Can you share your rates?

The Editorial Freelancers Association has a rate calculator that should give you a sense of the rate per word. Everyone is looking for something slightly different at the moment they reach out to me, so I prefer that we chat about your needs so I can send a specific proposal for your project, often a mix of developmental editing, copyediting, an editorial letter, and a follow-up phone call to make sure your questions are answered and you’re ready to move forward with the edited draft.

Why is your company named Jonquil?

When I first moved into my home, I planted fifty daffodils and jonquils in the yard. What I didn’t know was that the bulbs would split and double each year. This is what I hope for my business and my clients, planting and planning now for the future, creating opportunity to make something bloom. I have been lucky to work with many returning clients whose books have done just that, and in turn the business has flourished as their writing projects increased in number and ambition.

Though the flowers are best known as symbols of luck and friendship, jonquils were also associated with the underworld in Greek mythology. They can be shared as a sign of support in difficult times. I’ve worked with authors who have tackled many subjects related to grief.

I have worked with those who are just starting out, with retirees who are finally writing the novel they always dreamed of, and with established authors and poets. Whatever stage your project is in today, I look forward to cultivating this rich earth with you.

Do you have relationships with specific publishers?

While I have connections that I will share if they apply to your project, I am not a publicist. I will help you edit your book to be the best it can be, and will help you envision your book in the world, so we can find people doing that kind of work within the field. It will be up to you to find the right publisher for your project. I cannot promise publication, only a long track record of clients who have found success after our work together.

How long does the editing process take?

Depending on my current schedule and the scope the project, I typically edit a book in about two months. We will then work together to set a timeline for edits or additional section review. As a lone editor I can provide personalized service and one-on-one feedback, but I can book up fast.

Please reach out to me if you hope to have me review your project at a specific time. I’m told it can be a great motivator to book time and have a deadline to share your work!

When and how do you accept payment?

The first half of the advance is due upon signing, and the second upon delivery of the editorial letter and developmental/line edit.

Jonquil Editorial LLC accepts Stripe, so any credit cards are convenient, or we can arrange a physical check if you prefer. If you’re an international client, please let me know if you need other accommodations.

What does that have to do with your company?

When I moved to my home, I planted fifty daffodils and jonquils in the yard. What I didn’t know was that the bulbs would split and double each year. When I started the business, I wanted a sense that it would boom—doubling in blooms each year. And I’ve been lucky to work with many returning clients whose books increase in number and ambition.

Though they’re best known as flowers that show luck and friendship, jonquils were also associated with the underworld in Greek mythology. They can be given as a sign of support in difficult times. I’ve worked with authors who have tackled subjects related to grief, trauma, and other nuanced subjects. I’ve also worked with retirees who are finally writing the novel they always dreamed of. It’s a healthy mix.

You wrote “fifty” in Chicago Style. Do you also know AP Style?

Yes. I copyedited Kenyon Review Online for about five years, following the Chicago Manual of Style. This is the style followed by most book publishers. I’ve spent more than two years working with a major media brand that follows AP Style. If you’re working on a book or article that’s nonfiction, I’m happy to work with you.

Do you work with first-time authors?

So glad you asked. Yes! Debut authors were my specialty when I worked at bigger presses, and I was delighted to work with first-time authors when I was fiction editor for the Kenyon Review. If you’re wondering where to start, I’d love to hear from you.