How do I start working with you?
First, we’ll have a complimentary call to make sure we’re the right fit for each other and that I can meet your deadlines. Generally, these last about 30 minutes. It is really important for me to get to know you as a person and as a scholar. I will ask a lot of questions so that I have a good sense of the scope of your project, where you’re at in the process, your timeline for completion, how your manuscript fits into your academic/career goals, any special needs or concerns, etc. I will also answer all of your questions. The initial call is non-negotiable as I learned the hard way (once) trying to communicate solely by email. If we’re a good fit, I will send you a brief working agreement to sign. And, then, we’re off and running!
What if I have a tight timeline?
We’ll have a detailed conversation about your timelines on our first call. Once I know your deadlines, I will block time into my calendar. If you need to push things back, it’s almost never a problem. If you need to move things up, I will do my best. However, I will not bump a commitment to one client to accommodate another client’s lack of planning.
How will we communicate?
I generally work Monday through Saturday. The best way to reach me is text or email. I don’t answer my phone while I’m editing because it’s distracting; but, I do respond to voicemails when I take a break. If we need a phone call, I am always happy to schedule a call that accommodates your time zones, work schedules, and WhatsApp or Skype for non-U.S. clients. I don’t charge for quick check-in calls or time spent catching up as human beings in collaboration.
How do you monitor your time on my manuscript?
I use a timer that monitors editing to the minute. You will receive updated editing logs every step of the way so that you know exactly how your invoice dollars are spent. To date, I have never worked with a millionaire scholar for whom money is no object. So, I am conscientious about doing my very best to keep your costs down. Click here to see a sample editing log.
About working from home. . . .
In response to some questions I’ve gotten from new clients about working at home. . . . I keep my phone off and do not check email when I am on the clock for you. That’s why I rarely answer your calls (they go to voicemail) and prefer to schedule calls. I may grab a quick refill of coffee or tea, but you are not charged if I eat lunch, make a phone call, or do laundry. LOL!
What academic disciplines and industries do you work with?
There are so many different academic disciplines and industry specialties that it’s hard to answer this question. I am very realistic about my abilities and our initial call will determine if I am a good fit for you, and vice versa. Click here to see a list of areas where I am comfortable working and have experience.
How much do you charge?
My business is more than 90% referral-based. So, oddly, that is often the last question asked. It’s hard to provide a specific estimate as there are so many factors that impact the amount of time it takes to edit a manuscript: length of the manuscript, quality of the writing, number of rewrites, number of references, number of tables and figures, number of appendices, etc. I can provide a rough estimate based on a formula grounded in the work I have done with other clients. The blessing in having done this for a while is that I know the questions to ask to keep costs to a minimum.
I regularly do market research; I am definitely not the cheapest, but I am also not the most expensive. If you are looking for cheap, your best bet is to Google “dissertation editors.” If you want meticulous quality, commitment to meeting your deadlines, and someone who is thrilled to be on your team, we’re probably a match!
Do you have payment plans?
For better or worse, I am not Bank of America and this is my full-time business, not a side gig. I do offer “volume discounts” for longer projects or doctoral students when we start working at the proposal stage. I can break payments into two payments, half up front and half at completion. Why half up front? Because I am a service-based business. I cannot get my time back if you don’t pay me. Fortunately, I have only had one instance of problems with payments.
How do I pay you?
I use Square, which is like Paypal. I prefer Square because my clients do not have to set up accounts. I have my account set up so that your information is not stored. This virtually eliminates the risk of identity theft, as long as you use security software on your end. Square has equal or better security compared to Paypal.