Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of editing do I need? Here are some definitions of different kinds of editing, so you'll know what to ask for. What kind of editing services do you offer? See my Editing Services page to learn more about the range of services I offer. What kind of books do you edit? I edit literary fiction, which is a broad, varied genre that puts emphasis on character-driven stories and well-crafted sentences and narrative structure. I edit novels and collections of shorter forms like novellas and short stories. Occasionally a book in a different genre is written with a special emphasis on character and craft and is labeled "upmarket." Depending on the project, I may be interested in working with you on your upmarket manuscript. How do I know if you are the right editor for me? Great question. First we take a little time to figure this out. I ask potential clients to fill out a quick survey, telling me about their project, their level of experience, and their goals for the project. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, but the responses will help me figure out if I'm the right person to work with you on your manuscript. After the survey, I offer a free consult by phone or Zoom so that you can ask me questions and, basically, see if you like me and can envision yourself working with me. If we're a good fit, I'll write up an proposal / agreement letter about terms, timeline, and cost, and you and l will tweak the letter until we're both ready to sign it. That way, you'll know exactly what to expect as we move forward. How much does editing cost? That all depends (1) on your manuscript — how long it is, how complex it is, how revised it is — and (2) on the kind of editing service you need. I'll ask to see the manuscript first so that I can get an idea of how much time and effort the project will require and then give you a quote. How much time will it take to get my work edited? Again, it depends on the length of your work, its complexity, and how much revision you may have already done — and the kind of editing service you request. For a full-length book, a rough estimate spans from a few weeks to a month or more. If you decide to hire me for "second-look editing," that will extend the time we work together. Contact me — I'd be happy to talk with you about your editing needs. |
"[Martha] took the time to really engage with the work, and she asked all of the right questions to help me move the work forward toward that next phase. I found her professional and kind and insightful." 
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