Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is working with an editor like?

Working with an editor is an exciting part of bringing your story to life, but it's important to find an editor who delivers a thorough product. My job as an editor is to look through your work and, depending on the level of editing you're paying for, provide you with manuscript and accompanying email with clear, honest feedback. Face-to-face communication with an editor is rather rare: note that I am not coaching or cowriting this product for you. However, I am open to making necessary accommodations for those with disabilities.

I expect work sent to me to be formatted legibly, according to industry standards. If you provide me with work that doesn't meet this requirement, I will return the work and give you formatting feedback. AI-written work will not be accepted. 

Manuscripts should be sent double-spaced in 12-point Arial/Times New Roman font and should include page numbers, title pages, and a table of contents. Screenplays and teleplays should be sent in 12-point Courier/Courier Prime font and spaced/aligned according to standard scriptwriting guidelines. To facilitate editing, copy should be formatted like manuscripts (without the title pages, page numbers, and contents).

My first project with you will begin with a free consultation to meet me and discuss your project. This consultation will happen before or after you get a sample edit from me (see question 3). If you choose to hire me, I will provide you with a contract. You can go over contract terms with me before signing and paying the 50% retainer. You will then send me your work as a Microsoft Word/Pages document for manuscripts and copy, or a PDF or Final Draft file (versions 8-11 accepted) for screenplays and teleplays. I will make my edits and deliver the product to you with the "Track Changes" feature on for you to review. 

We will repeat the editing process as often as needed before I give you the remaining 50% invoice.

2. Should I seek an editor or a ghostwriter for my project?

It will depend on how involved you will need me for your project. Editors suggest changes to your work, though it will be your responsibility and decision to approve of their changes. Face-to-face communication is generally rather infrequent. You will also be required to be comfortable with word processors to look over changes and feedback.

Ghostwriters are tasked with writing the project based on extensive client communication and thorough notes. I will need to capture your voice, your story, and your entire vision. Working with a ghostwriter will require more of your time, but you will receive a more professional product than what you may be capable of producing.

Editing is more affordable than ghostwriting because it is less labor-intensive, but hiring an editor will require much more pre-work from you (see question 5). 

If you have a start-to-finish product, seek an editor. If you have notes and a strong, non-fiction idea, seek a ghostwriter. 

3. What can I do to know that you're the right fit for me?

If you're looking for an editor, you can email me a five-page sample of your work to allison@astraleditingservices.com. I suggest that you select your provided sample from the middle of your work, where writing is typically less polished. If you are not comfortable with sharing a sample of the work you want me to edit, you can send me a five-page sample of something in the same medium. In the case of copy, your provided sample can be something around 500 to 1,000 words written from scratch. 

Only new clients are permitted to request a sample, and no more than one free sample will be allowed. 

If you want me to be a ghostwriter or transcriber, schedule a free consultation by emailing me at the address I just provided or filling out the form in the "Contact" tab of this site. I will reply to your inquiry within 1-3 business days.

4. I'm seeing copyediting/proofreading, line editing, and developmental editing: what are the differences, and why are they priced that way?

Copyediting/proofreading is the least extensive form of editing. I will look at grammar, punctuation, formatting, spelling, and word usage. For this reason, it is the cheapest form of editing. 

Line editing should happen after copyediting. This stage will address syntax, clarity, and sentence structure. It strengthens your language and voice. 

Developmental editing is the most expensive, most thorough stage. I will look at the "big picture" of your work and address consistency, character development, plot development, world-building, and structure.

I recommend that you hire me for one of these editing stages. Send me your most updated draft without concurrently working with other editors for different stages. Doing so will ease the editing process for you, as it will prevent a single draft from having two/three different versions. 

I also recommend that you provide me with a draft that is at the appropriate stage of editing. Copyedit your work before sending it in for line editing, and line edit before developmental editing. 

5. When should I seek an editor for my project?

First step is to finish your first draft. How exciting! Now, wait about a week or two to give your brain a little separation from your work. 

I then suggest that you read through your work before giving it to an editor. Your work does not have to be perfectly polished before sending it to me: that's for the publisher. However, reading through your work before hiring a professional will give you a better idea about what your story needs. It will also give you a chance to clean it up yourself before paying money to have it cleaned up for you. 

All you need is the ability to pay for these services (note that payment plans can be provided) and a piece of writing with a beginning, middle, and end. 

6. Is transcribing right for me?

Transcribing services are great for clients with visual disabilities, dyslexia, motor disabilities, or any other condition in which creating and providing a professional with an audio recording of your story is preferable. 

I will not ask you to justify your reason for wanting transcription services. Like any service I provide, I will hold a free consultation with you before setting the job up to discuss the work further.

7. You're based out of the U.S. Do you only take clients from the United States?

No, you do not need to be American to work with me. I have worked with people from the United Kingdom and Ireland, and I'm open to clients from around the world. For everyone's feasibility, be mindful of time zones, especially if you're hiring me as a ghostwriter. Pricing is in USD.

I will only work on projects in English. To ensure accuracy, I will edit your work according to the grammatical standards of your country by adjusting my language settings. 

8. How can I contact you? 

You can email me at allison@astraleditingservices.com or go to the "Contact" tab and fill out the message form. Expect a response from me within 1-3 business days.

You can also call or message me at 612-405-0552. 

If you are contacting me for the first time, please introduce yourself and your stated purpose for contacting.