writing consultation
FAQ
What do you mean by “writing consultation”?
I mean that instead of editing your writing for grammar, punctuation, and other copy editing-level fixes (see below), we'll sit down and have a conversation about your piece, and I'll use questions and suggestions to help you get your writing where you want it to go. This is excellent for brainstorming all the way up through final drafts, in terms of content, clarity of argument, plot holes, character growth, and many other elements, depending on the genre of your work. (Consider it the Socratic method of developmental editing, if you like.)
What's the difference between developmental editing and copy editing?
Developmental editing is content-based, and is earlier in the process than copy editing. This is where I'll ask clarifying questions about, for example, plot, characters, or consistency in a novel; theses and transitions in an argumentative essay; or narrative voice and emotional hooks in a personal narrative. This kind of editing is based in digging into your text and ideas and asking lots of questions to draw out the next steps for you to take.
Copy editing is right at the end of the process, and is meant to be the final coat of polish after you've worked hard on your writing: punctuation, grammar, tiny sentence-level tweaks that finalize your piece and make it ready for the rest of the world-- or whoever your audience might be.
Will you write my ____ for me?
That depends on what fills in the blank there... Do you want to hire me to research and write an article or research paper for a professional setting? Heck yes! Contact me. Do you want me to write your homework for you? No, my friend, you have to do that yourself. (I'd love to help you with it though!)
What are your rates?
Copyediting, writing consultation, research (and more) all have different hourly rates. Check out the packages I offer, or contact me with your needs for a custom quote. I am able to offer a limited number of sliding scale rates for students, non-profits, or low-income clients, depending on availability.
Do we need to meet in person?
I find writing consultation more effective (and usually more fun) via conversation, but it's definitely not a requirement! I can make developmental editing comments on documents remotely, or we can Skype for meetings--however works best for you, I'm happy to work digitally to accommodate writers from all around the world.