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 college, I set out to forge my career in journalism. But despite loving it so much in college (Shout out to MWC's newspaper, The Bullet!), I realized it wasn't what I really wanted after all. 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 here 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, definitely hacked food blog called The Gleeful Gourmand), and worked hard to complete my second novel, which was long listed for the prestigious Exeter Novel Prize in 2021. It was while I was writing my third novel that I began beta reading quite a bit. I noticed that every time I beta read, the urge to edit was overwhelming. After all those years, it had become too hardwired in my brain. And once I started (with permission, of course) giving editing notes, I found that not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, but the writers I was giving them to were receptive and pleased. And wow, did that feel good! I mean, come on—getting to combine my love of reading with a skill set I actually possess (unlike food photography, which I had to teach myself and only became marginally good at), and getting to help people, which is another great love of mine? It was a lightbulb moment for me. As a writer, I know just how difficult it is to trust your manuscript to someone else. The thing you've poured your heart and soul (and maybe some sweat and tears) into and trusting a stranger to help make it better is just plain daunting. The nervousness of whether all your hard work has paid off, the desperation to find someone help you solve a problem within that manuscript, the worry that you'll have so much 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, but 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, or self-publishing, or simply printing some copies to share with family and friends, you can count on me to be nothing but professional when it comes to you and your manuscript because I take it so very seriously. Now, let's get to work!

Option 1, Early Draft Consulting is for those who are just beginning, or in the process of writing and need to brainstorm problem areas. 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. 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.