Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten. — Neil Gaiman
Wanna know a secret? You’re a rock star! How do I know? Because you’ve written an entire book! And, because you want to publish the best book you possibly can. That’s why you’re here, on a quest to hire an editor who can help you.
Handing over your book baby to a complete stranger—one whose own mission is to notice every flaw and mistake—is terrifying. But I’m committed to making the process as painless and rewarding as possible. So, yeah, you’re about to embark on a journey into a dark forest—but that’s why I want to be your sidekick. After all, I’ve got the map!
Your journey begins when you submit your application. I'll reply within 24 hours, and we'll begin a dialogue about your manuscript, my schedule, the editing costs, and all other details that go into planning this quest.
Once you, the magic writer and hero of our tale, request a free trial edit, you'll send me your whole manuscript—all of its bits and parts—in a Word document (sorry! no Google docs, Scrivener templates, .txt files, or other ancient scribe technology allowed). I'll read up to five chapters of your tale to get a feel for your writing and the story and do a full line edit on one.
If the manuscript is ready for editing and I connect with your work, I'll send you the completed trial edit and what editing level I think would make it shine. I'll also include a no-obligation quote, so you'll know the cost up front.
Yay! You love what you see in the trial edit and quote, and you've decided to undertake the quest before you. You send me a You're Hired message and we do a little pre-journey celebrating. (I'll have a Starbucks caramel macchiato. What's your poison?)
I'll email a Letter of Agreement with a schedule for our journey and all the stops we'll make along the way (i.e., a detailed scope of work). You'll reply with your input or changes, and we'll finalize the LOA. You'll sign it, send the 50% deposit, and the journey begins!
I'll put on my editing armor (more like some chillout tunes and fuzzy socks) and get to work slaying those grammar goblins. I'll communicate with you through the whole journey (weekly check-ins) concerning the schedule, my work, or any questions about the manuscript.
Success! The editing dragon has been slayed and the journey is complete. I'll send your manuscript and the edits we agreed on within the scope of work, and you'll pay the balance of your quote. Your manuscript is now magically transformed!
Learn more about the Magic Words editing services.
Still confused? You might find the answers you seek,
padawan, if you read these FAQs.