Freelance Editing & Proofreading
I take on a limited number of creative projects for editing. I particularly appreciate literary work, both fiction and creative nonfiction, but I have extensive experience in and enjoy all genres, including commercial work. Whether you are writing to self-publish or plan to query agents and pursue one of the "big five" publishing houses, I would be thrilled to help you edit your manuscript!
Relevant Experience
Recent Work
Employment
Proofreader (& copyeditor), MBB agency, 2017-present
Assistant Editor, Brevity, 2018-present
Assistant Nonfiction Editor, New Ohio Review, 2019-2021
Editorial Assistant, Colorado Review, 2016-2018
Education
PhD in English, Creative Writing - Nonfiction, Ohio U, 2023
MA in English, Creative Nonfiction, Colorado State U, 2017
BA in Journalism, Miami U, 2010
Editing Services
Initial Developmental Edit
This is the recommended first step in the revision process. This is ideal for a first or early draft. In this kind of edit, I focus on big-picture concerns. I read the entire manuscript and provide feedback related to overall plot, structure, characterization, pace, etc. This step includes a 2-3 page editorial letter as well as limited marginal comments that align with the feedback in the letter. I do not make any direct changes to the text nor do I suggest line-level edits at this stage.
After a manuscript has gone through the first developmental revision, it is ready for an edit that focuses on changes at a more local level. I again read the entire manuscript and provide a 2-3 page editorial letter as well as extensive marginal comments. I do not make any direct changes to the text, but I may point out line-level edits as necessary. Primarily, my feedback addresses the clarity and efficacy of scenes/chapters in the overall work, digging into character motivation, believability, and other craft elements.
Note: if you are committed to the existing narrative as a whole (and reluctant to overhaul the plot) but want to elevate the content, then you would probably be best served starting with this in-depth edit rather than an initial edit.
In-depth Developmental Edit
Copyediting
After a manuscript's content and structure are in place, the work is ready for copyediting. I read the entire manuscript and provide feedback on sentence structure, word choice, grammar, etc. I make suggested edits directly in the text and comment when necessary to explain the recommended changes. I do not provide marginal comments related to craft elements or content, but I still provide a 1-2 page editorial letter summing up any writing tendencies I notice.​
Note: if you do not want to make any content-related changes, big or small, then copy editing is probably what you're looking for.
Proofreading
This is typically the last stage of revision. I do a careful read-through of the entire manuscript, focusing on grammar, punctuation, word choice, spelling, etc. I make suggested changes directly to the text, without comment, correcting typos or other issues. I do not address content or make suggestions for how to improve the writing on either a craft level (as I would in a developmental edit) or a sentence level (as I would in a copyedit). I'm only identifying and fixing errors.
Step-by-Step
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The writer requests an edit via email. (I can help you determine the type of edit that would best meet your needs if you'd like, and I'm also happy to do a "combo" or series.)
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I ask for an excerpt (first chapter, usually) as well as your vision and goal for the work. (For example, do you want to publish this? Where? Do you plan to query agents? Who?)
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After receiving the excerpt, I return a sample edit and a quote that includes an estimated timeline. (If desired, I can provide a few quotes across options.)
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Once the terms are agreed upon, we sign a contract. Half of the payment is due up-front; the other half is paid upon completion. (I accept PayPal or Venmo.)
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We either meet via a video-conferencing platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, FaceTime etc.) or talk over the phone to discuss the manuscript, answer any questions, and align on goals. (This can be done over email if you prefer.)
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I get to work! I send regular updates and pre-arranged intervals (such as every # chapters or every # days). I share my progress, raise questions if necessary, and invite feedback.
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When I've finished, I return the edited manuscript and we set up a time (and method) to debrief, which allows the writer to ask follow-up or clarifying questions.
Timeline & Pricing
Before I begin an edit, we will agree on a timeline for the project so that you know when you'll have the edited manuscript back in your hands.
Because I have a full-time job, a project's possible timeframe can vary greatly based on the time of year we start. That said, I am very selective about what work I accept, so once I take on a manuscript, it is not in competition for my attention.
Keep in mind that a work's (sub)genre, length, and quality will all impact the speed at which I work. With that said, here are rough estimates:
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TIMEFRAMES
Initial Developmental Edit: 2-3 weeks
In-Depth Developmental Edit: 6-8 weeks
Copy Edit: 4-6 weeks
Proofread: 3-4 weeks
PRICING
Initial Developmental Edit: $.015/word
In-Depth Developmental Edit: $.02/word
Copyedit: $.02/word
Proofread: $.015/word
Other add-on services
Query letter writing: est. $75-100
Synopsis writing: est. $50-75
Tools of the Trade
While I will recommend that we use Microsoft Word for the editing process, we can use GoogleDocs if you prefer. I can also help teach you the technology if you're new to it or not quite comfortable with it yet; I don't expect you to be fluent in the word processing software and will meet you where you are.
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In terms of style guides, I most often rely on Merriam-Webster and the Chicago Manual for copyediting and proofreading. That said, I'm happy to accommodate specific requests.
Growth Mindset
Working with all levels of writers, from young students to professionals, I have developed an approach to feedback that strives to support writers and their work in reaching their greatest potential. What that means is up to you! My goal is simply to help you achieve yours, and I'm always happy to collaborate with you in defining this.
My feedback is first and foremost honest, but my tone is also always encouraging. I make use of questions and offer suggestions to help your manuscript progress in line with your vision for it. The writing world, especially publishing, is competitive and subjective (among other things), so while I can't guarantee that an edit will land you that five- or six-figure advance, I am committed to helping you grow as a writer and improve your manuscript.