How Does it Work, and What Does it Cost?
I work with clients in various stages of the writing process. Some have fully drafted manuscripts or dissertations that they hope to revise into readable books; others have an idea they want to talk over to see what potential it might hold. I bring careful attention to your project and help you see it from a reader’s point of view. Because talking about your project can be so helpful at any stage of writing, this process creates an ongoing conversation which is often a source of intellectual companionship, encouragement and support.
Step 1: Introductory Phone Conversation (free!)
The first step is a phone call. I’ll invite you to tell me about your project. I’ll ask you some questions to help me understand your goals and challenges. And I’ll explain how I work, so you have a clear sense of what to expect, and can decide whether it will be helpful for you.
Step 2: Manuscript Review and follow-up conversation ($200-$400)
Next, I’ll read the entire manuscript to get a sense for the project as a whole. I’ll prepare written comments that explain what I see: what I think the writing is striving to do, where the writing is at its clearest and most powerful, what sorts of habits and gestures the writer has, and what I think I could helpfully do if we work together further. Once you have had a chance to read and think about these comments, we’ll talk again. For some authors, this process provides a basic “map” of things to work on, as well as greater clarity about project itself, and they stop there. For others, this is the beginning of a more extensive partnership, and we delve into the writing with much more focus, a chapter at a time.
Step 3: Detailed Chapter Editing ($55/hour)
In this stage, I use the Comments feature in Word to make detailed comments page-by-page. My aim is to help you make your argument effective and your voice authentically yours, consistent and appropriate to you audience. I work by pointing out choices that you have — do you mean to say this, or that? Is this more true to your aims, or is this other option, or even: I think what you’re really, deep down wanting to say is this, is that true? I aim to be very constructive, not only pointing out where revision is needed but also suggesting ways to make improvements. Once what you want to say is clear, I work to help you make the shift from constructing an argument to making your book hospitable to your readers. I get enthusiastic about projects! I find that it’s very helpful to have an enthusiastic reader when you may be weary or burned out in the lengthy and exhausting process of writing. Like a midwife, my aim is to guide and support you.
Other Editing:
While the process outlined above is designed for book-length manuscripts, I come to know your work extremely well, and this means I can often help with smaller pieces of writing as well. I have helped clients prepare public lectures, and edit articles, single book chapters, research statements, and application essays.