Frequently Asked Questions
-
I’m best suited for adult fiction in the following genres:
Contemporary Romance
Urban Romantasy
Women’s Fiction
Book Club Fiction
Upmarket Fiction
Historical Fiction
If your manuscript blends genres or falls somewhere adjacent to these, I'd love to discuss whether we're a good fit.
I am not the best fit for epic or high fantasy, particularly projects with extensive world-building.
-
If you’re unsure, no problem — that’s common! Describe your manuscript, your goals, and where you are in the writing process on the inquiry form. I’ll review everything and recommend the service — or combination of services — I believe will be most beneficial.
-
It depends on the service. Developmental edits are intended for completed drafts, while opening chapter critiques can be useful earlier in the process. If you’re unsure whether your manuscript is ready, just ask!
-
Once you submit the inquiry form, I'll review your project and follow up with any questions I have. I'll also recommend the service — or combination of services — that best fits your goals. Once you're ready to move forward, you'll receive booking information and instructions for securely sharing your manuscript.
-
That's exactly what I'm here for. You don't need to know the "right" service before reaching out. Tell me about your manuscript and your goals, and I'll help you figure out the next best step.
-
Yes! If you expect your manuscript to be ready in the coming months, I encourage you to reach out early. My schedule often books several months in advance, and I'm happy to discuss timing and availability.
If you're still drafting, a 25% non-refundable deposit (based on your anticipated final word count) is required to reserve your spot. The deposit will be applied toward the total cost of your edit, with the remaining balance due two weeks before your scheduled start date.
Need to adjust your timeline? I understand that writing doesn't always go according to plan. I'm happy to reschedule your project based on availability, provided you let me know at least three weeks before your scheduled start date. If you cancel your project, your deposit is non-refundable. Once the remaining balance has been paid, rescheduling may not be possible except in extenuating circumstances.
-
I require all materials to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET, seven calendar days before your scheduled start date. This gives me time to confirm everything is in order and prepare for your edit. Materials submitted after the deadline may need to be rescheduled based on availability.
-
Feedback is tailored to the service you've booked. Depending on the project, you'll receive an editorial letter outlining big-picture observations and revision priorities, along with comments and suggestions directly in your manuscript where appropriate.
I'll ask you to share your materials via Google Docs. Google Docs allows us to collaborate easily while giving you control over your manuscript and its sharing permissions. Feedback is provided using Suggesting mode and comments throughout the document, allowing you to review every recommendation at your own pace.
If you prefer Microsoft Word, I'm usually able to accommodate. In that case, I'll provide feedback using Track Changes and comments throughout the document. At this time, I'm unable to accept materials in other file formats.
-
No. Publishing is highly subjective, and no editor, consultant, or agent can guarantee representation or publication. What I can promise is thoughtful, honest feedback designed to strengthen your manuscript and submission materials so they represent your work as effectively as possible.
-
I'll happily share resources and discuss best practices for researching literary agents, but choosing who to query is ultimately your decision.
-
No. I provide feedback, coaching, and revision suggestions, but I don't write submission materials on your behalf. My goal is to help you create a query or synopsis you understand, believe in, and feel confident sending.
-
You. Always. My job isn't to rewrite your manuscript in my voice — it's to help you strengthen yours. I'll point out opportunities, ask questions, and offer suggestions, but every revision is yours to make. The goal isn't to create a manuscript that sounds like me. It's to help you write the strongest version of your own story.
-
That's completely okay. Editorial feedback isn't about following every suggestion exactly as written. It's about understanding the underlying issue and deciding how you want to solve it. I encourage you to question my comments, preserve your voice, and choose the revisions that feel right for your story.
-
Yes. Your manuscript remains your intellectual property at all times. I treat every project confidentially and will never copy, distribute, or use your work for my own benefit. I'm also happy to share best practices for safely sharing manuscripts online.
-
Once we've confirmed the scope of your project, I'll send you an invoice with payment instructions. Full payment is due before editorial work begins to reserve your spot on my schedule.
-
I will never upload your manuscript to generative AI tools or use AI to analyze, edit, or rewrite your work. Every editorial comment you receive comes directly from me.
-
I work with manuscripts written by human authors. If generative AI has been used to draft significant portions of the manuscript or submission materials, I'm not the right editor for your project.
-
Because editorial work begins well before you receive your completed edit, I’m unable to offer refunds once a project has been booked. If you have questions about a service before committing, I encourage you to reach out — I’m always happy to help you determine whether it’s the right fit.
-
Yes. Honest feedback is one of the most valuable things an editor can provide. If I think your manuscript would benefit from additional drafting before investing in a full edit, I’ll tell you. My goal is to help you invest your time and money where they'll have the greatest impact.
-
Absolutely. I know editorial feedback can feel overwhelming at first, and I don't expect you to absorb everything in one sitting. You're welcome to reach out with reasonable follow-up questions so you can move into revisions with confidence.
-
You don't have to know what service you need before reaching out. Tell me about your manuscript, your goals, and where you are in the writing process, and I'll recommend the path that makes the most sense for you.
-
Absolutely. Many authors combine services — for example, an Opening Pages Critique followed by a Developmental Edit, or a Query Package after completing revisions. If you're interested in multiple services, let me know in your inquiry form. I'll recommend a combination based on your goals, and bundled services booked within 90 days of each other receive a 10% discount.