Featured Clients
Parallel Circuits
by Jose Sotolongo
Dirty Frenemies
by Arianna Quinn
You got this!
by lisa bartley
Fresh start
by Arianna Quinn
You’re close—but the mechanics still need work
Copyediting is about refinement, not reinvention.
I work at the paragraph and sentence level to make your writing clearer, more consistent, and easier to read—while preserving your voice and intent. I follow industry standards where they matter and apply them quietly behind the scenes, so you don’t have to think about technical rules while you’re focused on storytelling.
For fiction and nonfiction written for the North American market, that means working primarily with The Chicago Manual of Style (18th ed.) and Merriam‑Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (11th ed.). Consistent grammar, punctuation, and usage don’t limit creativity—they support it by removing distractions and allowing your voice to come through cleanly and confidently.
My goal is simple: to help whip your manuscript into reader-ready shape.
Copyediting Service
When you work with me, I will focusing on the following:
- Grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and hyphenation
- Tense
- Subject-verb agreement
- Dialogue tags and punctuation
- Pet words and phrases (is everyone biting their lip or folding their arms or huffing in exasperation?)
- Tracked changes you can review, accept, or revise further
- Maintaining consistency across:
- characters traits
- places
- timelines
- world building
- Formatting as needed
- chapter names, headings, and subheadings
- letter, word, line, and paragraph spacing
You will also receive the following:
- Custom style sheets
- An editorial report summarizing my process, what’s working, what could be stronger, and how to interact with your edited document
- Email access to me throughout the project
Investment: $0.025/word
The Collaborative Second Round (Add-On)
Editing doesn’t end after I return your manuscript. If you feel like you need a little extra guidance, a second round of edits could be a great option for you.
What I do during the Collaborative Second Round:
- Review your updates made in response to the initial edit
- Continue conversations within comment threads
- Clarify lingering manuscript-specific questions
- Lightly refine newly revised passages
- Ensure no new errors were accidentally introduced
This is not a second full copyedit, and it is not a proofread.
I strongly recommend a professional proofread even after going through the Collaborative Second Round. A proofreader provides a fresh set of eyes and serves as the last line of defense before your work goes out into the world.
Investment: $0.01/word
Who this service is for
Copyediting is the right fit if your manuscript has already been through beta readers, developmental editing, or line editing—or if you feel it’s in the strongest shape possible and ready for a meticulous, professional polish before publication.
Not every manuscript needs every level of editing, but every manuscript needs to be copyedited before hitting the press. I’m happy to help you determine whether copyediting is the right next step. If I’m not the right editor for your manuscript at this stage, I’ll do my best to point you toward another editor who is.
Kind Words from Clients
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an edit take?
Turnaround times range from two and a half weeks to four weeks, depending on the word count, genre, time of year, and shape of the manuscript. I will be able to offer a more concrete timeframe after completing the sample edit.
Do you work in Google Docs?
At this time, I work exclusively in Microsoft Word. I understand the convenience of Google Docs, but to provide the highest standard of service, Word is essential.
How do you communicate feedback? (Track Changes, comments, calls?)
Before your project begins, we’ll connect for a discovery call to ensure we’re a good fit. Once the project is underway, most communication takes place via email. During the edit itself, I use Track Changes and in-document comments within Microsoft Word. When an edit requires clarification or a question, you’ll see it directly in the manuscript. This keeps feedback contextual and easy to review. If you choose the Collaborative Second Pass, we’ll continue those conversations within the comment threads during round two. Any additional questions before, during, or after the edit can always be handled via email.
What happens if I have questions after the edit is complete?
I welcome your questions. If you need clarification about an edit, a comment, or a style decision, feel free to email me. I’m happy to explain my reasoning. If questions begin to involve additional rewriting or new editing beyond the scope of the original agreement, we can discuss options for a second round or additional services. My goal is to be supportive while also maintaining clear boundaries around the work included in your project.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes All projects require a nonrefundable deposit to secure your place on my calendar, with the remaining balance due upon completion. If helpful, I’m happy to arrange up to three installment payments to make the investment more manageable.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes!
How far in advance should I book?
I typically book several months in advance, depending on the season and project length. If you have a desired deadline, I recommend reaching out as early as possible to secure space on my calendar. If your timeline is flexible, let me know—I’m always happy to explore options.
Will you change my voice?
No. Protecting your voice is one of my highest priorities. Copyediting focuses on clarity, consistency, and correctness—not rewriting your style. If I suggest a change that affects tone or rhythm, you’ll see it clearly in Track Changes and can always accept or reject it.
Is my manuscript ready for copyediting?
Copyediting is most effective when a manuscript has already been revised for structure and big-picture issues. If you’ve worked with beta readers, a developmental editor, or have revised the manuscript multiple times yourself, you’re likely in the right stage. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to help you determine whether copyediting is the right next step.
Do you guarantee a completely error-free manuscript?
No editor can ethically guarantee perfection—publishing is a human process. That said, my two-pass copyediting process is thorough and meticulous. I approach each manuscript with great care and attention to detail. I also strongly recommend a professional proofread as the final step before publication to ensure the cleanest possible result.
Ready to take the next step?