FAQ

Writing

  • O.C. Writers generously published a serial column where I reviewed 100 essential books on the craft of writing called Marissa’s Take On. The column has sadly ended, but you can still read some of the reviews on O.C.Writers.com or find selected works on Writing Craft Books by Genre.

  • I’ve gravitated to writing about what it’s like to be a writer, in my prose poetry, flash fiction, and blog posts written for organizations. Other topics for novels include womanhood, the divine, grief, the body, and economics.

  • I tend to read a lot of books at once and from a wide range. At the moment, I am reading: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, Autobiography of Red: A Novel in Verse by Anne Carson, Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, and The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss.

Editing

  • As of now, I am not actively taking clients. I am working on a draft of my novel and have other commitments that temporarily limit my availability. However, feel free to check back periodically, as availability can change. If you have specific timelines or urgent editing needs, I can recommend trusted colleagues who may be able to assist you. Thank you for your understanding!

  • Though I am not currently accepting new clients while I work on a critical next draft of my novel, when I do open up to new clients, I offer copyediting primarily using CMOS, developmental editing, and proofreading services for fiction manuscripts and marketing material.

    Stay tuned for exciting new services and products to come in 2024.

  • Prices vary by project based on a number of factors, including what kind of edit you are seeking and how extensive the edit. For a general idea on prices, see the EFA rate chart. Editorial Rates

  • When working with a small press, they will usually have in-house editors and would prefer you to use their vetted staff members to edit your manuscript. You usually won’t need to hire your own editor.

    It might be worth considering hiring a freelance editor to edit or provide mentorship before you submit to small presses or agents. Many experienced editors offer other services like submission packets or inquiry letters in addition to manuscript editing.

  • Developmental editing - Big picture editing of an entire manuscript. You can expect to receive a detailed editorial letter and notes in the manuscript.

    Copyediting - Editing a completed manuscript for spelling, grammar, and punctuation based on a specific style - such as The Chicago Manual of Style.

    Proofreading - Editing a manuscript proof for final errors. A proof is a typeset manuscript that is nearing release or publication.

  • Sign up for early registration now!

    Word Searches for Editors is a collection of online word search puzzles with specialized knowledge on editors. Players must find words in a simple grid to win. Words can be frontward, backward, diagonal, up, or down.

Digital Marketing

  • Measuring success involves tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as website traffic, social media engagement, email open rates, and conversion rates. Analyzing these metrics provides insights into which strategies are working and which need adjustment or can be left behind.

  • Email marketing is a valuable tool for indie authors to connect directly with their readers. Authors can use email campaigns to announce book releases, share exclusive content, and build a loyal reader community. Providing incentives, such as free chapters or exclusive discounts, can help grow your email list.

  • Whether editors are in a period of feast or famine, being consistent on making their businesses discoverable, with strong CTAs, will help generate new organic leads. Drop a post on LinkedIn about life as an editor, update the free opt-in on your website with higher value content, or send out a newsletter once a month to your email list. The more you make your business discoverable within your niche, the higher likelihood a new client will find your editing business and reach out.