How To Work With Me

Step 1: Submit an Application

Step 2: Once your application is reviewed and accepted an email will be sent to you with a link to schedule your book consultation. Please allow 7 business days for your application to be reviewed. 

Step 3: Upon approval, a link will be sent to schedule your book consultation. During this session, we will discuss your book, expectations, and needs. Then, we will decide if we're a good fit to work together.

Step 4: After your book consultation, if we decide to move forward a contract will be drafted and sent outlining the scope of work, deadlines, and expectations. Upon receipt of your contract please sign it within 3 business days of receiving it. 

Step 5: Once the contract is signed I will send an invoice to book your slot. Your invoice will reflect the pay agreement we discussed during your book consultation. Payment plans are available, however at least one payment must be made for your project to be started so please pay your invoice upon receipt. 

Step 6: After the contract is signed and the invoice is paid, you will send your completed manuscript and book outline before your agreed-upon start date as outlined in your service contract. Your manuscript must be sent as a Microsoft Word document. Google Docs manuscripts will not be accepted. 

Step 7: I will edit and return the manuscript within the agreed-upon deadline. During this time there will be 1 Outline Review, 2 Editing Passes, and 2 Editing sessions via Zoom. 

How I Work

As mentioned above during this process I will complete 1 Outline Review and 2 Editing Passes and we will have 2 Editing Sessions via Zoom:

Step 1.) Outline Review: I will begin the project by reading your outline to get a feel for your story, its pacing, and your writing style. Knowing how the story ends will assist me in my assessment of your story’s overall structure and pacing. 

Step 2.) First Pass: I will read your manuscript in its entirety. Line by line I will fix everything that needs to be fixed, make suggestions and comments within the document, flag any potential issues, and make inquiries and recommendations. Upon completion of the first pass, you will receive 2 files:  a Microsoft Word file with Track Changes on, so you can see exactly what I've done. None of my recommendations are final, you will get to decide whether to accept or reject my suggestions.  I will also send a PDF file containing your Editorial Letter for pass #1. The first pass will be delivered by the agreed-upon deadline. 

Step 3.)  Editing Session #1: After the first pass we will have your first session. You will get to ask whatever questions you have about your manuscript, the changes I made and my recommendations.  After Editing Session #1 you will have time to make changes to the manuscript as you see fit. Then you will send it back to me on an agreed upon date.

Step 4.)  Second Pass: Once I receive your manuscript back I will start the second pass. During this pass, I will review the entire manuscript one last time to ensure that I didn’t miss anything. If I need to make any additional recommendations I will do so at this time. At the end of the second pass, I will deliver 2 files: a Microsoft Word file with Track Changes on, and a PDF file containing final thoughts and recommendations. This pass will be your final edit and it will be delivered on an agreed-upon date. 

Step 5.) Editing Session #2: After the second pass we will have your second editing session. This will be your opportunity to ask any final questions about my notes, suggestions, or comments. This is your book but it is a team effort. I am committed to your success. If there is anything you need clarity on I am happy to discuss everything with you until you feel completely comfortable with the outcome. 

As a general rule of thumb, all Developmental Editing projects for completed manuscripts have an estimated window of  90 days. I do this to ensure that you and I have time to read, reflect, make changes, and meet to discuss your work. Because my process includes 2 Zoom sessions it’s important to allow you time to read my recommendations before we talk. If your manuscript is not completed, the process will take 8 months or less.