FAQs
Why should I hire you as my editor?
With a varied background ranging from mentorships to internships to advanced degrees to memberships, I am constantly improving and growing as an editor! Yet despite being knowledgeable, my greatest strength as an editor is support. I don’t want to just level up your manuscript (and we will be doing that!), but also help you level up as an author. Whether that’s in your confidence, your writing practice or your writing career, I want you to know I’ll always be in your corner!
How do you chose your rates?
My rates are informed by the Editorial Freelancers Association’s rates, of which I’m a member. However, I do keep my rates purposefully lower than what is recommended by EFA. This does not reflect my skills at all, but instead, is meant to be an avenue towards accessibility for writers who otherwise might not be able to afford editing.
Please note that editors who have higher or lower rates than I am are not scamming you (though there are scams out there). Each editor as their reasons of setting their rates as they do. Please respect that, while also being diligent of scammers by asking questions, for referrals and testimonials, contracts, etc!
What is your process like?
So, my traditional process looks like this:
Inquire by filling out my contact form — sample edit — logistics and contract details — contract signing and deposit paid — scheduled edits commence — final payment due — edits delivered — follow up as needed — celebrate!
If you enjoy the sample edit and I feel like I am a good fit for working on your novel, then we’ll confirm logistics (timeline and payment) and sign the contract, which you’ll get to review and ask questions before signing! A deposit is due at the time of signing (invoiced via PayPal) and then the rest is due upon completion of the edits, upon which, after it’s paid in full, I’ll send your edits over to you! (I also have payment plans available, if needed!)
All of this will be outlined via email and in contract form, so none of this should ever be a surprise.
What if I don’t want to incorporate your edits?
I’ll edit in Word with the tracking feature on, so you’re able to reject, accept and comment on anything I do (Google Docs is also available, by request). It is always YOUR decision what to do with my edits. I edit with the intent of wanting your story to succeed and to support you as a writer, and I’m informed by current industry standards, expectations and the Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS) guidelines, but the choice is ALWAYS yours. I always want that to be clear with my authors. I am here to support YOU.
So, it’s up to you to accept or reject what I suggest. Questions are always encouraged! But if you ever choose to not incorporate my edits, that’s okay. At the end of the day, it’s your story and your choice. Always.
What is your timeframe for edits?
You can see a general guideline for how long I like to work on each project under my Logistics page! Though, ideally, I’ve been trying to do a two week turnaround time for most projects as my sweet spot (thanks, autism hyperfocus!).
What’s your communication style?
Sometimes, I’ll reach out with questions during edits via email, but it’s not uncommon to not hear from me at all until I’m done with edits, after a lot of back-and-forth via email prior to make sure we’re both on the same page before I start!
However, you can always reach out and ask questions, check on my progress, etc. at any time. I also don’t usually do video call follow-ups (because I’m awkward as fuck and need time to collect my thoughts), but I can do so if that’s needed and better for you, too. But any follow-up questions via email are always welcome.
Can you fit in a last minute edit?
Sometimes! But rarely, as I usually try to book my clients months in advance. It doesn’t hurt to ask and I’ll be happy to refer you to my colleagues list if I’m booked up!
Do you work with indie authors?
Absolutely! Indie authors are some of my favorite authors to work with and support, especially being a self-published author myself.
Do you use generative AI in your work?
In the words of our lord and savior Withers:
What happens if I don’t like a sample edit?
If you express interest in working with me and do a sample edit but don’t like my style, that’s okay! You can just let me know and we part ways—that’s it! No harm, no foul. Please do let me know, though, so I’m not reserving a slot for you that could be filled by another client (as I gotta, you know, eat).
Do you have other editors you can refer to?
Absolutely! Whether it’s because we didn’t jive in a sample edit or you want to work with a different editor for a different stage in your novel (which is usually recommended), I have a list of editors I wholeheartedly trust (i.e., they edit my books) and highly recommend. I’d be happy to point you in their direction!
What are your expectations for your authors? What can I expect from you?
My expectations for my authors are:
- to deliver your MS on time
- be willing to respond to emails
- to be understanding and flexible
- to pay on time.
My expectations for myself on your behalf are to be prompt, communicative, supportive and provide edits that serve not only to level up your manuscript, but also support your growth as a writer, often taking a mentorship-based approach. I often become friends with my authors because of this (though there is no requirement or expectation, obviously!!!) and love to support them throughout their careers, even if we don’t work together professionally. 🖤
I have a question not listed here. What do I do?
If your question hasn’t been answered by my Services and Rates or Logistics pages, then please reach out via my Contact form and ask!
Thoughts Stained Editorial 