What are different types of editing and editors?

Editors provide a range of services such as developmental, line, copyediting, and proofreading. For a more detailed explanation of editing services, read on.

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How do I know what editing help I need?

If you don't know where to start, contact me with as much information as you can. We will start with a complementary 30 minute consultation where I understand your audience, goals, and timelines. Depending on the type of the manuscript, we can walk through your abstract, brief, vision statement, or Table of Contents. I will then propose next steps and how we can work together.

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Do you check for grammar, punctuation, capitalization etc.?

I primarily work with writers in the early stages of their projects and need a substantive edit, not just mechanical edit. During line editing, I address obvious grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues - especially when they hinder clarity. I do not work on manuscripts where copyediting, conforming to a style manual, or proofreading is the only service required.

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Do you offer all these services together or separately?
Ideally each manuscript will go through evaluation, developmental, and line editing in that order. Developmental editing includes manuscript evaluation. If you are looking for feedback on a book chapter or an article, developmental editing is most efficient. If you are working on a book, you may benefit from manuscript evaluation before proceeding further. Once the content is complete and orgnanzation is final, line editing will enhance the style, tone, flow, and pace. Depending on your needs and the manuscript's status, I work with you on these one by one, with detailed reviews and discussions along the way.

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Do you offer sample edits?

I offer sample edits if you prefer only line editing and no substantive feedback on the overall presentation. Developmental editing can't be demonstrated by review of a sample. A short sample will not be representative of the central idea or argument development. Instead, I offer a free consultation where I focus on understanding your audience, goals, and state of the manuscript before proposing how we can collaborate. 
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How long does it take and how much do you charge?

Every manuscript is different. I follow the EFA rate chart as a starting point at $0.04 /word depending on the type of the manuscript — subject matter, length, current state, publication goals — keeping in mind that number of words is not an indication of number of opportunities to enhance the content. After I read the manuscript, I will offer you the timeline and total cost estimate for the project.

Do I really need a manuscript evaluation for short articles?

For articles (conference or journal papers, book chapters, reports) no longer than 25 pages, developmental editing will include manuscript evaluation.