Editing isn’t immune to the project triangle.
Here’s how I balance speed, quality, and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estimates
What kind of editing do I need?
Many people aren’t sure! I’ll take a quick look at your manuscript and recommend the right level—light proofreading, copy editing, or something deeper. This is the scoping stage of my process, right before a proposal estimate.
Want a ballpark estimate?
Try my Editing Estimate Calculator to explore service types and word count estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rates and Scope
Do you charge hourly or by the project?
Most editing is billed per project so you know the total cost upfront. For open-ended or exploratory work—like coaching or manuscript evaluation—I may suggest hourly billing, but only if it benefits both of us and has a cap.
What if I don’t know what kind of editing I need?
That’s completely normal. I’ll review a short sample and help you decide what’s appropriate—light proofreading, heavy copy editing, line editing, or even structural advice.
Can I get a lower price for a faster turnaround?
Rush jobs often cost more, not less. Fast turnarounds require me to rearrange my schedule or work outside business hours. I’ll still give your project my best—but perfection takes time.
What if your estimate doesn’t match my budget?
If we’re not aligned on budget, I’ll offer options—like a scaled-back review, focusing only on certain sections, or spreading the work out in phases. You’ll never be pressured to spend more than you can.
What’s your “Only 3 Errors” Guarantee?
If your project qualifies, I guarantee that no more than three objective errors will remain. That means grammar, punctuation, and usage—when the timeline and scope allow for a full review. The Guarantee doesn’t apply to rush jobs or partial edits.
Do you offer sample edits?
Yes—on request, I’ll edit a short excerpt to help you understand my style and recommendations. This is especially useful for new clients or larger projects.
Can I request edits after delivery?
Absolutely. I build in a round of reasonable revision time for every project, so you can ask questions or request clarifications. I want you to feel confident before you hit publish or submit.
When my final deliverable arrives, you should take time to review and either approve it or request changes. That review step is always included when we agree to a project-based fee.
Do you work with AI-generated drafts?
Yes. I’ll work with AI-generated drafts—no judgment. Some clients need help rewriting for Amazon KDP review compliance, others just want a clear, human-quality result. Whether you’re looking for a formatting pass, a content review, or a full rewrite, I’ll shape the final manuscript to meet your standards.
If you’re concerned about plagiarism or originality, I can run checks and help revise as needed. You’re still the author—I just make sure the final product sounds the way you intended.
Do you use AI or editing tools when working on my project?
I use tools—carefully and ethically. I may use professional resources to support consistency and clarity, like spellcheckers, formatting audits, or comparison passes. These are always a final step in my process, never a substitute for reading your work line by line.
If I use AI to assist with phrasing or generate alternatives, I always review and refine every word myself.
My job is to bring clarity, not shortcuts. Tools support my judgment—they don’t replace it.
Do you sign NDAs or work on confidential material?
Yes. I’ve worked in highly sensitive environments and am happy to sign a nondisclosure agreement. You own your content, and I treat it with professional discretion—always.
I sometimes ask permission to use small excerpts as anonymous work samples or testimonials. You’ll always review any proposed sample before giving permission, and you are absolutely free to say no. Refusing won’t hurt our working relationship in any way.