FAQs

Should I choose book coaching or editing?

Book coaching is a great way to get support walking through the process of whatever stage of novel development you’re at. I offer coaching for novel planning, drafting, and revising. Some authors prefer the coaching model for regular deadlines for drafting or revising, submitting a chapter or two at a time for feedback and discussing their work on calls. This model better holds them accountable with project management and keeps them on task with energy focused in the right areas to get them through drafting or revision.

Book coaching offers

• guidance through the process
• strong, foundational strategies and tools to use even after coaching
• individualized support for areas of writing, mechanics, or story craft
• an ongoing relationship and a creative soundboard
• confidence and validation to keep going in a way that’s not as possible with one-off edits
• monthly pricing
• resources and exercises along the way as they relate to your project
• two calls per month to discuss feedback, story trajectory, and any “assignments”
• brainstorming sessions for breakthrough solutions
• progress reviews

Coaching can be really beneficial for authors who want to learn more about how story works (and its effect on readers, which is my specialty!), gain clarity on priorities and project plans, or level up their craft. Book coaching is rather like a fast-track MFA or writing course tailored specifically to you while workshopping your project. Plus, I take the cognitive science approach by keeping in mind how story affects readers to make sure novels are doing what they need to at the right times to most highly impact readers.

However, single or multiple rounds of edits are great for assessing, developing, or copy editing completed manuscripts. If you have a manuscript in my niche that you’d like to publish or submit to agents or publishers, I can help you get it ready with respect to your readers. Simply stated, writing is hard! It takes a lot of courage to put your heart and soul on the page and show it to others. As a writer, I understand the hesitation. But writing is also a process and a craft that requires as much honing as any other.

Do I need to hire an editor?

Let’s face it—no one can edit her own work! Your brain knows what it means regardless of what’s on the page, and it’s hard to see past that. Let your editor help you clearly show your readers what’s in your head as you mean for them to understand it.

• If you’re self-publishing and would like to make a profit, you need an editor. A large survey has shown that indie authors who contracted professional services (especially in editing and cover design) earned significantly more than authors who did not. In a crowded market that still battles stigmas of poor quality and “lots of typos,” good editing can keep readers from giving up on your book and help set you apart from the crowd.

• If you intend to query agents or publishers, personally investing in editing can also help to set you apart from the slush pile. Many manuscripts are rejected since they are not as publication-ready as agents and publishers would like.

• If you have not had your work edited before, you will find value in learning about the process hands-on—and strengthen the quality and polish of your story along the way. Revision is simultaneously daunting and exciting, but a good editor will guide you to bring out your best story for your readers.

Will my book still be mine after editing?

My editing philosophy centers on enhancing your individual voice—not subduing it. I work primarily in Word through direct comments to you on the manuscript and in editorial letters that help you improve your structure, plot, characters, voice, and setting. Everything I provide in ideas and suggestions to best achieve your goals (along with advocacy for your readership) all come out of what you’ve written. This book dragon merely unburies and polishes the gems perceived in your work—and perhaps rewires a few synapses along the way. My experience still helps me sense the effects you were hoping for, and I strive to find a way for you to make the impact clear through revision. However, you are still the author, and you decide which changes to make.

With mechanical edits, I follow the Chicago Manual of Style (the industry standard) and, in most cases, make direct changes to your text to correct inconsistencies, grammar, style, spelling, and formatting. Unless you request otherwise, I track all changes for you to view using Word’s “track changes” feature because I believe this allows authors to learn more about their writing in the process. However, note that a proofread is only done once the manuscript has been formatted and laid out for publishing. For proofreads, comments and changes are marked on a PDF copy.

When are you available?

I often book out three or more months in advance. With each editing project often taking multiple weeks to complete, that's just how it works out! See the top bar of this website for my next general availability to get an idea of the timeline you can expect. I try to keep this notice updated, so it's usually fairly accurate. However, it never hurts to check by reaching out! My bookings are only final after I've received the initial deposit to hold the spot in my schedule. So until I have an accepted contract, any prospective project dates remain open.

Do you use contracts?

Yes. I believe contracts help to protect both parties and clarify expectations and boundaries. You can view your offer and sign your contract online. These documents will be saved in your unique client portal, which you may access at any time.

Does payment have to be made all at once?

Nope! Coaching is paid monthly. For editing, a non-refundable retainer fee of 30% of the total editing package cost is due up front. The remaining 70% is usually due in full upon completion of edits. Other payment options may be negotiated, save that services should always be paid ahead of receipt of completed edits or feedback.

How do you accept payments?

I use a payment service called Stripe, which allows you to pay via credit card. My system also allows you to save a card on file for automatic payments for installments. It's all secure, clear, and easy to complete online.