Frequently Asked Questions

What are your rates?

My professional editing rates are determined by the depth of work that your manuscript needs to get it polished and ready for professional publication. I’ll ask to see several pages of your work, so I can read it and get a sense of how much time and attention it will need to make it a work you will be proud to put your name on. Then, I'll give you a firm quote.



What kind of editing is included?

I do a deep level of editing, so that your work has a consistent voice and says what you want it to say with clarity, authority, grace, and impact! Here's what it includes:

  • Copy editing: Includes correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, word choices, verb tense, missed and repeated words, and paragraph organization.
  • Line editing: This is where the rubber hits the road. This aspect of my editing makes your book easier to read and easier to enjoy, and transforms it into a polished, professional work. As I edit, I help you find the best words, bring out the meaning you intend, and set a tone that make your book a pleasure to read. I focus on helping your words speak clearly and flow logically from one idea to the next. And I keep an eye out for inconsistency, redundancy, or ambiguity.
  • Voicing: I’ll sustain your unique voice and help you express your personal style, only better!
  • Organization: To begin editing, I’ll assume your manuscript is reasonably well-organized. On the other hand, even the best-written first drafts can use some help with re-organizing ideas, paragraphs, and even chapters. The goal is for ideas to move logically, organically, and comfortably from beginning to end.
  • Proofreading: On all editing projects, I include a final proofread to make sure that every detail has been taken care of, every 't' is crossed, and every 'i' is dotted!



What can I expect?

My professional editing will transform your book or manuscript into an easy-to-understand, friendly, yet professional creative work. It will have your voice yet speak with clarity and impact. When we’re done, you’ll have a completely polished, publication-ready manuscript.



How fast can you get it done?

I work quickly, but I care enough to take the time to do it right! ​ If your editor claims they can get it done in under two weeks, you simply aren't going to get the attention to detail your work deserves. ​ I work collaboratively with you so that you get to make some of the judgment calls no one else can. That effort is worth it to make your work sing! ​ On average, it takes about 6 weeks to fully edit a 150-page manuscript.



What else do you do?

I'll give you editorial comments, suggestions, and even questions that will help you sharpen your points, clarify your ideas, and ultimately say what you really mean to say. We’ll have fun as I help you make your writing more clear, more powerful, and more enjoyable for your readers.
I’ll rewrite occasional sentences for you to help you get your ideas across with better grammar, all the while maintaining the “voice” that you’ve chosen to work with. If you like, I’ll help word your book title, chapter titles, and section headings. If your manuscript requires significant reorganization, I can work on that with you in a preliminary developmental stage that would occur prior to, and be priced separately from, editing.



How do I get started?

Email me and tell me about your project! Please attach a few pages of your manuscript so I can get a sense of your writing and what it needs. I'll get back to you within 24 hours. ​ I look forward to hearing from you!​



I need a professional's opinion of my manuscript. Do you do that?

If you want to get a clear idea of how ready your manuscript is for a publisher and the public, a Manuscript Analysis is the way to go.

I give you professional feedback, insights, and recommendations about your manuscript and how well it delivers on those key factors that truly make a book successful in the eyes of readers and publishers.

You'll get a firm grasp of the adjustments you need to make to turn your manuscript into a polished, professional work that is at its very best!

Typically, an Analysis includes insights and discussion of some or all of the following topics:

  • Editing issues: grammar, punctuation, wordiness, redundancy, etc.

  • Organization and flow of ideas

  • Tone and voice

  • Clarity and impact of the writing

  • Length, pacing, and shape of the work

  • Ability to maintain interest

  • Character development, if applicable

  • Overall strengths, weaknesses, and quality

  • Commercial viability

Along with writing the analysis, I’ll return your manuscript to you with comments using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature. The comments will highlight examples of the points made in the analysis and often provide more insights and clarity about the issues discussed.

Manuscript analyses are highly recommended if you want your book to succeed in the marketplace!



Contact
The Writing Doctor
for a free consultation about your book.

Ask The Writing Doctor

Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

I look forward to helping you develop a fabulously successful work!