Vanessa May Co
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​Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a “good writer” to hire you?
Not at all. You just need to have a story you want to tell.
You don’t need perfect grammar or a polished manuscript—that’s what I’m here for. I’ll help shape your words so your message is clear, your voice shines through, and your story connects with readers.
Many of my clients are writing a book for the first time, and they worry they’re “not good enough.” But the truth is, if you’ve written your story with heart, you’re already more than enough. I’ll walk alongside you and handle the editing—with care, clarity, and zero judgment.
 ​I’VE NEVER WORKED WITH AN EDITOR BEFORE—WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH YOU ON MY MEMOIR?
I’m here to make the process seamless and stress-free—here’s how it works:
  1. We begin with a free discovery call. It’s a relaxed conversation where I learn about you and your memoir, and you can ask anything about the editing process.
  2. I send you a custom proposal. This includes pricing, timeline, deliverables, and exactly what you can expect—no surprises.
  3. We both sign a simple contract. This keeps everything clear and professional.
  4. You send me your manuscript—and I get to work.
    I do two full rounds of editing:
    • First, I complete the initial edit and send it to you with suggestions, comments, and questions.
    • Once you’ve made revisions, you send it back for a second, final edit to polish everything up.
  5. You’re never in the dark. I provide a progress update about halfway through so you always know where things stand. And I’m always open to questions—you can reach out anytime.
  6. Optional post-design proofreading. If you’re working with a book designer, I can also edit the designed PDF to make sure it’s clean and ready for print.
My goal is to walk alongside you with care, clarity, and kindness—so you can focus on your story while I handle the editing.
How long does the editing process take?
It varies depending on the length and complexity of your manuscript, but here’s a general idea:
  • 20,000 words or less: 2 weeks or less
  • 20,000–40,000 words: 4 weeks or less
  • 40,000–60,000 words: 6 weeks or less
  • 60,000–80,000 words: 8 weeks or less
  • 80,000–100,000 words: 10 weeks or less
In our discovery call, we’ll discuss your publishing goals and I’ll work with you to create a timeline that fits your needs. Every manuscript is unique, and I’ll ensure the editing process stays efficient while maintaining the quality and care your story deserves.
How much does editing cost?
The cost of editing can vary depending on a few factors, including the length, complexity, and type of work involved. These factors can include things like how much restructuring is needed, how much feedback you require, and whether the manuscript needs a lot of stylistic adjustments or is relatively polished.
Generally, my editing rates are:
  • $0.02 to $0.05 per word. For example, for a 30,000-word manuscript, the cost would range from $600 to $1,500 depending on the specifics of your manuscript.
    ​
If you decide to add post-design proofreading (which is for reviewing the designed PDF of your book), the cost is approximately $0.0095 per word. For a 30,000-word manuscript, that would be $285.
The exact cost will be outlined in the custom proposal after our discovery call, ensuring we have a clear understanding of your project’s scope.
© COPYRIGHT Vanessa May Co 2025.
​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • Memoir Editing
    • Editing
  • Portfolio
  • Helpful Resources
  • Contact