FAQs
Frequently-asked questions from prospective clients
General questions about services
Q: Â Why hire a professional writing editor? A: Â Once a manuscript is published in a journal, book chapter, magazine, etc., we can't "take it back". Â It's out there for everyone to see, with our name on it, and we want our work to be accurate and useful to as many readers as possible. This is why it's so important that the writing is nothing short of exemplary, and that's what I'm here to help you do. Â As a writing editor, I will help you make your written work more coherent, clear, engaging, and tailored to your particular type of reader, for maximum engagement and impact.
Q:  I'm already a strong writer, so do I still need an editor? A:  When our brain is immersed in a project, it's harder to appreciate ambiguities or lapses in logic which may frustrate your readers and/or leave them with an incomplete understanding of the information you worked so hard to generate.  As an objective "outsider" to your work, I am able to bring a fresh perspective, allowing me to catch important things before your writing is published. Handing me your well-written draft for final editing can also save you time, so you can move on to other projects while I edit.
Q: Â What sets you, The Writing Editor, apart from many other editors? A: Â There are individual differences in the ability to attend to detail, and (according to professionals who know me) I demonstrate a strong proclivity for picking up on the smallest details, whether related to nuances of meaning, the tiniest elements of grammar (which can also impact meaning), or aspects of design and layout. For my clients, this means that no opportunity for improvement will be missed, thereby maximizing the chance that your written work will be flawless. Additionally, I strongly recommend that we begin with a (free-of-charge) video or phone call to kick off the project you would like me to work on. A video/phone call facilitates the communication process so that we can arrive on the same page sooner, reach a successful completion more efficiently, and establish a more personalized approach to our collaboration.
Q: Â What kinds of writing do you edit? A: Â I edit manuscripts intended for publication in scientific journals, book chapters, workbooks, and magazines, as well as information to be featured on websites.
Q: Â What kinds of plain-language writing do you write? A: Â I "translate" scientific or technical written material into plain-language pieces intended for everyday laypeople, circulated or published on websites, in book chapters, workbooks, magazines, pamphlets, etc.
Q: Â Which subject areas do you focus on? A: Â I am able to edit/write content from the following fields: psychology, clinical psychology, psychopathology, mental health, psychosocial aspects of any given field (e.g., within veterinary medicine, sports medicine, performing-arts medicine, etc.), sociology, education, health, health care, wellness, and certain humanities.
Q: Â Are you a member of any professional organizations? A: Â Yes. I am a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), Editors Canada, and the Plain Language Association International (PLAIN).
Q: How much experience do you have with editing and plain-language writing? A: I have 33 years of experience editing other authors' writing (1992 to present), and 7 years of experience with plain-language writing (during specific years from 1999 to present). I am also a published author, having written or co-written many academic manuscripts.
Q: Are you able to edit or write in languages other than English? A: No, although I wish my answer were yes. My services are restricted to English-language editing and writing only.
Q: English is not my native language. Do you edit text written in English by ESL writers? A: Yes. I am happy to support ESL writers to ensure their final draft reflects flawless written English and fully articulates their intended message for readers.
Q: Do you work with writers and organizations in various countries? A: Yes. I enjoy contributing to others' success by offering my editing and plain-language services to writers and organizations from any country, as long as the drafts I'm asked to work on are written in English (as English is the only language in which I am competent at the level needed for a professional outcome).
Q: Do you also offer document design or layout support? A: Yes. ​In addition to editing and writing, I also have skills in document design and layout, as well as website-creation within certain platforms (with an example being my own website: https://www.the-writing-editor.com).  I really enjoy design-based work, and would be delighted to provide you with these services.
Nitty-gritty process-related questions
Q: Can we use a video or phone call to kick off the process for my project? A: Yes. In fact, for all clients, I strongly encourage us to begin with a video call or phone call. A video/phone call facilitates the communication process so that we can arrive on the same page sooner, reach a successful completion more efficiently, and establish a more personalized approach to our collaboration.
Q: Are multiple rounds of editing an option? A: Yes. In fact, many clients find multiple rounds of editing to be beneficial. Subsequent rounds of editing require less of my time (unless you have introduced new content or have inadvertently undone some of the grammar or flow improvements I made during the first round), and therefore are typically associated with a lesser fee.
Q: Are multiple rounds of work an option for your plain-language writing? A: Yes. Â If you would like me to adjust or add to the plain-language piece, we can arrange for this. Secondary rounds of writing typically require less of my time, and therefore are typically associated with a lesser fee.
Q: Are you willing to do rush jobs? A: I will consider rush jobs, depending on my availability. Please be aware that rush jobs incur a surcharge, billed at a modest percentage of the total fee, to reflect the intensity and extended workdays required to complete the work by your compressed deadline.
Q: Do you use AI tools like Grammarly or ChatGPT? A: No. My knowledge of grammar and ability to write (or re-write) and edit means I do not rely on AI tools. Because this knowledge already resides "in my head", it saves time because there is no need to move away from the manuscript to consult artificial supports. Also, AI writing-support tools can be error-prone and are never a substitute for a human editor or writer.
Fee-related questions
Q:  How are your editing fees determined? A:  My fees are based on an hourly rate that reflects the average for an editor of my level of education, experience, and skill. Because my fees are time-based, the more coherent and polished your draft is before it arrives in my hands, the less time it will take me to edit, thus reducing the cost. If your manuscript requires structural and/or stylistic support, the editing will take longer compared to if only copy editing is needed. Please reach out via my Contact form if you would like to inquire about my hourly rate.
Q: Â How are your plain-language writing fees determined? A: Â My fees are based on an hourly rate that reflects the average for a plain-language writer of my level of education, experience, and skill. More time will be needed for me to read and "translate" an original source of writing which is quite lengthy, highly technical, and/or if you require a plain-language product which is particularly detailed or lengthy. Please reach out via my Contact form if you would like to inquire about my hourly rate.
Q: What are the options regarding forms of payment? A: I prefer Interac e-Transfer if you are in Canada, or an equivalent form of EMT if you are outside of Canada. Bank cheques from your institution are also an option. If these forms of payment are not possible for your situation, we can consider other options. Please reach out via my Contact form to inquire about alternatives.
Q: How do you bill for multiple rounds of editing or plain-language tweaking? A: After you've reviewed my editing or plain-language writing, if you have additional requests for adjustments, I will bill this work separately. Secondary rounds are typically less costly, reasoning that the fine-tuning edits or adjustments to a plain-language piece will be required sporadically throughout the manuscript, allowing me to progress through the pages more quickly than during the first round.
Q: Do you offer incentives for referrals? A: Yes. If you refer me to a new client who hires me for an editing or plain-language writing project, you will receive a one-time discount 10% off your next project with me, as well as my sincere gratitude.