Author Editor Therapist

I am a lifelong grammar nerd and experienced wordsmith with an MFA in Creative Writing and 30+ years of experience as a writer, editor, and proofreader. More details in my bio, here.

As a freelancer, I work with individuals and organizations remotely on short- and long-term projects, including picture books, essays, memoir, creative nonfiction, academic nonfiction, and some fiction. I also consult on corporate magazines and brochures as well as higher-ed or nonprofit publications and marketing materials. 

I perform the following services with speed, accuracy, and compassion:

► Developmental Editing: We'll look at the big picture—organization, form, structure, audience, voice, tone, and purpose. We'll make decisions together about how best to proceed with short or long projects. I offer feedback by phone, Zoom, or electronically. Honest answers guaranteed.

► Editorial Assessment: I will read your entire manuscript and prepare a substantive report about what I believe is working and not working from a big-picture perspective as well as micro perspective and what needs to happen to make the manuscript the best it can be. I do not mark the page. Nonfiction, creative nonfiction, and picture books only.

► Copyediting: Line editing for grammar, punctuation, syntax, format, redundancy, clarity, flow, basic organization. I edit electronically with MS Word Track Changes.

► Proofreading: Checking grammar, punctuation, syntax. Fluent in APA and Chicago styles. Exceptionally persnickety. I'm a writer. I understand the stakes.

► Rewriting: You retain your voice. I collaborate with you to enhance it.

RATES

$150/hour for developmental editing and editorial assessments

$125/hour for copyediting

$100/hour for straight proofreading

For testimonials, click here.

Together, we focus on bolstering your writing practice, whether you are a novice or a veteran—from getting words on the page to setting and adhering to realistic goals, establishing positive habits, overcoming internal and external obstacles (including some Inner Critic exploration, if desired), and/or making strategic plans for submission or publication. 

Our work can also include craft discussions (nonfiction, creative nonfiction, picture books) for writers who want to develop and enhance their skills; and suggestions for "homework" such as readings or creative writing prompts. Direct text editing or manuscript assessments outside of coaching sessions are available as an add-on, as above.

MENU AND RATES 

1:1 Single Sessions

► $150 per 45-minute session; frequency TBD.

1:1 Multi-Week Sessions

► Six 45-minute sessions. Must be used within three months.
Cost: $855 for the package (save $45) or

► Twelve 45-minute sessions. Must be used within six months.
Cost: $1,700 for the package (save $100).

Five Years on Reedsy—A View from the Editor’s Chair 

At the beginning of the pandemic lockdown in 2020, as with many of us, I had to pivot to home-based work. I’d heard great things about Reedsy and was delighted to qualify as a copyeditor and proofreader as well as a developmental editor. I have expertise in several genres (memoir, self-help, and picture books), so I was curious what kinds of requests I’d get. I love variety and looked forward to working with a range of authors from different backgrounds with different levels of experience and motivation. 

It's been a wonderful journey so far! I’ve worked with writers from all over the world—Italy, Poland, Australia, the UK, and all across the USA. Because of my background as a psychotherapist, most of the requests I get are from laypeople who are either writing a personal memoir or are tackling a self-help book drawn from their own life experiences—sharing the lessons they’ve learned about relationships, happiness, addiction recovery, aging, spirituality, trauma recovery, and so on. 

Many of these authors have no prior publishing experience so they come to me eager but vulnerable—and I respect that. As a therapist, I’ve been trained to “meet clients where they are,” so I offer gentle but direct feedback with an emphasis on enhancing the author’s voice, not imposing mine. Once clients can see the power and benefits of a true collaboration, they relax and are able to move forward with more confidence and skill. I set my own rates and communicate directly with each client through online messaging. Sometimes we’ll schedule phone calls or Zoom meetings if it makes sense for the project, but that’s optional. 

Every day is different in a freelancer’s life. When a request and accompanying sample arrive in my inbox, it’s like a surprise gift—who are they? What are their ideas? Their passions? Can I help them or do I need to pass them on to another editor? Can I even fit them into my schedule? When I can’t, I can pause my availability and resume when I’m able. No pressure.

If you have editing or proofreading or any publishing-related experience and a solid portfolio and you’re looking for freedom and variety, click on this link and we’ll even share a $200 bonus! The service is easy to use and the support staff are always available and helpful. The best reward is when I get a message with a link to the author’s book and a lovely thank-you note for helping them reach their goal. What could be better than that?