The short answer: Because I promise to care about your work as much as you do.

The long answer: My journey to becoming a manuscript editor is a circuitous one. After graduating from college, I set out to forge my career in journalism. But despite loving it in school, I quickly realized it wasn't what I really wanted. After some searching, I finally landed in advertising, where I was a senior copywriter for several years.

During that time, I wrote my first novel (which we'll refer to as The Worst Novel Ever Written), got married, had kids, and decided to become a stay-at-home mom. I started freelance copywriting and editing for a variety of different businesses, websites, and blogs (including my own, now defunct food blog called The Gleeful Gourmand), and worked hard to complete my second novel, which was long-listed for the prestigious 2021 Exeter Novel Prize. It was while I was writing my third novel that I began beta reading for friends. I noticed that every time I beta read, the urge to edit was overwhelming. After all those years, editing had become hardwired in my brain. Once I started giving editing notes (with permission, of course), I found that not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, but the writers were receptive and pleased. Wow, did that feel good!

Combining my love of reading and my love of helping people was a lightbulb moment for me. This was that elusive job I had dreamed of, one I could be proficient at and passionate about.

As a writer, I know how difficult it is to hand your manuscript over to someone else. Trusting a stranger with the work you've poured your heart and soul into is just plain daunting. There's the nervousness of whether all your hard work has paid off, wondering if this person can really help you solve a problem you've identified in the manuscript, and the worry that you'll have a lot more work to do when you've already done so much.

That's precisely why I love doing this. I truly love helping other people, especially writers. If there's more work to do, we'll get through it together. If there's something to celebrate, we'll celebrate together. Whether your next step is finding an agent, self-publishing, or simply printing some copies to share with family and friends, you can count on me to provide the highest level of professionalism and care.

Now, let's get to work!

Option 1, Early Draft Consulting is for both writers who have already started their draft, and also haven't written a word yet. It can be really difficult getting your big ideas and themes down in a cohesive manner. If you're stuck in the middle, or don't know where to start, this is a perfect choice.

Option 2, Developmental Edit is for those with a completed manuscript, ideally one that has gone through an initial self-edit. When you think of developmental editing you should think of it as my ability to “see the forest for the trees” when you cannot. Basically, it’s the big picture stuff instead of the little nitty-gritty.

Option 3, Line Editing, should be thought of as working on your prose: dialogue, sentence structure, etc. Does your dialogue sound natural? Can we make a sentence or paragraph crisper? Note: This is not a true proofreading service. I will catch your glaring errors, but you may need a proofreader.

It truly depends on which service you choose, so please see above for a detailed explanation of what I provide. Because Early Draft Editing is more about our brainstorming together, it may look like emails back and forth, or a scheduled Zoom/phone call. Full manuscript and line editing options come with extensive in-document edits and notes in the margins, as well as a detailed summary cover letter. Please submit your document in .doc or .docx form. I almost exclusively use Microsoft Word to edit.

All three services come with an optional free 30-minute Zoom chat or phone call before I begin editing. I like to get to know my writers a little so I can understand intent and goals before diving in. This chat is scheduled after we agree to work together and I receive your initial deposit.

I also include a free 30-minute discussion session after I’ve sent my edits and notes, if needed. This is to help clarify anything you’re unsure of. I will always be available to answer questions and provide help through the next stages of your manuscript's journey via email.

I typically respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days, and I'll reach out with next steps via email. This includes your free sample edit of up to 1500 words. Once we agree to work together, I require a 50% deposit up front, and once I receive that, we will schedule our optional chat to discuss your project, and I'll get going on your manuscript. You will receive the completed edits once you pay the remainder of your invoice.

Services vary, so please see my "Pricing" section. Yes, I can work with you on a payment plan.

Fantastic! I’d love to help you in your writing journey. Please go to the Contact Me page and fill out the form. I typically respond within 1-2 business days. Make sure you specify which editing service you’re looking for. If you’re not sure, please mention it in your message.

Yes. I get it—it's so important to find an editor who's a good fit! I'm happy to provide a free sample edit on 1,500 words (or up to 10 double-spaced pages) to determine if you like my style.