How do I know if my manuscript is ready for professional editing?

It really depends on what type of editing you’re interested in, but a good rule of thumb is to have a complete draft – with a beginning, middle, and end – and to have edited it yourself in its entirety at least a few times. But if you’re still unsure, you can check out my Manuscript Assessment and I can help you figure it out.

How do I know if you’re the right editor for me?

I may not be, and that’s something every writer and editor should be prepared for. Just as potted plants sometimes need to be moved a few times before finding the right spot, finding the right editor can take some trial and error. Most editors will offer a free sample edit to give you a chance to see how they work and determine if they’re a good fit for you. As for me, I specialize in speculative fiction, primarily fantasy and science fiction, but I’m familiar with most genres. And you can always get in touch to get to know me better.

What should I expect from the editing process?

Hiring a professional editor is rarely a simple process, but a good editor will usually walk you through it. There’s the initial contact where your goals for the manuscript can be discussed, followed by details regarding how the two of you might work together. If the writer and editor agree they’re a good fit, then the service contract will be discussed and agreed upon. At that point timeframes and price will be determined. Once the contract is signed, the work begins. After that, some editors may simply send the completed edits and leave you to review them, but most will take a little extra time to ensure both writer and editor have reached a satisfying outcome. Send me an email to find out more about my process.