How We’ll Work Together
> My process
After you contact me, here’s what you can expect:
I’ll answer any quick, general questions and follow up for more details about your project to determine your goals and expectations. This may include a complimentary 15- to 30-minute conversation.
If you didn’t provide it already, I’ll request to see your content for assessment. For shorter content, a representative sample may suffice, but generally assume that I will need to see the material in its complete, edit-ready form—especially book-length content—so I can provide you with an accurate estimate.
For most projects, I’ll provide a sample edit along with a proposal that will include a rate/fee estimate and the scope of work. The sample will help confirm that our expectations align for the amount and type of work or determine if a different level of editing is needed, and will give you an idea of my approach. There’s no obligation if it doesn’t work for you.
If you decide to proceed, we’ll agree on the timeline*, due dates, and payment details. I’ll send my service agreement for you to review and sign, which includes my terms and conditions.
For projects containing 5K words or more, a 50% deposit of the estimated total fee will be required before work will begin.
* Please note that I do not officially hold time in my calendar for a project unless there is a written agreement and a deposit has been received. If the project runs late in coming to me, we will reassess the timeline and negotiate new deadlines.
> References I use
My main, default style guide and dictionary are the Chicago Manual of Style v.17 and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. I also use The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction by Amy J. Schneider.
I’m familiar with AP, APA, and other style guides. I’m happy to use your house style guide or project style sheet—or create either for you!
> Formats I work with
For all stages of editing, I work in MS Word; for proofreading, I can work with either MS Word files or PDFs.
Other formats such as Google Docs, MS PowerPoint, content management systems, or course platforms will be considered based on length and complexity of the content. Please ask! I’ll let you know what’s possible. Additional fees may apply for some formats.