FAQs

• What is your background as an editor?

  See my resumé on the “About Me” page.

• How can you read advanced academic work outside your own field?

  A corollary of my first principle is that any disciplined reader can perceive strengths and weaknesses in any piece of writing. This is borne out by experience. Also, my ignorance of your material can help you. When I ask questions, your response will help you make your work clearer and more precise. This is valuable even if the work isn't intended for a broad readership.

• Why should I pay for editing services rather than ask a friend or submit a draft to the professor?

  For years I have sharpened my ability to distinguish between my personal preferences and more objective ways of evaluating a piece of writing. Your friends may have a great natural aptitude for editing, but they may not — and they may not have the time to give you their best effort. A professor or a publication’s editor may provide clarity on what he or she is looking for from a particular piece, but you aren't likely to grow as a writer by writing to their specifications.

  In short, your work deserves the careful attention of a trained professional, and you deserve the time and respect of someone entirely dedicated to your experience in the writing process.

• Do you have experience with non-native English speakers?

  Lots! I'm very happy to work with students from all backgrounds. I have found that ELL (English language learner) sessions tend to be most productive in person, but I can provide feedback tailored to your fluency needs remotely as well.

• How quickly can you work?

  Depending on the density and technicality of the text, I proofread approximately 15 pages in an hour and copy/line edit approximately 12 pages in an hour. In a 45 minute session, we can edit 5-8 pages together. I can also read ahead, up to 40 pages, so that we can discuss the work as a whole in one session. See my services page for more details.

• Do you use editing services for your own work?

  I absolutely will, when I have any serious writing project underway. I am the full time caregiver to my three daughters and am not enrolled in any graduate program at the moment.

• How do you accept payment?

  I accept checks, Venmo, and Paypal, at the end of a session or at the end of a project. I log my hours every time I work, and report my earnings on our annual tax report.

• What about privacy and confidentiality?

  Any notes I take by hand are yours at the end of the session. If we're working online, no one else will have access to the documents, and I won't save your work on my devices after our working relationship ends, unless you request otherwise. If you have concerns or a specific request regarding privacy or confidentiality, just let me know.

• Are you familiar with Chicago, APA, MLA, etc?

  If you need up-to-the minute answers on formatting questions, I'll have to look them up because 1. they change (every publication has its own style guide) and 2. I forget. I will find the answer, though. I also make use of the continuing education opportunities offered by the Editorial Freelancers Association.