldbuilding, themes, authorial voice, and other large, complex aspects of the manuscript.
• Proofreading/copy editing/corrections
  • Cumulatively, this encompasses grammar, syntax, punctuation, diction, consistency, and other more superficial issues.
• Up to three (3) passes
  • A pass consists of my reading through the manuscript and making corrections and/or leaving comments.
  • Generally, a pass will be done on the entire manuscript, but significant excerpts may also count as a pass, at my discretion.
  • Every pass after three (3) will be billed at $0.0010/word
• Voice/video calls to discuss issues that would take significantly longer to hash out via written communication (time permitting)
  • Generally, I am available for quick calls on the weekend, but commitments or my own workload may change that.
• Mild beta reading
  • Since I am an editor, author, and reader, I tend to provide commentary that comes from each aspect of my reading experience. This includes notes and reactions akin to what one would get from a beta reader.
• Entry-level self-publishing advice (if needed)
  • While I don’t have exhaustive knowledge of the self-publishing industry, I am happy to share what I’ve learned and direct you to the resources that I have found useful.
• Sensitivity reading (if applicable)
  • I am AuDHD (late diagnosed at ~30), small-/mid-fat, have a chronic condition that has exposed me to medical trauma, am queer on several fronts, have experienced poverty and scarcity, and have experience with (both myself and others) suffering from mental illnesses. If this is a service you are interested in, please indicate that during the initial consultation so that I can confirm whether or not I am able to sensitivity-read for your particular project!

Given that my rate is already well below the industry average, I do not offer any discounts. However, I am open to breaking my fee up over more than one payment, and will occasionally accept trades for custom art for my own books. Please note that my accepting a trade is not guaranteed!

Why get an editor?

Word processor spell-checks and programs like Grammarly or Pro Writing Aid can only do so much to get your book baby ready to greet the world. They catch superficial issues, even some structural issues–if you pay for it. But they cannot detect issues with story, character, and worldbuilding. And these are the issues that can make or break a manuscript, can be the difference between gaining a new loyal reader or getting DNF’d.

As an editor, my job isn’t really to catch typos and plot holes (though I certainly do plenty of that!); my job is to ensure that what you’ve put to page aligns with the vision that’s in your head. Often, stories and their characters will live in an author’s mind for a long time before making it to the page, and in doing so become as real and familiar as any flesh-and-blood person. But in that familiarity lies the pitfall I see all too many new authors fall into: assuming that because they know the story so well, they’ll be able to deliver it accurately to others automatically. But the art of translating mental image to page is highly complex, and while you may be able to find your way there eventually, hiring an editor ensures that that process will be successful, as well as making it less time-consuming and tedious. Even if you don’t go with me for editing services, I cannot emphasize enough what a good investment hiring a professional editor is!

I’ve read your books, and there’s tons of typos in there! Do you even know what you’re doing?

Well–I have a BA in English Literature and a minor in Creative Writing. I’ve been editing essays, poems, short stories, and novels since middle school in both a paid and unpaid capacity (and I’m now in my 30’s). Admittedly, I don’t have formal training in editing (as a profession), and instead rely on the “ear” for correct grammar and syntax I’ve developed over decades of study to catch items needing correction. This also means I won’t use as much technical language as career editors do; however, most of my clients prefer this. But I do factor that in to my rate, and is part of why I price my services so affordably.

As you are no doubt aware, publishing independently is a huge cost- and time sink, and in an effort to save my money for things I can’t do myself in any capacity–like covers–I do all my own editing. And it is a psychological fact that editing one’s own work is far less effective than editing someone else’s. The brain has a nasty habit of swapping what’s actually on the page with what you know is supposed to be there (seriously, you can look this up). So despite combing through my manuscripts multiple times, there are always some typos, homophones, and homonyms that make it into the final product for my own work. But this is a far rarer occurance in my clients’ books.

Say I buy all that…do you do free samples so I can see for myself that you’re on the up-and-up?

I do! As a part of the initial consultation, I will edit a sample of your work. This sample should be one chapter OR 3,000 words (whichever comes first). Please note that this only applies to the first project you submit to me for editing!

How do you do your markups and commentary?

I primarily use Google Docs, though on occasion I will use Microsoft Word (the online version). While I don’t like Google’s policies and practices (especially in regards to AI) it is still the most effective software for a) sharing things with me easily and b) allowing me to make corrections as suggestions. This allows the original text to stay intact, if you so wish, and to give you the opportunity to learn what areas you’re struggling with–and how to avoid making those same mistakes in future projects!

That said, I am also 100% open to employing other programs, so long as they are free and have that same functionality.

How do refunds work?

Once a payment has been made, refunds will only be given in the event that I become unable to do the work. As such, should something occur which requires that you back out, it is best to notify me immediately.

What is the timeline for completing a project?

This is, unfortunately, impossible to say for certain how long editing will take before getting into a manuscript. However, factors like length, complexity, whether or not a manuscript is meant to open a series, the writer’s familiarity with writing and storytelling as craft, and how much back-and-forth there is between us will all add time to the process.

There is also the possibility that one of my disabilities flares up and slows me down, or that caring for my family takes more of my time and energy. This is yet another reason why my rate is below the industry’s average. Should something occur which will cause a significant delay, I will let you know as soon as I become aware of it!

That said, I am generally able to get fully through the editing process for a novella (or shorter) in ~4 weeks, and pieces longer than a novella in 6-9 weeks. Additionally, should you have a deadline, I will do everything in my power to meet that deadline–just make me aware of it as soon as possible and maintain realistic expectations. If you have an 80k word manuscript that you want done in three weeks, for example, I am not going to be a good fit for that project! But 80k words in under two months from start to finish is perfectly doable!

What will you read–and what WON’T you read?

In terms of genre: the bulk of my experience is in romance, sci-fi, and fantasy, though I do also have some proficiency with dark romance, horror, thriller, mystery, and general fiction. Experimental/literary fiction, historical fiction, poetry, and young adult/children’s fiction are the genres that I would say I’m weakest in–but even then, it’s going to depend on the project, so don’t hesitate to reach out even if your manuscript falls into one of those genres!

In terms of content: I will not read sexual assault that occurs on page; sexual content involving a minor, animal*, or another demographic unable to properly and enthusiastically consent; and harm or torture of an animal or child are my hard limits.

Most triggering content I can handle in small doses, in a context which keeps it from being gratuitous. But if I do find myself triggered by something, I will indicate that in my notes.

* note: anthropomorphized animals that have an adult, human level of consciousness–and are thus able to consent–are fine!

I’m not done with my manuscript yet; can I still work with you?

Yes! With the caveat that you need to have some text already written. It does not have to be a certain word count, or even the beginning of your intended story, but I have to have something to work off of! I may agree to work off of an outline, but I would have to see the outline before committing to ensure that it’s enough material.

But I have worked with clients before who aren’t wholly done, and we simply tackle sections as they’re completed. For those who know in advance that they will need a bit more guidance, this can actually be beneficial, as it’ll mean less rewriting. But I do want to mention that this is another tactic that will slow down the process, so this isn’t ideal for those on a tight deadline!

If all of this sounds good to you and you'd like to hire me for my services, please fill out the form using the button below: