Rates

I charge per hour or per 1,000 words depending on the project. For example, you may only need light copy-editing of a thesis, in which case I will likely charge you on a per 1,000-word basis. Or you may have a monograph that requires significant restructuring and rewriting, and two or more editing passes involving a fair amount of back-and-forth communication by email or phone. It may then be more reasonable for me to bill hourly.

Based on the information you give me about your project and needs – including a short sample (3–5 pages) of your work – I will send you a tailored quote. This will be based on a number of factors such as the nature and length of your document, the type and level of editing it requires, and your desired time frame, as well as any special needs (e.g. English as a second language and rushed or weekend service). The quote is non-binding until we have agreed on the rate and total cost, and I have started the work.

All quotes include a 5% admin fee.

Sample Edit

If you would like to get a sense of what my editing looks and feels like, I am able to provide a short sample edit of your document. I charge a nominal fee for this edited sample of about 1,000 words. If you then decide to hire me for the whole work, I will be happy to deduct this cost from your final invoice.

Payment

I do not require a deposit. On completion of the work, I will send you an invoice to be paid within 10 days. If it is an hourly project, I will bill you based on a schedule that we have agreed upfront.

I accept payment by bank transfer in British pounds, U.S. dollars, or South African rands. If you make an international bank transfer, I ask that you (the sender) pay any associated bank fees or charges.

Time Frame

My turnaround time is guided by your needs and my availability. What is important to know is that I will deliver in the time frame we have agreed.

Workflow

Once we have agreed on the details, you simply send me your document in Microsoft Word, or should the file be too large, share it with me via Dropbox or WeTransfer.

If I am copy-editing or reference checking, I will track all changes for your review and return the edited draft to you by the agreed deadline. With the edited draft in hand, you can ask me any questions about my suggested changes and comments.

If I am doing a developmental edit, I will initially send you a report with my assessment of your work, as well as constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement, rather than a marked-up document. Based on this evaluation, if you would like to work further with me, a mark-up is the next step.

I work mainly over email and phone. But if you are based locally, we can also meet and talk about your project over a cup of coffee or tea. To get in touch with me for the first time, click here.

More Information

If you have a question that has not been answered here, do get in touch with me.