Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I just finished writing my novel/memoir/hard-hitting non-fiction book/sci-fi fantasy/vampire/werewolf romance/travel adventure/thriller/post-apocalyptic trilogy! Can you edit it for me?

Theoretically, yes. I’ll want to have a quick email chat about the work beforehand, and I’ll want to look at the manuscript before agreeing to work with you.

Q. I don’t see poetry on your website. Do you edit poetry?

Not at this time.

Q. Do you edit books for young readers or children?

No, although I do edit full-length young adult novels intended for teenagers.

Q. Do you offer manuscript evaluations?

No, but I can recommend some people who do.

Q. Can you start tomorrow?

Probably not. I’m often booked months in advance. If you express interest in working with me right away, I’ll keep your name at the top of the list if I have a cancellation. Note that a 20% non-refundable deposit applies to all bookings over 60 days in advance.

Q. how long will it take you to edit my book?

Depending on the condition and length of the manuscript, one pass will generally take between four and five weeks for me to complete.

Q. I don’t know which package is right for me. CAn you advise me?

Yes! After taking a quick look at your manuscript, I can recommend the Deep Cuts package, or the Fine-Tooth Comb package.

Q. What’s the difference?

The Deep Cuts package is a developmental edit—in which I will address strengths and areas that could be stronger—using Track Changes and Comments in Microsoft Word. I’ll dig into the meat of the book and be very specific in the markup area about what’s working, what isn’t, and what you can do to make it your best possible work. You’ll receive the edited manuscript as well as an editing letter from me.

This package includes a half-hour video chat with me prior to my starting work. This chat helps me in making sure I’m focussing on the areas about which you’re most concerned or unsure. It also includes a half-hour follow-up video consultation.

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The Fine-Tooth Comb package is a detailed copy edit. You’ll want to choose this package if your work has already had a developmental edit, and now you want to shine it up to submission quality. I will use a combination of doing some edits myself, and suggesting others in the markup area. I keep my Track Changes on at all times so that you can see every edit I’ve made.

This package includes a half-hour follow-up video consultation and a clean copy of your work with no markup.

Q. How much will it cost me?

I charge by the word, so my fee depends entirely on your word count and which package you choose. Feel free to have a look at my editing page for my per word rates. I also charge 5% GST (Canadian Goods and Service Tax) on all purchases within Canada.

Q. That’s a lot of money because my book is eleventy trillion words long. CAn we negotiate a lower fee?

Would you ask your dentist or your mechanic that question? If you did, you’d get a variation of my answer, which is “no.” We can negotiate the package and the scope of the work, however, on a case-by-case basis. I also offer specials and sales occasionally.

Q. Fair enough. Do you offer a payment plan?

I do! You can choose to pay the full fee up front (on delivery of the manuscript to me), or make two payments: 50% on delivery of the manuscript to me, and the remaining 50% before I deliver the final edits to you.

Q. How can I pay you? Do you take cheques?

I don’t take cheques. You can pay me through e-transfer (the best option for us both as it’s a no-fee service), or PayPal. A link to my PayPal account is here. Of the two, I vastly prefer e-transfer. If you use e-transfer, there is no need to enter a security question or answer.

Q. Do I get a receipt?

All of the electronic payment services available to you will send you a confirmation number for your payment. That’s all you need (in Canada) for tax purposes if you’re planning to claim the editing as professional development.

Q. Can I pay you in anything other than Canadian dollars?

Nope. Canadian dollars only.

Q. I found someone who will edit my book for half of what you’re charging. They don’t have a track record, but I only care about price.

Good luck with that.

Q. I want to work with you, but we’ve never met. Shouldn’t we have some kind of written agreement about the scope of the work, your fee, the timelines, etc?

Excellent idea! I use the Editors’ Association of Canada’s contract with details that are relevant to you and our work together. We would sign off on it electronically once we’re both happy with the terms.

Q. So when I get your edits, the book will be perfect and error-free, right?

Nope. The standard for editorial work is 95% accuracy. I strive for perfection, but I’m only human. All humans are only human. Some errors may get by me.

You’re a writer so I assume you’re also a reader. Can you remember the last time you read a book that didn’t have a single error in it that got past everyone? Me neither.

Q. What if I don’t like your edits, and I don’t want to pay you?

You won’t receive my final edits until after you’ve paid me. Until then, they belong to me. Your work does not belong to me; however, my edits on your work do.

If you’ve hired me as a professional editor, I will assume that you know your book needs editing, and that you will be open to my suggestions for changes or cuts. I will further assume that you are not a diva, that you’re going in on good faith, as I am, and that you want to improve your work. Isn’t that why you’re hiring me?

Q. I’m writing this book with my wife/husband/significant other/mom/dog. They’ll be offering feedback on your edits after you’re done.

They can offer. It’s an offer I can refuse. The only feedback I’m interested in getting is yours.

Q. I want you to work in google docs/ snapchat/Adobe/pages/whatsapp/Instagram/Power point/keynote/excel/Tik tok/quark. Cool by you?

Nope. Microsoft Word. Preferably from this century. The end.

Q. Do i have to know how to use microsoft word? Will you coach me?

Yep. You totally do. And NOPE. I am not a Word coach. If you want to hire me, I expect you to have a good working knowledge about how to interact with Word’s markup area. You need to know how to use Track Changes and Comments, and you need to know how to format and save your work and how to accept (and reject) changes. It’s important that you have a knowledge of how to clear the markup area once you’re done working through my edits. I’d also love it if your copy of Word is fairly recent.

Q. can you format my manuscript after you edit it?

Nope. That’s not part of the job. There are formatters out there who are very good at what they do. I know some. I can refer you to them if you need that done.

Q. so… what exactly do you do?

Depending on what package you’ve chosen and the condition of the manuscript (HINT: you want to read and edit it yourself before sending it to me), I will work in the markup area using Track Changes and Comments. I’ll advise you on areas that could use your eyes, and I’ll make some edits myself in the body of the text.

Using Comments, I’ll query you about areas of the work that are unclear to me, I’ll flag text for which you might need to get permission to reprint, I’ll tell you what’s working, and I’ll suggest revisions as appropriate.

Every edit is different, and my process will be tailored to your work.

Q. Will you edit my book again after I’ve done rewrites?

For an additional fee, yes. Otherwise, no. My package rates are for one round of edits.

Q. Will you edit this one short story?

Nope. I work with full manuscripts exclusively.

Q. What if I have a ton of leftover questions afterward? Can i just email you?

You have access to me via video chat for a half-hour consultation following your receipt of my edits if you’d like to talk to me about next steps or anything else. You can purchase addition time at the following rates: a one-hour follow-up consultation costs $149 CDN + GST, and for $269 CDN + GST, you can have my full and undivided attention via video chat for two hours.

Q. CAn I take you out for coffee and pick your brain?

For $149/hour + GST, you most certainly can. And I drink tea.

Q. Can i send you a chapter to edit so we can see if we’re a good fit? Will you do a free sample edit on part of my book so I can see if you’re any good?

Replace “Can I send you a chapter to edit?” with “Can I get a free tire rotation to see if you’re any good?”

There’s your answer. Nope. The way to find out if we’re a good fit is by you sending me a .doc file of your entire book. We’ll pick the package that’s right for you, we’ll sign a contract and sort a payment plan, and then away I go. For insight into my personality, editing style, and (alleged) all-around coolness, feel free to take a look at my portfolio (where you’ll find several books I’ve worked on that have gone on to international acclaim) and the list of nice things people have said about me on my Testimonials page.

Q. I’m really nervous to show you my work. How do I know you’re not going to tear it a new asshole?

That’s not how I operate. My M.O. is kindness, confidentiality, positive mentorship, and encouragement. And fun. A video chat with me is a great time.

I don’t believe in tough love when it comes to editing. Though I will certainly advise you to make changes to the text, I’ll be kind and gentle about it. My editing style is to ask questions rather than stamp my will on your work. It’s your book, after all.

Q. My neighbour’s best friend’s second cousin once removed sent his novel to an editor and they stole it and published it under their own name. How do I know you won’t do that?

There are also alligators living in the New York Subway System. Dears: this is NOT A THING.

Q. Can i bug you with more questions while you have my manuscript?

Absolutely! The lines of communication are completely open the entire time I have your work. I find that writers will often forget all the things they wanted me to look for. Although I don’t provide updates on how the work is going, if something occurs to you half-way through the process, feel free to send me a note about it. I can’t answer questions that haven’t been asked.

Q. Can I write you an endorsement if i think your work is great?

Why, yes. Yes, you can. If you feel moved to email me a few lines about my work, my personality, or anything else you think might be helpful for my future clients, I’ll be very grateful. I will publish it on my website and thank you eternally.

Q. can you help me get an agent/publisher after i’ve done some rewrites?

Nope. If you want me to suggest publishing possibilities as part of your edit, I’d be happy to do that. However, finding publishers and agents is not what I do. That’s work you need to do on your own.

Q. CAn you help me market my book?

Nope. My wheelhouse does not include that feature. However, I’m usually happy to signal boost writing/books that are published after I’ve edited them. Just let me know the good news, and I’ll likely broadcast it.

Q. I have a great idea for a book, but I’m not a writer. will you write my life story?

Oh, honey. I’m looking for time to write my own life story, never mind yours. Google is your friend here. Search “hire a ghostwriter”. They’re out there.