Do you offer editing packages?
I am not offering editing packages. When I do, you can find them HERE. If you're interested in booking multiple services, I can also customize a package for you after discussing your editing and critiquing needs.
Are you an actual therapist?
I am not. I am more like a friend lending an ear over a cup of coffee. To me, being able to talk an issue out feels like a form of therapy.
So how does this work?
Please check out my Terms & Services page, or any of my service pages, for information on the exact process.
Can you guarantee that I will get an agent or book deal?
I cannot guarantee that you will sell your book. There are too many variables, and I do not work for a publishing company or agency. I can help you get your manuscript in the best shape you can before you submit it.
Do you belong to any professional associations?
I sure do! I am a student affiliate of the Editors' Association of Canada and a guest member of the Editorial Freelancers Association. I belong to the Writers' Guild of Alberta. I also belong to several national and international editing groups online.
Who are you exactly?
Please take a look at my About Me page.
What if I don't like what you've done?
That would be disappointing, but it happens. If you had five different editors edit your book, they would all make different choices. An editor's first rule is to DO NO HARM. It is my job to preserve your voice and offer you corrections and suggestions based on my knowledge. You may accept or reject any change that I make. It's your manuscript!
I'm just starting my novel, and I have a fantastic story. The problem is that I'm completely stuck on character development/where to go with my plot/which story world to set everything in... can you help me?
Absolutely! This is precisely why I created my Fiction Therapy Consulting service. As a writer myself, I can completely understand feeling blocked on different aspects of a story. Sometimes the most rewarding thing to do is talk it out. As an editing professional I can offer you an expert opinion on your problem, and help you come up with a solution. I provide tips and resources too!
Do you work on paper, with those crazy editing marks?
Sorry, I don't. I use Track Changes in Word and do all of my work on my laptop.
Can you please send me a hard copy of my manuscript, fully edited?
I can send you a printed version once all corrections are made, for a fee.
Do you review books?
I do! I love to promote books that I've enjoyed reading! Please check out my REVIEWS page for more information.
Do you proofread or format manuscripts?
I do not. I can offer you a list of very competent people who do provide these services.
Can I please call you to discuss my manuscript?
I'm sorry but I'm much better at writing than I am on the phone, so I only communicate with clients via email at this time.
Will you promote my books?
I will! I am always very proud to be part of creating a fantastic book, and I have no problem shouting to the mountains about how much I've enjoyed the book or working with the writer! Can you please repay the favour by writing me a testimonial? Thanks 🙂
So... I've written twenty more pages. Can I add them to my manuscript once you've started editing it?
Here's the thing: you CAN, if I have room in my schedule for the extra work, and you're willing to extend your deadline and pay for the extra time that it takes to edit the pages that you've added. Please take a look at my TERMS & SERVICES.
Do we need a contract?
Yes, we sure do. The contract that I use is based on the template provided by Editors' Association of Canada, and I tailor it to fit your project.
I need an NDA. Is that okay?
I have no problem signing one, but if I blabbed about the books that I edit, I wouldn't have any clients.
Scheduling
I book 1 - 3 months in advance. It is ideal to book editing services well in advance of when you need them because my schedule fills quickly. If your manuscript is close to being finished, or in the self-editing stage, I recommend securing a spot on my calendar as soon as you can.
How long will it take to edit my novel?
The answer depends on several factors. A short novel will be quicker than a long novel. Very polished writing is much easier and faster to edit. The cleaner your manuscript is, the faster I will get through it (and the more money you will save!) so I recommend taking a look at my IS YOUR MANUSCRIPT READY? checklist on my landing page, or on my blog.
Do you accept cheques?
I accept e-transfers, Pay Pal, and payments directly to my FreshBooks invoicing system. Once we have an agreement and start date I will email you all of the information you need to pay your invoices.
Do I have to pay taxes on your services?
If you are Canadian, you will pay GST and any applicable provincial taxes.
Do you have a Canadian Business Number and GST number?
I do! They will be on my invoice.
Do you give discounted rates for students and nonprofits?
I'm sorry, but at this time my rates are as stated. I do offer discounts on packages.
I am not finished my novel yet! Can we move our start date?
That all depends on whether or not I'm booked for the dates that you want to move to. Please email me right away, and I will see what I can do.
My deadline has moved up! Can we move our start date?
Again, that depends on my schedule. I also charge rush fees, dependent on how soon you need your project completed.
Do you have genres that you prefer to edit?
I read and edit a wide variety of genres. Variety is the spice of life! There are a few things that I won't edit though, and you can find my small list below.
Is there anything that you won't edit?
I don't edit children's books, and I rarely edit YA novels, unless they speak to me.
I'm do not read westerns or incredibly scary/gory horror, so I am probably not the editor for you if that's what you write.
I won't edit a novel that is heavy on violent sex scenes.
I DO edit novels with adult themes.
Why is editing so expensive? Can you cut me a deal?
Please read THIS article about the cost of editing. I can't cut you a deal, but we can modify an editing service to fit your budget. Please email me for details.
*When there are differences between my Terms & Services/FAQ on this website and the terms outlined in our contract, the contract will be deemed correct and tailored to your specific project. Contracts are legally binding. Please read your entire contract before signing*