Are revisions included?
Yes. In many cases revisions and/or further communication between you and I are needed before the manuscript can be published. At no extra cost, I'm happy to offer one round of revisions where I re-do, re-view, or re-work the section(s) in question.
If you have questions about the completed or in-progress edit, I'm happy to answer them at any time for no cost.
Do you outsource?
No. I never outsource. I alone will work on your project.
Do I have to pay in advance?
Typically, payment is in advance (and I will never ask for more later).
If you prefer, paying only half up front or paying in instalments (along with dividing the project into sections) may be possible, especially for larger books or a series.
If you pay in instalments, you can cancel the rest of the project after any instalment. For example, let’s say you have a 45,000-word book and, based on the sample you’ve sent me, I quote you at $600 and 21 days. If you like, we can break both the delivery and payment schedule into, say, three segments. You transfer me the first $200, and, within seven days, I deliver the first 15,000 words. Then—and only if you are satisfied and want to continue—we move on to the second segment: you pay the second instalment, another $200, and I deliver the second 15,000 words, again within seven. If all is well, and you want to proceed, you send me the final $200, and I deliver the remaining 15,000 words within a week.
Do you use American or British English?
Either. I’m trained, educated, and knowledgeable in both US and UK English. Plus, I’m Canadian — our English is a bit of a hybrid. As a former ESL teacher and globetrotter, I have plenty of experience with writers whose first language isn’t English. I’m always careful to preserve the author’s voice and be sensitive to cultural nuance.
If you don’t specify, I will default to American English.
Do you accept manuscripts from non-native English speakers?
Yes. I taught English as a second language (ESL), including writing classes and coaching, in Japan for fourteen years at universities and large companies. I welcome non-native English writing.
What software and resources do you use?
In order to communicate my suggested edits, corrections, and comments, I use Microsoft Word and its Track Changes and Comments features. (I prefer Word, but I'm also familiar with Google Docs, Apple Pages, etc.).
I do not rely on software for spotting errors. Software can be helpful for an author to use as a way to find glaring mistakes errors, but to create a publish-ready copy, there is no substitute for an experienced and well-trained human editor.
I do use a number of paper and digital resources, such as The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary. I use APA and MLA for academic/science writing, or whatever is specified by your institution.
What genres or subjects do you accept?
I'm fortunate enough to be at a point in my career where I can pick and choose what I edit. Time is finite. Sadly, I can't accept everything sent to me.
For fiction, you’ll have a better chance of winning my heart with science fiction than romance; I prefer something suspenseful or thought-provoking. That said, I’m open to a variety of genres, styles, and readerships. Try me.
Non-fiction:
My 17 years of teaching and editing has earned me clients across a range of business, science, tech, and engineering fields — aerospace, astronomy, robotics, nuclear physics, pharmacology, ecology, health; Google, Amazon, JAXA, Mitsubishi, etc.
I'd rather take on an intriguing and challenging project than a simple one. Send me your research papers, essays, articles, reports, presentations... Topics of science, futurism, philosophy, biography, history, business, etc. are all welcome. Self-help and health books depend on the exact subject matter and veracity of the content (no spiritual or religious work, please).
Do you prefer Word docs (.doc or .docx)?
Yes. If at all possible, please send your manuscript as an attachment in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx). If you really aren’t able to use MS Word, please ask me about alternatives.
How long does it take?
Even a large project (say, 100,000 words) rarely takes more than a month. For a 50,000-word manuscript, expect a couple of weeks. If I have a wait list, I will always tell you before accepting your order and include the lag time in the total time estimate.
I have never been late on delivering an order. Never. Out of hundreds (thousands?) of order, not once.
If you’re too busy to take new orders, can I get on a wait list?
Yes. If I want to take on your project but am currently too backed up with orders to be able to start right away, I’ll give you the option of being put on a wait list. I'll give you a wait-time estimate and contact you when your number comes up. You pay nothing and have no commitment for this service.
Do you do rush orders?
I do not bump anyone up or down the line. But, you might be able to persuade me to put in some overtime to get your order done faster than my usual ten-hour day would allow. In every case, I make sure projects are done as quickly as possible without compromising quality.
Do you offer any other services?
I do writing coaching. This may be a low-cost alternative to a full line edit and proofread*. With coaching, you send me just a section of your manuscript, which I add comments and markup to in a way that teaches you how to improve your writing and be your own editor.
*But, if you can at all afford it, I strongly recommend hiring a professional editor (even if not me).
On occasion, I will do ghost writing, re-writing, beta reading, review writing, transcription, factchecking, and other related services. I've also edited blogs, ad copy, and a variety of other media formats.
If you are interested, please inquire.
Is my manuscript safe with you? How about privacy and copyright protection?
Yes. I will never share anything you send me with anyone but you. I will delete your documents after completion of the order. All correspondence is confidential. Payments are through secure banking channels (e-transfer or PayPal).
I do not keep a database or list of clients' contact information. I will never share your information or contact information with anyone, and I will never spam you.
All copyrights are retained by you, regardless of modifications I make to the manuscript. You are the sole owner of, and retain all commercial and creative rights over, the manuscript at all stages of the editing process.
Note that Canadian law automatically offers you and your writing full copyright protection regardless of whether or not you have an ISBN (also, ISBNs are free for Canadians).
Is tax included?
Yes. As a self-employed Canadian, I pay several layers of tax on my online income, including sales tax. This is included in the price I charge.