FAQS

Line editing is when an editor focuses more on how you use language to communicate to your reader and less on the mechanics of grammar. For example, this type of edit will point out cliches, overused words, awkward phrasing, ineffective dialogue, etc. Although these aspects of writing are not grammatically wrong per se, poorly constructed content causes your writing to be muddled, unclear, and frustrating to read through. I do not separate line editing from development and copyediting. The issues addressed in line editing are covered in both developmental editing and copyediting services.

Onboarding Process

15-Minute Strategy Session

Each new client relationship begins with a 15-minute strategy session to access what your needs are and how we can best assist you. Click the “Schedule a free 15-minute session” button on the home page to gain access to my calendar and schedule a meeting.

Follow-Up Estimate or Referral

After our 15-minute call, a recommendation is made via email detailing next steps. If we don’t think we can help you, we’ll make every effort to recommend a service, tool, or resource than can possibly meet your needs.

Official Proposal and 50% deposit

Once services are agreed upon, we will send a proposal, which includes a contract with payment options (credit or debit card and e-check). After the contract is signed, clients pay a 50% deposit*. Our standard process is for payments to be split in two, but we can split the cost into three and four payments. *Deposits are non-refundable once work begins.

Manuscript Delivery

Clients can send their manuscript through a variety of ways. Email is a popular choice, but we also use Verifyle, a secure encrypted document-uploading portal.

Editing and Coaching Process

Manuscripts should be sent in Word, double-spaced, with no large images or major formatting (simple bolding and italics are fine). We will touch base with you weekly regarding progress. Coaching sessions are typically held once or twice per week. Standard manuscript editing time frames are as follows:

Manuscript Review with Audience Discovery: 1-2 weeks to read through the manuscript.

Developmental Editing: 3-6 weeks or longer depending on length and scope of work.

Copyediting: 2 weeks (usual time frame).

Proofreading, Layout Design and Cover: a 4-6 week process to create interior design and cover samples, approve design, finalize design, and proofread.

Revisions

Each editorial service includes 1-2 rounds of revision. The revision process is common after most editing services. After the first round of developmental editing, copyediting, or proofreading, the manuscript is returned to you (the author). During this time, you will review any comments, recommendations, edits, and approve or address any comments.

After your first-round review, you will send the manuscript back so that new content or any comments or questions can be checked. Next, is the second or last round of revision, which includes finalizing your manuscript for the next phase of editing.

Coaching Sessions/Programs

Coaching services may be combined with any service and are often problem-solving based. Sessions are designed to walk authors through the publishing process and answer questions not necessarily related to the mechanics of editing. You can elect to forgo coaching if you only need a basic editorial or production/design service.

However, if you need help with identifying your target audience, budgeting, submitting book proposals, preparing for a meeting with an acquisitions editor, rebuilding an old manuscript, copyright submission, digital platforms, review questions for peer review, app building, sales funnels, or anything pre- or post-production related, we strongly recommend completing a series of coaching sessions.

Business-to-Business Onboarding Process

15-Minute Strategy Session

Each B2B relationship begins with a 15-minute strategy session to access what your needs are and how our business solutions can assist you.

Follow-Up Estimate or Referral

After our 15-minute call, we will send a proposal (contract and deposit details), including the scope of work and pricing for publishing business consulting, publications review or a different service.

Delivery and Service Time Frames

Publishing Business Consulting: One-hour sessions, including follow-up tools and guides.

Publications Review: 4-6 weeks for existing content (long-term assistance with ongoing projects is also available).

We focus primarily on two types of content: educational and inspirational.

Educational: Textbooks (high school and adult), corporate or teacher training guides (for organizations and schools), how-to, travel tour guides, music education, finance, and wellness education for African Americans.

Major Topics: Mental health and meditation, endometriosis, alternative medicine, beauty/skin/hair/spa, social media, interior design, entrepreneurship, violin practice and performance, women’s studies, nursing education, nutrition, budgeting, politics and civics, African American literary theory, and African American culture and history.

Inspirational: African American spiritual living and growth books, prayer guides, Sunday school curriculum, Bible study how-to guides, devotionals, and workbooks.

Major Topics: Womanist interpretation, liberation theology, spiritual gifts, hermeneutics, discipleship, singles, Christian meditation, and African philosophy.

We do work on memoirs occasionally (topics include spiritual journey and stories of health, wholeness, and healing).

The editorial process consists of three stages: development, copyediting, and proofreading. Clients can purchase services individually or they can choose to have their book go through all three stages of editing or choose a packaged rate. For optimum results, your book should go through all three stages to ensure that you have a well-developed and well-edited manuscript.

Software: Microsoft Office for Mac (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) with access to Microsoft Office for PC, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Google Docs.

Style Guides: The Chicago Manual of Style, APA style, and style sheets (familiar with AP and AMA).

Dictionaries: Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, Oxford Dictionary, Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary, and Blue Letter Bible Interlinear Concordance.

Conferencing and File Transfer: FileZilla, Zoom, Loom, Dropbox, and WeTransfer.

Manuscripts should be submitted in Microsoft Word, double spaced, with no tracked changes present. Google Docs can be used as well. PDFs are acceptable for proofreading only. Email, Verifyle, WeTransfer or Dropbox can be used to send manuscripts, photos, and/or large files, such as video.

I’ve worked directly with acquisitions editors. Since literary agents acquire for acquisitions editors, I haven’t crossed paths with too many literary agents. In fact, most of my clients are either indie authors or independent publishers. However, I do coach clients on traditional publishing and the submission process.

Developmental editing is done by me. I do work with several copy editors and proofreaders that provide a second or third pair of eyes. I also work with a layout and cover designer. Ideally, there should be three editors involved during the editing of your manuscript: one for development, one for copyediting, and one for proofreading. If that is not possible, I do recommend that writers have at least two editors reviewing their work.

If accommodation is possible, a rush fee of $250 to $500 will be charged to the client.

Yes, email me for more information.