Frequently Asked Questions

Developmental editing is the first step in editing if needed. In this stage, we look at the “big picture” to determine the message and how to communicate it effectively. This stage involves adding, deleting, rearranging text, and other suggestions. It is best to have an outline ready as a base for decisions and order. Because the focus is on the message, grammatical errors are not considered during this stage. A completed rough draft is required to start this service. Use this service after you have completed your first draft if you want to be sure your message is organized and appropriate for your audience.

Line editing concentrates on clarity at the sentence and paragraph level. Use this service if you don’t need help creating your message but want to ensure it is clear as possible. This service will polish your message more extensively than copyediting and includes two editorial passes. 

Heavy copyediting concentrates on fact-checking, redundancies, inconsistencies, transitions, POV, grammatical errors, etc. Use this service if you feel good about the clarity and intent of your message but want to improve readability, consistency, and correctness. This service includes two editorial passes.

Basic copyediting involves correcting errors in capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Use this service if you are confident in the readability, flow, and clarity of your message and are only concerned with grammatical errors. This service includes two editorial passes.

Comprehensive editing encompasses all of the above. Use this editing service if you have just written your first draft and want help with all of the above.

If you are still trying to decide what service you need, contact me, and I'll be happy to help. 

Turnaround time varies depending on the scope of the project. I will provide an estimated timeframe in your quote. Rush service is also available.

I accept authors, business owners, other professionals, casual writers, and students. While there are limitations, such as developmental editing services are for nonfiction projects only, anyone who needs editing services is a client for me. Contact me, and let’s talk!

I use the following editing style guides:

• The Associated Press Stylebook 
• The Chicago Manual of Style 
• The Christian Writer's Manual of Style
• The Publication of the American Psychological Association
• The MLA Handbook

Yes! And no. We can certainly discuss the type of editing you prefer. I prioritize preserving your message and personality, but I can do a heavy-handed edit.

• A light-handed edit will apply the rules without removing your personality. 
• A heavy-handed edit will strictly apply all the rules.

Rest assured, I will not share your text with anyone for any reason. The text and all conversations are between the two of us. Our editing contract also includes a confidentiality clause.

The cost of services ranges between $0.01 and $0.035 per word. 

Do you need to combine services? Do you want a formal quote? Go to the Contact Me page and fill in the appropriate form. You will receive a response within 48 hours.

I accept Word documents and Google Docs.

You sure can. I can send you an edited document, or you can send me a 1500-word document to edit as a free sample. Go to the Contact Me page, fill in the the appropriate form, and I will respond within 48 hours.