FAQs
What is your editorial approach?
I focus on collaboration and building supportive relationships with authors. Some coaches and editors will tell you how to make your book fit in the Anglo-American publishing market. If this is your goal, I can advise you on that. But many authors – and especially indie authors – want a more careful, sensitive approach that pays attention to other ways of writing and publishing. With this in mind, I'll ask you a few questions about your goals, and will then give you options rather than tell you that you must write in a certain way to be successful. Take a look at my blog for more info on this socially sensitive approach.
How much do you charge?
My rates for editing roughly match the median EFA rates – I will discuss your needs then offer you a fixed-price package.
Ballpark rates are:
Manuscript assessment – $10 per 1000 words
Detailed manuscript assessment – $20 per 1000 words
Developmental editing – $45 per 1000 words
Line editing and copyediting – $20–$45 per 1000 words (Sample and details needed to quote; more info on the different services and situations here.)
Proofreading – $12 per 1000 words
When do I have to pay?
A £100 or $150 deposit confirms a book project’s slot in my schedule. I will contact you two weeks before we are due to start work to check everything is on schedule. For the remainder, my typical terms are 50% before I start work, 50% upon completion. If you want me to make a different payment plan, let me know.
Do you charge an express fee?
If you need a job done urgently (within 48 hours), my fees increase by 25%. If you need me to work on a weekend or evening to do this, my fees are 50% higher. The fee will always be discussed and agreed upon before I start work.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept payment by bank transfer from any currency into British pound sterling, euros or US dollars. I also accept card payments via Stripe if a bank transfer is not possible.
Do you offer free sample edits?
For copyediting and line editing, I don’t do unpaid sample edits – that’s because it takes a big chunk of time and energy out of my busy schedule, and I believe it offers a ‘perverse incentive’. I totally understand that authors want to get a feel for my editorial approach, so I offer a sample of 1,000 words for $25 (if you then choose me to edit your book, the fee is refunded). Also, I send all new clients my work for a quick review after completing the first chapter to ensure we’re on the same page.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes! Please let me know your timetable as early as possible. For book projects, I tend to book out one to three months in advance.
What if I send the text late?
If you send me the text late without at least two weeks’ warning, there may be considerable delays or I may be unable to work on the project – this will depend on my schedule.