General Questions
What is the difference between copy editing and proofreading?
Copy editing focuses on sentence-level refinement: grammar, punctuation, clarity, consistency, and alignment with relevant style guides. It may include light smoothing for readability and detailed consistency tracking.
Proofreading is a final-stage review for typographical and minor formatting errors after copy editing has already been completed.
If your manuscript has not been professionally copy edited, proofreading alone is usually not sufficient.
Do you offer developmental editing?
No. I do not provide developmental or structural editing services.
My work focuses on technical precision and sentence-level refinement. If your manuscript requires structural feedback, I am happy to clarify whether copy editing is appropriate for your stage of revision.
How do you determine pricing?
Pricing is confirmed after reviewing a 1,000–1,500 word sample. Rates are influenced by:
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Manuscript condition
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Citation density (academic/nonfiction)
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Formatting complexity
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Timeline requirements
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Total word count.
Sample review ensures accurate quoting and prevents unexpected scope changes.
What is your typical turnaround time?
Turnaround depends on manuscript length and current schedule.
As a general guideline:
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55,000–70,000 words: approximately 2–4 weeks
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Longer academic manuscripts: timeline varies based on citation complexity.
A timeline will be confirmed in your proposal before booking.
Do you use Track Changes?
Yes. All copy edits are completed in Microsoft Word using Track Changes. You retain full control over accepting or rejecting revisions. For proofreading, revisions are typically completed using Adobe commenting tools on a pdf version of the manuscript.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. I am happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement upon request.
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How is payment handled?
A written agreement will confirm scope and timeline before editing begins; an initial deposit may be required for larger projects. Final payment is due upon delivery of the edited manuscript. Payment can be made via etransfer or cheque.
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Can you work with tight submission deadlines?
Possibly. Rush projects may incur an additional fee depending on schedule availability. Early inquiries are strongly recommended. Typically projects must be booked at least one month in advance.
Academic & Nonfiction Questions
​Will you check my references?
Yes. Copy editing includes consistency checks within reference lists and alignment between in-text citations and bibliography entries.
However, I do not routinely verify source accuracy or conduct fact-checking.
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Which style guides do you work with?
I routinely work with:
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APA
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Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
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Publisher house style guides (Wipf & Stock, Brill, etc.).
If your institution or publisher has specific formatting requirements, I will align with those guidelines.
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Do you format according to university guidelines?
I correct formatting inconsistencies and align documents with style standards. If your university provides detailed formatting requirements, please share them prior to editing.​
Fiction & Romance Questions
Do you edit explicit content?
Yes. I respect genre conventions and emotional intensity. My role is to strengthen clarity and consistency, not to sanitize your manuscript. I am happy to work on novels of any spice level.
Will you change my voice?
No. Preserving your voice is central to my approach.
My role is to strengthen clarity and consistency without flattening the tone, character voice, or emotional nuance that makes your writing yours. I pay particular attention to dialogue and phrasing so the voice remains intact—just more polished and precise.
Copy Editing Plus may include deeper sentence-level refinement, but these are always suggestions. You retain full control over every change.
What if I’m not sure whether I need Copy Editing or Copy Editing Plus?
If you’re uncertain, I can review a sample and recommend the appropriate level.
Copy Editing focuses on technical accuracy and clarity.
Copy Editing Plus includes additional sentence-level smoothing and rhythm refinement.
Do you edit series manuscripts?
Yes. A style sheet is created for each project, which is particularly helpful for maintaining continuity across series installments.
Do you work with self-published authors?
Yes. I work with both independent and traditionally published authors.