FAQs

I have a project I would like to inquire about. What is the best way to initiate contact with you?

Lovely! Please head on over to my contact page for options!

Do you require deposits or contracts?

Yes, both. The deposit holds your place in my schedule. We will also sign a contract in advance that clarifies the scope of the work you are hiring me to do, the deadlines we both agree to meet, and other expectations and conventions that help our working relationship proceed smoothly.

Do you work with authors who are nonnative English speakers?
 
Yes! I have an international background and I love working with authors for whom English is not a primary language. See especially my services in line editing.

Do you edit student work?

I edit work by master's and doctoral students that is intended for publication, which includes master's theses and doctoral dissertations. I offer coaching for graduate and undergraduate students on any piece of writing, and I offer manuscript evaluation of any graduate student work (including non-publication-oriented materials like qualifying papers). I do not edit any undergraduate work.

I am an author with a learning disability. Would your services be appropriate for me?

You are welcome in my space. I have worked as an editor and writing coach with authors who have ADHD and other learning disabilities, and the most important thing is that we find a way to support you that works for your particular project.

How do you edit? Does my manuscript need to be a Microsoft Word document?

Like many editors, I edit only in Microsoft Word, and I edit with Track Changes turned on (see my editing samples if you are not sure what this looks like). You will need to convert your document to Microsoft Word if it is not already a Word document.

What methods of payment do you accept?

I accept payments via Zelle, bank transfer, and check. I accept debit or credit card payments with an additional 3% handling fee. From clients based outside the United States, I also accept wire transfers or Wise transfers.
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What are your hours?
 
I work Sunday–Thursday, typically between the hours of 10am and 7pm Pacific Time. During my workweek, I respond to emails and voice messages within 24–48 hours.

Why should I hire you?
 
I have worked as an interdisciplinary scholar, research librarian, and college writing instructor. If you are looking for someone with a deep understanding of critical reading, writing, and publishing, and who can work with you intelligently as a writer and knowledge producer, you have found the right person.

Why are you Giant Squid?
 
I was inspired to name my business Giant Squid Edits because when I was a teenager, I had a running joke with myself that I wanted to be a giant squid in my next life. I really wanted to see a giant squid in the flesh, but they were so notoriously difficult to catch sight of in the wild that I jested that my only chance of seeing one would be to be one myself. As I grew older, I realized that I didn't have to wait until my next life to do what I really wanted to do. I realized that if I really wanted to be an editor, I could simply be one now, in this life. I could "be a giant squid" now! So, I am Giant Squid, and, in this life, Giant Squid Edits!

As a thinker and editor, I swim in interdisciplinary waters that can be as deep, mysterious, and wide as the giant squid's habitat, which ranges across all the world's oceans. And, fun fact: Giant squid don't squirt ink! The waters they live in are so deep and dark that predators don't hunt by sight, so visual defenses are moot. Giant squid do, however, have enormous eyes that allow them to pick up the faintest glimmer of light in the deep oceans where they live. Don't you want an editor with eyes like that, picking up the nuances of your ideas or noticing little typos?