FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Take a swirl in this cauldron of questions—
let me know if you have others!
WHAT ARE YOUR RATES
Rates vary, but generally, they start on par with the industry standard of $65/hr when working with an experienced author and editor with multiple books. Packages are also available. No woman, BIPOC, LGBQTIA will be turned away for lack of funds.
HOW WILL WE WORK TOGETHER?
Through magic! (Also called the internet.) However, if you are in Portland, Chicago, California, or places I frequently visit, reach out, and we can work in person.
I’M NOT SURE ABOUT WHAT MY MANUSCRIPT NEEDS. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
You’ll typically hear editors use a few terms when discussing “editing a manuscript.”
Developmental editing is big-picture thinking that includes a critique and overview of your book's goals, structure, and strengths or document-in-process. I can provide this feedback through an author letter or in-line edits, which offers feedback throughout the manuscript on any gaps and deficits.
Line editing focuses on language usage, grammar and mechanics, flow, and clarity. I can also provide line editing for projects that need copy editing, website scrubbing, polishing, and basic feedback.
Copyediting and Proofreading are (usually) the final steps before your manuscript is ready for publication. Note that I generally edit copy if cleaning a manuscript is necessary.
I offer these services both as a package and as individual offerings. Fill out my contact form to tell me which is a good fit. Tell me a note about your project, publishing goals, audience, and inspirational and bookish hopes!!
WHAT TYPES OF PUBLISHERS ARE THERE?
Authors have several options for bringing their work into the world.
Self-publishing involves uploading your manuscript to Amazon KDP. I can help you with that!
Self-publishing involves more work for the author, but it has benefits. Reedsy breaks down self-publishing need-to-knows.
Hybrid publishing offers an author structure and community. Reedsy gives a great overview of hybrid publishing.
Traditional publishing is what many people refer to when they talk about “getting their book published.” To go this route, you’ll first need a literary agent. You’ll want a story that is fully developed and polished. And you will need a query letter. Many publishers will only look at agented manuscripts.
WHAT’S INVOLVED IN PREPARING MY MANUSCRIPT FOR PUBLICATION?
Great question. It’s a multi-step process:
Manuscript development -- Writing your story! Some writers prefer to do a complete outline, while some prefer to write by the seat of their pants.
Developmental editing & coaching -- I offer feedback on big-picture elements at this stage (link). I also offer book coaching services for authors who would like some help (link). Working with a coach can help you get unstuck -- and they can provide tools and exercises to help you create compelling stories and characters.
Then there is Line Editing — Copyediting — And proofreading to do! If you’re going the self-publishing route, you’ve got a few more steps: Cover Design --Formatting -- Promotion.
DO I NEED TO HAVE A MANUSCRIPT FINISHED BEFORE COACHING OR EDITING?
No. It can be beneficial to get feedback on what you have so far—and I can also offer book coaching and exercises if you’re stuck on a chapter.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BOOK COACHING?
I offer feedback, check-ins, creative writing prompts, weekly or bi-weekly manuscript evaluation, chats via video or email, outlining, guidance, and helping you set intentions. Let me know in the Contact Me form which works best for you.
WHAT IS IN YOUR PORTFOlIO?
Visit https://kfactor.contently.com for the latest projects.
Several projects I have done are no longer online, and several are in the process of being published. Additionally, I do not post works-in-progress as editing samples due to confidentiality.
ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO GIVE A TALK?
Yes! I love talking about craft. I am available to speak on the following subjects: Creativity, the Craft of Writing, Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, interactive or hybrid texts, Creative Reading, the Arts, Music as Literature, Mythic Studies, and Wellness. Inquire about free-of-charge appearances and rates.