Frequently Asked Questions
How do I work with you?
Communicating via email is often the most efficient way to get projects done. If you’re not a fan of email, we can chat via phone. First, we will talk about your goals and needs and then I will provide you with a quote and timeline for your project. If you need writing, I will create a draft and email it to you for feedback. For editing projects, you will send me your original text and I will send back an edited document with notes and suggestions. If necessary, after the first round we will work together to revise and adjust the content until it's just right for you. How do sample edits work? Simply email me or use the form on my homepage to send me details about your project and up to 300 words for editing and/or feedback. I offer this sample to assure clients and myself that I will be a good fit for your larger project. If I immediately see that I am not the person you need, I will offer constructive advice and/or refer you to someone who can assist you. Expect a reply within seven days. What types of payments do you accept? I accept cash or checks made out to Heather Johnson. I will invoice via email unless you request a paper copy. Why do I need a professional writer/editor? ...In a word, quality. You don't want to seem sloppy to potential clients. You need text that is crafted for your project, your audience, and with your goals in mind. Although it is good for anyone to take time to work with words, you might not have the time, expertise, or resources to provide the quality text your clients deserve. If you're skeptical, I'd love to chat with you. What do you mean by copy? Copy is a term that simply means text. Usually, it references text on materials such as websites, advertisements, magazines, and brochures, but not books. Copy does not indicate that the writing has been copied. Another common term is content, which is mostly used for website writing, but can also refer to e-books or other kinds of electronic text. Do I need a finished draft before I seek your editing services? Absolutely not. I can read what you have written so far and suggest which areas could be expanded, reworked, or cut out. If you have been avoiding a writing project (like creating text for a website or updating marketing materials) and don’t know where to begin, let's work together to get it done. Which style guide do you prefer? Which dictionary? I consider The Chicago Manual of Style to be the best modern language resource. I also use many other reference books and resources, style guides, subscriptions, and dictionaries, as well as my professional experience to help me make the best style choices for specific projects. Do you design covers or do book layout? I make sure that the text being attractively arranged and contained within book covers is the best it can be. Designers and printers are experts at layout and design, and I can refer you to some very talented designers and printers. |
 Thinking about working with me? With free sample editing, there's no risk! |
