FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is tailored to the type of project. For manuscripts and other documents, I use a per-word rate. For my Resume & Cover Letter Optimization services, I offer several flat-rate packages to meet the needs of serious job seekers. You can find the details for those packages in a separate FAQ. I believe in transparent pricing for the meticulous, high-quality editing your work deserves. My fees are calculated on a per-word basis, and the rate depends on the depth of service required: - Proofreading Only: For documents that are already well-structured and need a final, careful review for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and typos, my rate is $0.026 per word. This is your essential "last line of defense." - Copy Editing (includes Line Editing & Proofreading): For a more comprehensive edit that refines clarity, flow, sentence structure, consistency, nuance, word choice, and preserves your unique voice – in addition to including a final proofread – my rate is $0.036 per word. These rates reflect the detailed attention and professional expertise I bring to every project to ensure stellar results. The total fee for your project will be determined by multiplying the per-word rate for the selected service by your document's total word count. Understanding which level of editing your document needs is key. If you're unsure, I'm happy to briefly review a sample of your work and discuss your goals to help determine the most appropriate service. This ensures you get exactly what your project needs. I also offer discounts for repeat clients and for very large projects. All services are provided remotely.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My process is designed to be clear, collaborative, and ensure your project's success from start to finish. Here’s what you can typically expect when we work together: Initial Discussion & Needs Assessment: First, we'll discuss your project in detail – your goals, your audience, your timeline, and what you feel your document needs. This is also where I can help you determine whether copy editing or proofreading is the best fit if you're unsure. Document Review & Quote: For most projects, I'll ask to see your document (or a representative sample) and confirm the total word count. This allows me to accurately assess the scope of work and provide you with a detailed project quote based on my per-word rates for the agreed-upon service. The Editing Phase: Once we agree to move forward, I'll meticulously edit or proofread your document, using Track Changes in Microsoft Word so you can see all revisions. I focus on meeting your specific requirements and enhancing your text while preserving your unique voice. Please note: My services focus on linguistic refinement (grammar, punctuation, spelling, clarity, flow, and consistency) and do not include content creation, graphic design, complex document layout, or the intricate formatting and verification of tables, figures, citations, or references. Delivery & Follow-Up: I'll deliver the edited document by our agreed-upon deadline. I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have about the edits or discuss any further minor revisions if needed. My aim is to make the process smooth and ensure you're delighted with the polished, professional results!
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My foundation in language and communication is both academic and lifelong. Formal Education: I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, graduating cum laude from Adelphi University. My studies provided me with strong analytical, research, and communication skills that are invaluable in understanding and refining diverse texts. Ongoing Professional Development: I am committed to staying current in the editing field and continuously enhancing my skills through workshops, webinars, and industry resources focusing on grammar, style, and best practices in editing and proofreading. Practical Expertise: Beyond formal training, I have over 15+ years of hands-on professional experience, as mentioned in my introduction. I am highly proficient with industry-standard tools essential for editing, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word with Track Changes), Google Workspace (Google Docs), and Adobe Acrobat Pro. In addition, I leverage professional-grade AI tools like Grammarly Premium as part of my review process. Think of these tools as my 'co-pilot'—they handle routine checks for common errors and consistency, which allows me, the expert human editor, to focus entirely on the critical things AI can't do: refining your unique tone, ensuring a consistent author's voice, and perfecting the nuanced flow of your writing. This hybrid approach ensures you get the best of both worlds: technological precision and expert human judgment. Style Guide Knowledge: I excel at working with major style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS) and AP Style, to ensure consistency and professionalism in your documents. The wonderful anecdote about my mother, the English teacher, is something I've shared in my main introduction, as it really speaks to my lifelong passion for language!