Frequently Asked Questions

I’m an author looking to get my manuscript published. Where should I begin in the editorial process?

There are several stages to the editing process, and which stage of editing we begin with depends on how far along your manuscript is. I’m happy to help you identify which stage we should start with for your specific manuscript! We’ll usually begin looking at the big picture and then narrow into close edits as we work our way through revisions. If you’re an experienced author or feel confident about your self-editing skills, manuscript evaluation might not be necessary for your manuscript, but I do highly recommend that you put your manuscript through the other stages, whether it’s with myself or another editor or publishing house.

What does each step in the editorial process look like?

As mentioned above, in most cases we’ll want to begin broadly and then narrow the scope as we work through revisions. Here’s an explanation of each stage in the process that I can help you with!

Consultation

  • If you're not sure where to begin or if you have questions you wish to discuss in person, I'm happy to set up a 30-minute consultation over the phone or video chat at no cost.

Manuscript Evaluation

  • Say your manuscript is still in early stages or you’re feeling stuck—for whatever reason, I’m happy to provide you with a second set of eyes! I will provide an editorial letter with feedback on your manuscript’s overall strengths and areas for opportunity, questions for you to consider, and answers to any questions you have submitted with the draft.

Developmental / Content Editing

  • Developmental or content editing is where we talk about the big picture: plot, characterization, structure, and thematic developments. During this level of editing, we won’t dive into the nitty gritty. Instead we’re making sure the story’s foundation is in solid shape. For these edits, I will read through your manuscript twice so I can provide thorough and complete feedback. Because of this, please note that these reviews may take a little more time. I will provide an editorial letter with detailed feedback on the story’s structural elements, questions for you to consider during revisions, and responses to any questions you have included with the draft.

Substantive / Line Editing

  • These are close edits that may still involve significant changes to portions of a manuscript, such as rewriting and reorganizing sections of text. Line editing typically happens after the foundational work (characterization, overall plot structure, etc.) has been nailed down.

Copyediting

  • I’ll review your manuscript for grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues, while also checking for consistency throughout the draft, checking cross-references such as a style sheet, and ensuring that there aren’t continuity errors or missing pieces in the storyline and plot points.

Proofreading

  • Proofreading is the final polish of a manuscript: checking for typos and punctuation, spelling, and formatting issues.

Why can't we just combine several editing steps into one round?

This is a fair question, and I completely understand an author's needs and concerns regarding timing and payment when it comes to this process. That being said, I will not combine different steps of editing into one round. This is largely because the different steps require different types of work. During a developmental edit, for example, I may notice a stray comma or suggest that an em dash would work better in a sentence, but overall my mind is not in the same space as it would be for a proofread. In cases where we work together through multiple stages of editing, I am willing to combine the copyedit and proofread, as those are similar enough.

Please let me know if you have specific questions related to the number of rounds in the editing process, and I'm happy to discuss further!

Do you offer any other services in addition to editing?

Here are some other pieces related to your manuscript that I’m happy to help you work through!

Building a Style Sheet

  • Whether you’re working with me, another editor, or a publishing house for your editing work, I’m happy to help you build a style sheet! A style sheet is a reference tool that anyone working on the manuscript can use to ensure consistency. It lists names and important proper nouns, other distinct terms that may be unfamiliar to readers, and even specific formatting notes. A broader style sheet is sometimes known as a series bible and is often used for multiple books across a series. Trust me, a solid style sheet or series bible can be a lifesaver!

Writing Back Cover / Marketing Copy

  • I’ll draft your copy based on industry standards and trends and any specific ideas you have for it. If I haven’t been your editor for the manuscript, please provide a 1-page outline or synopsis of the story. After you review the first draft of the cover copy, we can do up to two rounds of revisions to continue refining it as best as possible.

Editing Back Cover / Marketing Copy

  • If you’d prefer to write your own copy, I’m happy to provide feedback on what you’ve drafted. In addition to line edits and content feedback, I’ll note any aspects that are unclear. If I haven't been your editor for the manuscript, please provide an outline or synopsis of the story as well.

I also provide editorial work for children’s books. For more information on those services and rates, or if you’re looking for other editorial work that’s not listed, please contact me directly to discuss!

Do you have any specific areas of specialty/interest?

I’m always open to hearing about your manuscript idea, however I do have certain areas in which I have the most experience.

My preferred genres and cross-genres to work on include . . .

  • Contemporary
  • Fantasy
  • Science Fiction
  • Paranormal
  • Romance
  • Comedy

And my areas of specialty include . . .

  • Young Adult (YA) fiction
  • New Adult (NA) fiction
  • Adult fiction

Do you take on every project/author that comes your way?

Please note that I may have to pass on the opportunity to work on your project due to limited available time and/or a lack of connection to the project. I have a wide variety of interests, but it’s important to me that I offer my best self in my work and that means being able to feel invested in and knowledgeable about the project. I will let you know promptly if I won’t be able to take on a project. Please don’t feel discouraged by this, and do feel free to approach me with other opportunities and ideas!

What style(s) do you use?

I primarily work with the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS 17), however I also have experience in AP and MLA styles and am open to working with others if needed. If a publisher has a specific house style guide, I am happy to follow those guidelines as well!

What materials should I send you?

Please send your manuscript and any other materials for review/my reference in the form of a Word document, preferably in the industry standard format of 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced, with 1-inch margins.

If you have a list of questions or points for my consideration during review, those can either be listed in the Word document or in our email correspondence.

Please add content warnings at the top of the manuscript or in an email for the following categories:

  • Sexual assault
  • Suicide and self-harm
  • Graphic violence
  • Anything else you think might be difficult to read/worth mentioning

What kind of deliverable(s) can I expect?

I will always work with tracked changes during my reviews so you have the opportunity to see what I suggest. Ultimately, whether you accept my feedback is your call! I will also pose questions and broader notes in comment bubbles. For some services, I will also provide an editorial letter that will sum up my overall notes, questions, and suggestions for you. See the Editorial Process above for those specific services!

What turnaround time can I expect?

It's always my goal to return a project to an author as soon as possible within their desired timeline, though it can be difficult for me to judge timing without having a chance to look at what we’re working with. And depending on my project load, I often need to schedule out projects in advance, so please note that turnaround time for a project may look different when comparing a project's start date versus the contracting date.

Please contact me directly for a specific timeline estimate, however here are some ballparks you can keep in mind, using a manuscript of around 80,000 words as example:

  • Developmental/content editing: 3 to 4 weeks from start of project
  • Manuscript evaluation and line editing: 2 to 3 weeks from start of project
  • Copyediting and proofreading: 1 to 1.5 weeks from start of project

What about confidentiality?

An author’s right to privacy is of utmost importance to me. All files you send me are housed securely. Prior to their release, any details about books and/or series I work on—as well as personal information disclosed at any time—will be held in confidentiality (unless required by law to disclose).

Can we do a phone consultation?

I’m happy to set up a phone consultation or video call! Whether you’re looking for an intro call to chat through the process or you’d like to have a follow-up call to discuss my feedback after doing a review for you, we can set up a 30-minute call at no charge.

Why “Inky Pen”?

I love a good pen! Whether it’s for a letter, a journal entry, or even a to-do list, there’s something about a pen with a smooth ink flow that makes writing even more satisfying. My favorite pen is the G2—and the more colors, the better!