Q: What types of manuscripts do you edit?
A: I specialize in academic papers*, fiction and nonfiction books, Christian manuscripts, and social sciences manuscripts. I also edit articles, reports, grant proposals, materials for nonprofit agencies, sermons and blogs. If you do not see your genre here just ask me; I will let you know if I would be a good fit for your manuscript.
*Academic papers include: basic essays, speeches and presentations, term papers, research papers, admissions essays, scholarship applications, theses and dissertations.
Q: Are there manuscripts you do not edit?
A: I do not edit manuscripts with heavy sexual content. I also do not do rewriting or ghostwriting for student papers − but I do provide proofreading and copyediting services for them. If I do not think I would be a good fit for your work for any other reason I will let you know right away.
Q: What tools of the trade do you use?
A: The Chicago Manual of Style is my main style guide. If you have a specific style or other resource preference please let me know. The resources listed below are my primary ones.
- The Chicago Manual of Style, Sixteenth Edition
- MLA Hanbook of Style, Seventh Edition
- APA Publication Manual, Sixth Edition
- The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, Second Edition
- Words Into Type, Third Edition
- The AP Stylebook 2012
- The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
- Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition
- Garner’s Modern American Usage, Third Edition
- The Careful Writer: A Modern Guide to English Usage
- Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus, Second Edition
- The Synonym Finder, by J.I. Rodale
I also use Track Changes in Microsoft Word. You will see all of the changes I make to your manuscript and can accept or reject them. This gives you editing transparency and complete control over your manuscript.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: I accept PayPal. Payment is due in advance.
Q: How do you communicate with clients?
A: I communicate with clients mostly by email. The reason for this is to protect my time and attention for the editing. Editing is intensive work requiring long periods of concentration. I want to be able to give my best attention to your manuscript.
Q: Do you offer a free sample edit?
A: Choosing an editor for your manuscript is not easy. You want to be sure to choose someone who ‘gets your voice’ as well as someone who does a thorough and professional job. I will do an editing sample of up to four pages (250 words per page) for books or ongoing projects. I will also do an editing sample of two pages (250 words per page) for theses and dissertations. I want you to be comfortable working with me.
Final say in agreeing to the editorial changes remains with the author. However, I reserve the right to agree to or deny an editorial byline in all works.
If you have questions which are not answered here please do contact me with them.
