1. Chatting with me

I'm not interested in numbers or pumping writers through a cookie-cutter funnel. I'm interested in you and the message you want to share.

So I always start out with a free 30-minute video chat on Zoom to chat about your goals, your book’s purpose, your ideal reader and how you want readers to react. Every document has a core message, what I like to lovingly refer to as its soul. Identifying this core message is vital to keep the document on-track, from how its editing through to how you get it in your reader's hands.

2. Choosing a service

You may already know what type of editing or design your document needs, or you may not. Once we chat about you and your project, I'll confirm or point you in the right direction and provide you with a quote.

3. Confirming the details

Once you're ready to go, we'll finalise all the details in a signed letter of agreement. I use the author–editor letter of agreement jointly created by the Australian Society of Authors and the Institute of Professional Editors.

This letter of agreement confirms the services you've choses and the price and timeline we've agreed to. It also covers standard copyright, indemnity and confidentiality. You'll get the change to read over the agreement and ask any questions you need before signing.

4. Sending and receiving the document

You have a few options for sending and receiving your files. For security, I recommend either sharing a cloud folder containing the file with me or using a service such as WeTransfer.

What file type do I need?

The file type depends on the service you need.

• For structural editing, copy editing and formatting, send and receive the document as a Microsoft Word file (separate style guide documents can be a Microsoft Word file, PDF file or a webpage).

• For proofreading, send and receive the document as either a PDF file or Microsoft Word file.

• For typesetting, send the document as a Microsoft Word file (with separate image files for any photos or graphics) and receive as a PDF file.

File extensions

• Microsoft Word files .doc, .docx, .rtf

• PDF files .pdf

• Image files .jpg, .jpeg, .png

If you have a different file type, let me know and I'll check if I can work with it or get it converted.

How long will it take?

The time it takes to edit or format your document depends on its length and which service you choose. Your exact delivery dates will be in the letter of agreement.

5. Asking follow up questions

Sometimes you want to understand more about an edit or you have questions about your next options. That's very common!

If you choose a per-word payment option, this includes a 30-minute (or 1-hour for structural editing services) follow up session. You can choose to have this via email, Zoom or a combination any time up to six months after receiving your edited document.

If you need extra time, you can book as much as you need at my hourly rate.