EDITORIAL PROCESS

I collaborate with you to make your story shine brightly and authentically. My mission is to guide you toward the best possible version of your writing while respecting your unique voice and vision. In editing, I keep the best interest of both reader and writer in mind. My editorial approach is rooted in compassion and honesty.

If you entrust me with your writing, in return I want you to feel empowered to take that writing to the next level, on your terms. How do I accomplish this? By providing clear and transparent edits, by offering options and guidance for solving problems, by explaining mechanics so you can deepen your craft, by making suggestions that will help your writing shine if you – and only you – decide they work for you. It's your story.

Getting Started 

Let's chat! Send me an email at jennybartoy AT gmail DOT com, and we can schedule a conversation. Most projects begin with a discussion of your project needs and goals. For book-length edits, I ask for a project synopsis to understand your vision for the project. Then I craft a letter of agreement detailing the project scope, we commit to a timeline, and the work begins. 

Estimate and Rate​

I follow the editorial rates listed on the EFA website. For an average manuscript, I tend to charge $1,000-1,500 for an evaluation and $2,500-4,000 for a developmental or line edit. Cost depends on word count and manuscript quality. On most projects, I can provide a clear estimate only after I see your manuscript or a representative sample. I require half of payment up front and the second half (adjusted for actual word count if needed) upon delivery of my work.

Schedule

My availability fluctuates. I typically book projects 2 to 4 months in advance. My turnaround for a manuscript evaluation averages 4 weeks. For a developmental or line edit, it can be up to 6 weeks. I maintain availability year-round for short projects and coaching. 

Format and Style​

My manuscript evaluation comes to your inbox as a PDF document. I provide developmental and line edits in Microsoft Word with Track Changes or in Google Docs with the Suggesting function, depending on your preference. I am trained in using the Chicago Manual of Style favored in literary publishing. 

Expectations

Awaiting edits can cause anxiety. This trepidation is normal: you're paying your editor to peel the layers of your writing. Your editor has your best interest at heart, along with your future reader's, and that entails identifying what hinders your story from shining — in other words, pointing out its flaws. Hopefully you feel a sense of clarity and fresh motivation when reviewing editorial feedback. But reading through edits may sometimes cause discomfort. Your art has been critiqued, your thoughtful work picked apart. 

If at first you're ill at ease, I recommend stepping away from edits until emotions subside. Give yourself some distance; typically a couple of weeks help. If your editor has done their work with care, nuance, and compassion, their feedback will soon appear constructive. And remember, your story is yours. You are free to implement the edits that click for you — and disregard the rest. 

Referrals

​Most editors recommend that you get a different set of eyes on your manuscript for each stage of editing (dev/line edit, copy edit, proofread). Editors are human and fallible, and this helps to catch errors that a professional too familiar with your project might miss. I'm happy to recommend editors for your project's next phase.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns. My goal is for prospective clients to feel excited and confident about the editing process. 

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