If you engage me as your editor, you will need to provide a sample of your work, the number of words and any other material that the project entails. The cost of editing depends on several factors:the type of editing you need or ask for (copyediting, structural/substantive editing)the timeframe requiredthe standard of your writing.To get an idea of editors' rates, please see IPEd's information.

The time taken to edit your project depends on several factors:the length of the manuscriptthe standard of the writing and level of editing requiredmy editing schedule.Generally for a project of around 70,000 words, I would estimate three to four weeks. We would negotiate a schedule based on the factors above and around any deadline that you might have. If you need work by a certain date, you will need to factor in time for reviewing corrections and queries, and preparing a final clean document.

You may or may not know this depending on your experience with the publishing world. Some work provided to me requires a developmental review which looks at the main structure, duplication of text, incorrect timelines and other major interventions that may be required. At this stage, it's not ready for an edit - it needs to have an overarching review.Copyediting focuses on the more detailed aspects of the manuscript like spelling, grammar, consistency of word use and style, clarity of expression and the preservation of your voice.If you are not sure, you can send a sample of your work and I can recommend where we might start.

Not always. If you've worked on your manuscript for a long time, or have had other professionals review it, you may be able to go straight to an edit.Your work may need an assessment if you need advice on the bigger picture, the main structure, advice on strengths and areas to work on. This is not a line-by-line edit.

You might have been working on your project for a while, had input from several sources and have resolved the major issues related to structure, plot and content. If you really feel that your work is finished (and not just a very rough draft), this means you have a first draft to work on. If you are still working through questions about these aspects, you may need a manuscript assessment first.

An editor should never rewrite an author's work. If an area of the work seems to lack clarity, flow or consistency, I will add a comment or query to start the process of rethinking the work so you can rewrite it yourself. I might suggest an approach but I will never rewrite your words. In this way, your voice will always be authentically yours.

I edit using Track Changes in MS Word which allows you to see all changes that have been made to the manuscript. Comments are added using the Comments feature which highlight areas that might need further work. You can accept or reject any amendments that have been done. You remain responsible for all decisions about your manuscript.

Please send a representative sample of your manuscript, its total word count, a brief synopsis and your preferred deadline. A synopsis helps me understand the overall story or structure, beyond what the sample shows, and judge the scope of the work.It’s also helpful to include a short author bio outlining your writing and publication experience, your intended audience, and whether you plan to self-publish or seek an agent or publisher.Let me know what editing or assessment has already been done and any particular concerns you have. If you’re unsure which service you need, simply explain where you’re up to and what you hope to achieve.