Frequently asked...

How does this work?

Email me: lisa.elementaledits@gmail.com. Tell me your genre, word count, timeline, and type of editing considered. Attach the first chapter of your manuscript. Then ask me any questions you wish! I'll reply with answers and let you know if I can accommodate your timeline.

What genres do you prefer?

Each genre has its own beats, reader expectations, and little “unwritten rules” that can make or break a story. In order to give your manuscript the sharpest, most thoughtful edit, I focus on the genres I know deeply: thriller, suspense, horror, spec, sci-fi, action-adventure, paranormal, & romance. I also edit science non-fiction.

Are all five types of edits separate?

No. I usually do developmental editing along with structural editing since they are both ten-thousand foot views of the story structure, plot, theme, and character. I also complete line editing and copyediting together since they both live in sentence-land. I tack on proofreading with copyediting.

Why don't you do proofreading on its own?

Proofreading is easy. Any AI can do it for free. --Not so for developmental, structural, line, or copy editing. I tack on proofreading with every copyedit I perform. However, if all you want or need is proofreading, we can talk.

Will you steal my ideas?

Heavens no! Not only is pirating reeeeally poor form and ethically reprehensible, but I have a backlog of ideas of my own that are also quite brilliant. [Sidebar: I only write speculative thrillers grounded in science not yet explored in fiction.]

What file format do you prefer?

I prefer .docx. I will engage Track Changes for line edits and proofreading and write feedback comments on the side.

Where did you go to college?

I attended the University of Wisconsin for my undergraduate degrees in English/Writing and Applied Molecular Biology. For grad work, I attended the University of Maryland and the Medical University of South Carolina. I also worked as a molecular biologist and genetic engineer. I'm a scientist-storyteller hybrid in the best possible way. Dual engines!

Are there genres you prefer not to work with?

I do not edit erotica, western, young adult, children's literature, literary fiction, fantasy, police procedurals, historical, women's fiction, or magical realism.

How much is this gonna cost me?

Not as much as you'd think! For a combination of line, copy, and proof, you're looking at $0.01 per word. For a combination of developmental and structural, $0.012 per word. For the full repertoire (dev, structural, line, copy, proof), $0.015 per word.