WHAT I DO
I work primarily with small business owners, editors of independent magazines (both print and online), and teachers of e-courses and in-person classes. I understand your position as someone who is in charge of every aspect of a business or publication, and I respect the amount of hard work, love, and commitment that goes into everything that you do.
I will help you present clear information so that your readers and potential clients will focus on your message, not on your words. I know the rules, I know when to break them, and I will help you make sure that your voice is heard.
If you don't own a business, publish a magazine, or teach a class, please still get in touch! I love meeting people (online and in person), hearing stories, and helping bring projects to life. I want to hear from you, even if we don't end up working together!
Please note that pricing is done per project, and is based on a number of factors. I will review all of the parameters of the project before giving you a price, but even then, there is no obligation to work with me!
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STANDARD SERVICES
:: I will review your piece based on the level of editing we choose (see below), including sidebars, footnotes, endnotes, tables, charts, graphs, tables of contents, etc.
:: I will provide comments about major changes I make or suggest, and I will ask questions if I am unsure about something. You always have the final say.
:: I will create a style guide to corral the decisions we make and the references I use. You can use this guide when writing your next piece.
:: I will follow the dictionary and style manual of your choice (or suggest one of each if you have no preference).
:: Want to know more? Contact me!
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SO HOW DOES THIS WORK?
:: Initial Conversation: Contact me! Send a sample of your work if you have one, but no worries if you don’t. We will discuss the details of your project—length, scope, level of editing, and what you want out of the editing experience. I will tell you more about how I work, the pricing structure, and answer your questions.
:: Sample Edit and Summary: I will send you a summary of our conversation, a written version of my pricing information, and my recommendations for the project. If you have given me a sample of your work, I will edit it and send it back to you.
:: Agree on Terms: If you decide that a professional copy editor is not what you need, I’ll wish you well and you’ll owe me nothing. If you’d like to work with me, we will decide on the project parameters and I will draw up a contract stating the terms. You will sign and return the contract to me, and send me the full project, if you have not already.
:: The Editing Process: I will edit your piece within the allotted amount of time and email it back to you. You will review what the changes I have made, answer any questions, and make decisions about the edits, then send the piece back to me. I will make sure the final version is clean of any errors that can occur in the back-and-forth process, and address any further issues I see (if any). We can repeat this process until you’re happy with the final product, though most projects only require one round of revisions.
:: All Done: Once we’re both satisfied, you will publish, send, or otherwise use your clean, concise piece of edited text!
:: Payment: I will send you an invoice, which you can pay online. Hopefully we will work together again!
You can find more information about working with me here.
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LEVELS OF EDITING
PROOFREAD
I use a light hand when you're sure your work is clear and concise. I will:
:: Correct any spelling, punctuation, and basic grammar issues.
LIGHT COPY EDIT
I do some work and you do some work, aiming for clarity and concision. I will:
:: Correct any spelling, grammar, and punctuation issues.
:: Point out any potential factual inconsistencies, which you can then research.
:: Point out any wordy or difficult patches of writing, and often suggest rewrites for clarity, consistency, and parallel construction. You are in charge of the actual rewriting.
HEAVY COPY EDIT
I do the work, editing for tone, clarity, concision, and overall voice. I will:
:: Correct any spelling, grammar, and punctuation issues.
:: Research and correct any factual inconsistencies.
:: Rewrite wordy or difficult patches for clarity, consistency, and parallel construction.
:: Point out any major issues with the piece as a whole.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT
I work with you to find direction, structure, and your voice. First, I will:
:: Review the piece as a whole. Point out issues with logic, direction, voice, and tone; suggest structural revision of the piece itself.
Once you have reviewed my suggestions and completed any necessary rewrites, I suggest a heavy or light copy edit.
Not sure what you need? I won't know either until I see your project. Contact me to get started!