Why should I hire you?

I love what I do, and I do it very well (and my clients agree). I also have over fifteen years of direct working experience, formal training, and proven ability as an editor.

For self-published or independent authors who are considering hiring an editor: Having your manuscript properly edited by a professional editor can prevent embarrassing, costly errors in your published work. I can also ensure that your copy is optimized for your target audience.

For authors seeking traditional publication who are considering hiring an editor: Hiring a freelance editor preemptively isn’t necessary for your chosen publishing path, but a manuscript critique might be a good alternative. A critique from someone with an experienced editor’s eye may help you grow in skill and confidence as a writer and storyteller before you face the challenge of querying literary agents. Please contact me for more information.

If you’d like to have me lead a workshop or give a talk at your next event, I have several presentations and classes available which cover topics such as writing fiction and creative nonfiction; self-editing; the history of global literature; culture and activism in writing; confronting death in the written word; conlangs in fiction; authorship as entrepreneurship; and business success for freelancers and small business owners.

What genres or types of writing do you specialize in?

I offer developmental, line, and copyediting services for fiction and nonfiction.

For fiction, I edit book-length (50,000 words or more) thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, and speculative fiction (science fiction and fantasy) manuscripts. I do edit graphic novels, visual novel and narrative game scripts, and comics (web or print) sometimes, too. Manuscript critiques are available upon request.

For nonfiction, I edit essays and articles about anthropology, archaeology, and history; constructed languages (conlangs); death and grieving across cultures; international humanities and art history; and travel.

What style guides or reference books do you use for writing and editing?

I refer to trusted style guides, dictionaries, and other language reference texts in my editing work. Here are some of the style guides I use most often:

  • The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition, by University of Chicago Press staff
  • Garner’s Modern English Usage by Bryan Garner
  • New Hart’s Rules by Oxford University Press
  • Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English Usage, 4th Edition, edited by Jeremy Butterfield
  • Butcher’s Copy-editing: The Cambridge Handbook for Editors, Copy-editors and Proofreaders by Judith Butcher, Caroline Drake, and Maureen Leach

I follow whichever style guide and other trusted industry reference texts (dictionaries and such) best suit your intended audience.

Please note that my native language is American English, and so my services for British English or other English variants is best at the developmental and line editing levels.

May I get a sample of your work? How can I get a quote?

For creative writers, you can find my contact information here if you’d like to request a sample edit or a quote.

For anyone wanting me to give a talk or lead a workshop at an event, let’s schedule a Skype call or a chance to meet in person so I can show you what I can do. You can find my contact information here.

Be sure to read the testimonials from some of my clients for their assessment of my work. Please contact me if you have any other questions.

In what file format should I send my manuscript or document?

I would prefer that you send your manuscript or draft as a Microsoft Word file (.docx).

For other documents set up in Google Docs, Pages, Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, please contact me to discuss what file types or applications are ideal for the type of work you need me to do.

How many words typically make up one page?

The publishing industry’s standard for the number of words per page is roughly 250 words when the following formatting details are adhered to:

  • The margins should be 1-inch (or 2.55 cm) deep on all sides.
  • The typeface used for the text should be Times New Roman or Arial, size 12.
  • Set first line indentation for all paragraphs.
  • Set double line spacing.

More information on formatting manuscripts can be found here. Please make sure your manuscript is correctly formatted before I begin work on your project.

What is the average length for a book manuscript?

Book manuscripts vary in length depending on a variety of factors, such as the book’s genre and intended audience; whether the manuscript is the first book by a new writer or the twelfth manuscript by a more seasoned author; and so on.

The ideal length for a debut book is often said to be about 80,000 words—around 320 pages—in length when first sent to a publisher as a manuscript. Two excellent resources on this subject can be found here and here.

Will you review my book once you have edited it and it is published, please?

Unfortunately, no. It is considered a conflict of interest for any editor to post reviews for books they have edited (and yes, I do support the use of the singular they).

Please be sure to check out my Terms & Conditions page when you have a chance. Thank you in advance!