Frequently Asked Questions
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, copyediting, 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.
Estimates, Pricing, & Payment
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.
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.
How do you price projects?
Flat project fees for clear scopes, hourly for open-ended work, and retainers for ongoing support. You get a detailed estimate before we start.
Do you offer retainers or packages?
Yes. Retainers cover a set number of hours or deliverables per month. Packages are available for blog series, websites, and newsletters.
What if I need a rush job?
I accept rush work when my schedule allows. Rush fees apply, since it requires reprioritizing. I’ll confirm feasibility before you commit.
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.
Editing Scope & Service Details
What kinds of editing services do you offer?
Developmental editing (big-picture structure), line editing (voice and flow), copyediting (clarity and correctness), and proofreading (final polish). I pick what fits your goals; you make the final determination.
What are “silent changes,” and why do you complete multiple passes?
“Silent changes” are standardized, low-discretion fixes (spacing, numbering, styles) I apply without comment. I also edit in multiple passes—a quick diagnostic skim, the main editorial pass, and one or two targeted sweeps—because focused passes catch what single-pass edits miss while preserving your voice.
What formats and platforms do you work in?
Google Docs, Word, Notion, and CMS editors like WordPress. I can edit in-platform or in docs, based on your workflow.
What types of content do you edit?
Web pages, blogs, emails, case studies, lead magnets, scripts, and bios. I also refine decks and sales materials when writing clarity matters.
Will you rewrite my work?
I edit first, and rewrite only in small ways, when within scope. If a section needs a fresh take, I flag it and offer options. You decide on any major changes and probably write it yourself. I do not ghostwrite; I only edit for clarity and errors.
How do you keep my voice?
I study your tone, rhythm, and word choices. I make edits that sound like you, only clearer. You’ll see tracked changes and comments for context.
What results should I expect?
Clearer messaging, tighter structure, and a stronger voice. Readers understand faster, and your content sounds confident and consistent.
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 copyediting, line editing, or even structural advice.
Working Together: Process & Collaboration
How does the process start?
We start with a short form and a sample. I review your goals, audience, voice, and scope. We may have a zoom meeting, if needed. You get a clear plan, a quote, and a timeline.
What do you need from me to start?
Your draft, brand voice notes, target audience, purpose, key messages, and any must-keep phrases. Style guide or examples help. I have a questionnaire to try to define as much information in advance as possible. For scheduling, I’ll need deadlines and approval-time planning, too.
How do we share files & feedback?
Google Docs with tracked changes, or Word with Track Changes. Comments in the documents keep everything clear. I use HoneyBook for control of writing materials, and every client has a private Google Workspace. Zoom or quick calls are optional.
How many revision rounds are included?
Usually one round between myself and the client, using my standard terms. Light edits include one round. Other specifics can be included in the project scope, or extra rounds are available at an hourly rate. Please realize I will do a number of passes through your material in each editing round.
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.
Can you work with my team?
Yes. I collaborate with founders, marketers, designers, and SMEs. I can join Slack, attend check-ins, and follow your internal process.
Privacy, Confidentiality, & Ethics
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.
Do you have a security clearance?
I hold an active TS/SCI clearance with full polygraph.
Who owns the content after editing?
You do. Once paid, all rights transfer to you. I may request permission to share excerpts in a portfolio, only with your consent.
What if we disagree on a change?
It’s YOUR piece. We talk it through, and I explain my reasoning and offer options. You make the final call, and I align the draft with your decision.
AI & Tools
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 use AI tools?
I may use AI for idea checks or basic QA, never to replace editorial judgment. I do the editing, and I’m accountable for the final draft.
Specialty Capabilities
Do you edit for SEO?
Yes, for readability, search intent, headings, meta data, and keywords that fit the content. I avoid keyword stuffing. Humans come first.
Can you fact-check and check sources?
Yes, if scoped. I verify claims, add citations, and note sources. You provide proprietary data, quotes, and access where needed.
Guarantees, Standards, & Signature Practices
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.