Member, Editorial Freelancers Association
Experience
I earned a Master of Arts in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College. I then went on to work as a project manager for Houghton Mifflin and development editor for Pearson before leaving to focus on my family and my own writing.
Sample Edits
I will look at the first chapter of a manuscript for free to determine whether I feel I can be of any help to the author. Note that I do not read erotica or gore (some sex and horror are okay; content warnings are appreciated). Absolutely NO animal cruelty, as in NO graphic torture or murder of animals.
Q: What do you charge?
I charge $0.024 per word, rounded UP to the nearest thousand words. For that, you get three passes of edits, which include both grammar correction and proofreading/copy editing (I use Merriam-Webster as my dictionary), plus running commentary in which I will mark anything inconsistent or any holes or open questions that agents or readers are likely to have while reading, giving you (the author) an opportunity to address those issues. I ask for 50% at the time I begin work and 50% upon completion, payable through Venmo or PayPal.
Q: Do you do consultations?
Yes, I charge $30 per hour, rounded up to the nearest half hour, for phone or Zoom consultations in which we discuss the plot of your book, brainstorm solutions to writing problems, discuss the industry—however you choose to use the time. Reach out to schedule a consultation, and once I know how long you want to chat, I will request a deposit to save the time on my calendar.
Q: Why are you so inexpensive?
Because editing isn’t what pays my bills. I just believe in being paid for my time, effort, and skill. I’m flattered when people trust me with their work—and usually my clients come via referral from people I already know—and I accept only about three editing jobs per year due to having my own projects and deadlines. I have a degree in writing, and I worked in publishing as an editor, so it’s not lack of ability that causes my rates to be low. I simply don’t rely on freelance work for my livelihood and have no interest in eclipsing those who do, so I am selective about the projects I accept and do not take very many.
Q: Do you beta read?
I do sometimes beta read if I can fit it into my schedule. My reads include feedback/commentary. Please contact me if you’re interested in having me beta read your book.
Q: How can I reach you?
The best way to reach me is via social media. I’m @mplbooks.bsky.social on Bluesky, and MPL Books on YouTube. If you’ve been referred to me by a client, you will probably have my email and can contact me that way.
Some books I’ve worked on include:
- You Are Not Alone: A Heartfelt Guide to Grief, Healing, and Hope by Debbie Augenthaler
- The Vintner’s Legacy by Kristen Harnisch
- No Accounting for Destiny by Kimberly Emerson (beta reader)
- Various textbooks for West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and ITT Technical Institute