What to Expect

The first 48 hours, the honest emotional arc, and the question most editors avoid. No mysteries, no surprises.

The First 48 Hours

Here's exactly what happens after you say yes

Hiring an editor shouldn't feel like sending your work into a void. Here is the whole process, hour by hour, so there are no mysteries.

Within 24 hours: my reply

You'll hear from me personally, usually much sooner. If you requested a quote, it arrives with a clear price, a timeline, and any questions I have about your project.

When you accept: your welcome email

You'll receive a welcome email with your invoice (50% deposit through a secure Stripe link), my one-page agreement, and simple instructions for sending your document. Here's what it actually looks like:

From: Kayla · KG Editing
Subject: Welcome to KG Editing — let's get your project started

Hi [your name],

Thank you so much for choosing KG Editing. I'm genuinely looking forward to working on your project with you.

Your invoice and one-page agreement are attached. Once your deposit is in, your spot in my schedule is officially reserved. Then just send your document as a .docx or Google Doc, along with your citation style if it's academic.

I expect to have your first round back to you by [date]. If you have any questions at all, just reply to this email.

Warmly,
Kayla

The emotional timeline (yes, really)

Sending your work to an editor stirs up feelings. All of them are normal. Here's the honest arc most of my clients describe.

✨

Excitement

You did it. Help is coming.

😬

Overwhelm

Hitting send on your draft feels huge. That's normal.

🌿

Quiet

I'm deep in your pages. No news is good news.

👀

Anticipation

The edit is on its way back to you.

💛

Relief & pride

It's still your voice. Only clearer.

The Question Editors Avoid

What if you don't like the edit?

Most editors hope you'll never ask. I'd rather answer it up front.

Sometimes a suggestion misses. Sometimes a whole round doesn't feel like you hoped. If that happens, here is exactly what we do, and none of it involves an awkward confrontation:

  1. A no-ego conversation. Tell me what isn't working, by email if that's more comfortable. I will not be offended, defensive, or hurt. Your honest reaction is useful information, and every suggestion I make is exactly that: a suggestion.
  2. A clarification pass. I'll revisit the sections that missed, explain my reasoning where it helps, and adjust where your voice or intent got lost. Your two included revision rounds exist for precisely this.
  3. A fair resolution. If, after a genuine attempt together, the work still isn't serving you, we'll agree on a fair outcome. I would rather resolve things generously than have you leave unhappy.

Remember: track changes means nothing is ever forced on your document. You accept or decline every single change. You cannot lose your version of the work.

Confidentiality is standard, not an upgrade. Your document and your idea stay yours. I never share your work or your concept, I never use it to train AI, NDAs are welcome, and I hold firm ethical lines: no plagiarism, no ghostwritten academics, no undisclosed AI. Read my full AI policy and terms.

Still Deciding?

Start small with a First Chapter Diagnostic

Committing to a full manuscript edit is a big step. You don't have to take it blind.

The First Chapter Diagnostic is a detailed edit of your first chapter (up to ten pages) plus a written summary of the patterns I noticed across your writing: the habits, strengths, and recurring issues that will apply to your whole manuscript. It's priced accessibly, it stands entirely on its own, and it lets you experience exactly how I work before committing to the full book. Many writers use it as a test drive; most keep going.

Book a First Chapter Diagnostic