Fight For The Fairytale Editorial
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer developmental editing?
Yes! This is the only type of editing I offer. I do not offer other editing services that correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Developmental editing looks at the BIG picture elements of your story. Booking a proofreading, copy editing, or line editing package with another editor would be recommended after completing your corrections based on my developmental edit! I would be happy to offer my suggestions to editors I have worked with in the past for those services on my own projects.
What genres do you edit?
I specialize in all types of fantasy—epic, romantic, dark, modern, and MORE!
I love unique protagonists (esp FMCs), brooding villains, vast world-building, complicated magic systems, and slow-burn romance.
Call me the Queen of Fantasy! JK, but maybe one day that will be the case!
Do you have any no-goes when editing?
I am not the best editor for those writing:
Hard Sci-Fi
Middle-grade or younger
Non-fiction or memoir
On-page sexual assault, dubious consensual sex, extreme domestic violence, or any work that glorifies any of the above
Anything created or modified from generative AI in any capacity
You don’t edit my genre. Should I still contact you?
I’ve listed my favorite (and thus preferred) genres, but it never hurts to reach out. As a collegiately-trained story analyst, I have assisted my MFA cohort on everything from sci-fi and horror to contemporary dramas and comedies. If you love my vibe, but I don’t specialize in your genre, don’t hesitate to reach out. If it’s the right project and we are a great fit, I am happy to help writers from any genre! If I don’t feel my skills are suited to your story, I have many amazing, qualified editors to refer you to!
Connecting with the right developmental editor is important both for your manuscript/screenplay and for your own mental health! I get it!
For all my complete manuscript developmental editing services, I offer a sample edit of a 1000 word section in the middle of your manuscript. From there, you can ask me any questions you like about how I operate, etc.
How can I determine if you are a good fit for me?
How long will it take you to edit my book?
Specifically for manuscripts, my usual time frame for completion of your developmental edit is 60 days from your start date.
I’m often booked months in advance, so that is a factor with timing as well.
The timeframe of other services can be discussed via email and will depend on the project content, size of project, and my other clients at the time.
I need this draft done ASAP. How soon can you start?
I’m often booked months in advance, so I cannot guarantee quick turnarounds.
Depending on my schedule and the size of your project, I may be able to accommodate an expedited deadline for an additional rush fee.
Do you require a deposit upfront?
Yes, I do! I collect a non-refundable deposit equating to 30% of your total bill. This deposit, along with your sign contract, allows me to reserve your spot for editing.
If I book an edit with you, will I get a traditional publishing deal?
There is a lot more to getting published than putting words to the page. Editing is one step. Marketing is another. There are factors in between that are entirely up to you and the industry at large. I can tell you that I’ll provide expert feedback and guidance based on my subjective experience and expertise, all intended toward perfecting your writing and ability to self-promote.
I can help make sure your story fits into your chosen genre, but that doesn’t guarantee it will be picked up by an agent or publishing house. Remember it’s about the long game, just because you get a ‘no’ doesn’t mean your novel is bad. A ‘no’ is a not yet, or a not here.
Yes, I am happy to work on sequels. There is a reading fee involved to allow me to get acquainted with your earlier books.
Do you have client testimonials?
Yes, I do! You can see some of them on my portfolio or you can visit my Google Business page here.
Can I hire you to edit my book if it’s the 2nd or 3rd in a series?
Yes, pay in full or payment plans are available. A 30% deposit is required to secure your slot, but after we can split the remainder into two or three payments prior to the delivery of feedback to you. This can be discussed on a case by case basis.
Do you require signed contracts?
Yes, I do! I’ll prepare a contract for us once we decide to work together. A contract protects both of us, your manuscript, and outlines everything necessary so there is no miscommunication.
Do I need to self-edit my draft prior to my dev edit?
Due to the level of detail involved in a developmental edit, I only offer these services to those who have completed manuscripts and have gone through at least one round of self-edits. This does not have to be done using feedback with critique partners, but I do recommend getting the outside eyeballs of a trustworthy friend prior to paying for a full developmental edit.
Do you offer payment plans?
At what point in the process should I book a dev edit?
To get the most value, you need a finished manuscript. Some authors book BEFORE they’ve finished to give themselves accountability and a hard deadline to finish drafting. Some authors book right after they have finished their first draft. Others wait until they’ve done a few rounds of self-edits. It is entirely up to you! However, you should secure this service prior to hiring a copy or line editor. We are going to MAKE CHANGES!
What can I expect from a developmental edit?
Developmental editing is a high-level, comprehensive review of a manuscript that focuses on structure, content, and narrative arc rather than grammar.
Like all art, developmental editing is also subjective. My goal with your manuscript is to maintain the integrity and authenticity of your voice. I look at the big picture of the story from the perspective of a reader. Do the characters feel flat? Are there plot holes? How is the pacing? Is there too much telling? Etc.
Why is developmental editing so expensive?
Developmental editing is the first and deepest round of editing. The manuscript must be read through very slowly. I also keep detailed spreadsheets of timelines and key information, make comments, offer suggestions, etc. I then spend several hours writing a comprehensive letter with all of my feedback and suggestions for you to work from.
An 80,000 word manuscript can take me anywhere from 40-60 active editing hours, more if it’s in rough shape.
Do you offer partial edits for people on a budget?
No, unfortunately I do not offer partial edits because they do not allow me to get a grasp of the entire story to give appropriate feedback.
I recommend my foundational developmental editing services if you are on a budget and still want eyes on your manuscript. This package is essentially a baby version of my comprehensive developmental edit that I can offer at a more affordable price to indie and debut authors.
Who you hire and when comes down to where you are in your revision journey and your specific needs. I personally recommend a comprehensive developmental edit as it allows me to give you the greatest scope of critical feedback.
My foundational service includes one read through with minimal marginal comments. It includes a 3+ PDF report summarizing my perspective as a reader, questions I had, etc. This is ideal for folks looking to get a sense of whether or not their reader is ‘picking up what they’re putting down’ or if revisions are effective.
Developmental editing includes two slow read throughs with significant note-taking and heavy marginal comments. The editorial report can be anywhere from 10-25 pages long, depending on how much work the manuscript requires. Because of how much more work is involved, this takes about 5x as long as the foundational edit. Developmental editing should be the first level of your professional editing passes.
Should I book a foundational or comprehensive developmental editing package?
Do you offer other editing?
I do not offer other editing services that correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Developmental editing looks at the BIG picture elements of your story. Booking a proofreading, copy editing, or line editing package with another editor would be recommended after completing your corrections based on my developmental edit! I would be happy to offer my suggestions to editors I have worked with in the past for those services on my own projects.
I test edit a random 1,000 word section from the middle of your manuscript to determine 1) if I am a good fit for your needs, and 2) the amount of time I can expect to spend reading through and providing you feedback in order to develop an accurate quote and time to complete.
Regardless of whether or not you decide to move forward with me, I will provide you with feedback for the section I reviewed, free of charge.