Who will read my writing?
Just me. Occasionally I will consult with another writer about resource recs if there’s something you’re struggling with that I think they do exceptionally well, but no one but me will ever read a word of your manuscript.
How will I receive feedback?
I prefer to work with Word documents where I can leave comments via track changes. This allows me to provide the most detailed feedback and get into the nitty gritty of moments that are working well or that need development. If this is not possible, I will provide comments in a separate document. The feedback will still be detailed, constructive, and thorough (I often come in around 10 pages or so of comments, depending on length), but this process limits some granularity.
How long will this take?
You can expect comments within a month from when I receive your manuscript for 85k words or fewer and within 6 weeks for 86k-120k words. I often come in well under this time frame. I only work with one writer at a time, so if I’m currently working with another client, I will provide you with an estimated date of availability.
Can I meet with you to see if this will be a good fit?
Yes–I offer a free 15-minute Zoom consultation to discuss expectations.
Do you use AI in your editing?
Absolutely not.
Will you provide line edits and/or proofreading?
No. A developmental edit is focused on content and will likely result in significant rewriting, rendering most line edits moot. Unless something is repetitive and particularly distracting, I won’t provide grammar/punctuation/syntax comments. An exception to this might be line edits to illustrate a content point (ex: narrative distance, pacing, etc.).
Is this a sensitivity read?
No–although I might flag things that feel problematic, that is not the focus of the edit and not a skillset I claim to offer.
Do you ever choose not to work with someone?
Occasionally. See the genre restrictions on the home page. Otherwise, this generally only occurs in the context of receiving a draft that is not yet ready for a developmental edit. In that case, I will contact you to let you know your work is better-suited to a craft consultation than a developmental edit; my rate for this is half the cost of a developmental edit. The feedback is more big picture and instructional for skill-building (more details provided in the rare even this comes up). You have the option to either accept this service at the half-rate or opt to look for someone else at no charge.
How does payment work?
Payment is handled through PayPal or venmo and is due in installments–50% up front and 50% when I return your manuscript to you.
Who are the two cats?
Ruth and Soto–you can read more about them on the “about us” page!
What’s so fascinating in the distance?
Probably a squirrel. Or perhaps the beauty of the sun sinking toward one of the rolling hills of upstate New York. But probably a squirrel.
Two Cats and a Draft 