Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer a sample of your work before I decide on a level of service?

Yes! Check the Services section for instructions on how to request a Sample Edit of your first chapter. The Sample Edit is a line-by-line edit of the first chapter of your novel, as well as a short critique. If you’re satisfied with the first chapter, you may send the rest of the manuscript with a new order form and instructions for the remainder of the book.

Why do you charge a flat rate for all of your services?

Most freelance editorial services, typically, charge on a per-page basis. This usually ranges around $5 per page. I have always felt this is unfair to any writer because I have never, NEVER, seen a manuscript that has had an equal amount of errors on every page. So to charge on a per-page basis has never crossed my mind. Since I primarily make my income on authorial consulting as well as publishing, my goal with Final Draft Literary is to make a few extra writers’ manuscripts stand out from the rest of the slush pile. I enjoy working with talented new authors who just need an extra push to break into the publishing world.

Can you guarantee satisfaction?

No one can guarantee complete satisfaction, primarily because what I offer are suggestions, and it’s up to you to determine which to take to heart and which to discard. What I am always willing to offer is a partial refund based on your level of satisfaction, minus an hourly rate for evaluation of your work. I do this because I’m very confident in my experience and abilities as an impartial editor. I have spent the past three years workshopping and critiquing other writers’ works. I praise what deserves to be praised and I’m tough where I feel criticism is necessary. To date, I have not received a single refund request.

Do you offer testimonials?

Yes! Email me with a request for testimonials with satisfied clients and I will put you touch with them personally. For the sake of privacy, I leave testimonials off the Web site. These satisfied authors are happy to answer any questions you may have concerning my service.

Are you willing to help with query letters, synopses, etc.?

Call or contact me for more information. I am generally very willing to offer any expertise I can in regards to the submission process. For business-related inquiries (newsletter copy editing, Web site copy editing, etc.), please contact me.

How do you differ from other freelance editors?

My specialty is creative writing. My Bachelor’s Degree is in creative writing from University of Wisconsin. I also studied at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, one of the most prestigious graduate writing universities in the country, with professor James A. MacPherson. Professor MacPherson is a Pulitzer prize winner in fiction. I have two novels in publication, as well as more than half a dozen short stories in various magazines and more to come over the course of the next year. In addition, I have taught a three-credit creative writing course and have more than seven years of copy editing experience in both non-fiction and fiction.

The majority of editing services operating presently focus mainly on grammatical and other mechanical services for manuscripts, with little help or credentials for a thoughtful analysis of plot, setting, characterization, and literary structure of the work. As a published author as well as creative fiction and non-fiction editor for five years at Brew City Magazine, I specialize in both line-by-line editing of English language and literary structure in regards to plot, setting, etc.

Do you personally perform all the editing and critiques?

I work with another editor on every project. Together, we provide each project with two unique perspectives with two separate critiques to provide every writer with multiple perspectives, emulating the most successful writing workshop settings.

I’m planning to self-publish. What are the benefits of having my work edited?

In my experience, no manuscript has ever gone from submission to print without passing through the hands of at least two editors. With self-publishing, your work probably won’t be seen by a single editor. If you plan to self-publish, you’ll need to find your own editor to look at the work and give you feedback, and it’s most critical that you do this. Authors who self-publish without any outside editing help can be spotted a mile away. There’s a reason major publishers employ numerous levels of editors, and those who self-publish simply aren’t afforded the luxury of the editorial process.

I’m free to answer any other questions you may have. You can contact me via email or by phone during regular business hours. This page is also frequently updated with new questions and answers.

Editor@FinalDraftLiterary.com Business phone: 414-803-5351