How I Work
Thank you for your interest in my writing and editing services! Please feel free to contact me. For your information, here is how I typically work:
Editorial Services
Subject Matter: Send me a letter or e-mail explaining what your work is about, along with the table of contents and a sample chapter or two. I work exclusively on nonfiction materials.
Your Schedule: Clearly indicate the total manuscript page and word count. (Note: a double-spaced manuscript page has roughly 250 words per page, and the total can be figured out using Microsoft Word.) It's best to set up a book as one long document without formatting and with page breaks for chapters, rather than lots of individual files, for ease of editing. Indicate the deadline for completion of the edit, so that I can be clear about the timeframe you have in mind for the project and whether I can fit it into my schedule. For book-length projects, it works best
if you contact me three to four weeks in advance, preferably longer; smaller projects
require less notice. From time to time, I have windows in my schedule, where I can accommodate a last-minute larger job, but this is the exception rather than the rule. I give my full attention to each project, and the schedule fills quickly.
Level/Type of Edit Needed: It is usual to copyedit or proofread material at the point that it is complete and ready to go into final production for publication. However, one of the main ways I can help clients is to serve as a "manuscript doctor" to sort out problems, which involves substantive editing, including rewriting, reorganization, cutting or
adding material, adjustments in tone or voice, and other improvements that involve whole-book work.
After we have determined that your project, schedule, and editing requirements seem to be a
good fit for me, and you have completed your writing to your satisfaction, I will ask you to e-mail me a few pages. I'll edit a
page or two and e-mail it back to you, along with an estimate of how
long I think the whole project will take to edit and how much it would
cost (usually a range).
Editing Programs: I work with the Track Changes editing feature in Microsoft Word, which allows you to see edits and accept or reject each
one (or accept or reject them all as a whole) and margin comments. I also edit hard copy, if required. Typically, I proofread all edits in Adobe PDF format, using the simple "sticky note" markup system in that program.
A Note About Websites: I am familiar with WordPress, but I prefer to edit website copy when it is still in Word (before it's
placed on your site). This is by far the most effective (and least costly) way for me to edit and make suggestions for editorial changes to you.
Cost: Each project is unique, so cost will vary each time. But as
a ballpark estimate, I typically work at a speed of 4-6 manuscript pages an hour (1,000 to 1,500
words an hour) for copyediting; 1-2 pages per hour for substantive editing and rewriting; and approximately 10 pages an hour for proofreading.
I charge $30/hour and up, depending on the size and complexity
of the material, turnaround time, and other factors. A good editor will save you time and money; I encourage you to discuss your budget with me.
As a guideline for book authors, an average 250-page printed book is typically 60,000-80,000 words in length, and a professional copyedit usually takes about 40-80
hours. It's a substantial but worthwhile investment: Good copyeditors bring a great
deal of experience, technical skill, and, in my case, a vast amount of life experience and general knowledge of many subjects to the project. You will end up with a polished and professionally executed final publication that will not only make you look good but impress your readers and allow them to focus completely on reading your words - not your mistakes. (Please see testimonials page for feedback about my work.)
Writing Projects
I write a variety of materials for clients under contract (also known as writer-for-hire). My particular specialty is interpretive writing, educational publications, essays, and guidebooks on the natural and cultural history of the American West, particularly US national parks. My writing fees are negotiable depending on your publication type, budget, schedule, and how fast the project must be turned around. Per-word rates are typically $1/word for magazine articles and interpretive writing, and a somewhat lower fee for guidebooks and website articles. Please contact me to discuss the project you have in mind.
