Question 1

About Margaret

Accepted Answer

I hold a copyediting certificate from UC Berkeley and have completed a developmental editing course at UCLA. My undergraduate degree in Psychology and nine years in the education field, provide me the knowledge to give thoughtful, yet effective feedback to build your confidence and strengthen your writing. I've taught creative writing courses at various YMCAs and adult education programs within the state of Maine.

Question 2

What Genres Do You Edit?

Accepted Answer

Although I am a lover of all genres, my soft spot is for character-driven YA and adult novels that are adventurous, mysterious, or emotional. Adult or YA fantasy, sci-fi, and psychological thrillers are my favorite genres. When it comes to children's books my interest is in stories that advocate social-emotional health, therapeutic concepts, and medical advocacy. I take on the occasional non-fiction book.  Should your book be outside my preferred genres, but you think I'd be a good fit, please send me an email.

Question 3

List of Services

Accepted Answer

All pricing is within the EFA’s parameters. To get an idea of cost, please see the EFA’s webpage on editing rates: https://www.the-efa.org/rates/.  Presently I am only open to the following editing services:First Chapter Assessment: Ideal for querying authors. Editorial feedback will support authors in identifying potential improvements. I’ll provide a 1-5 page document detailing what worked, your strengths, and suggestions on strengthening the first chapter.    Please email me directly: margaret.ellis.raymond@gmail.com with the topic of the email as 'First Chapter Assessment- [Your Name]'The follow editing services I no longer offer as I am currently in the writing and query process for my own novels. Thank you for understanding.Brainstorming calls: perfect for developing a story concept you’d like to talk through, support in getting unstuck, techniques for strengthening character motivation, or asking questions about the writing craft. This service is an hourly fee.Manuscript assessment: perfect for authors who wish to strengthen their story prior to a developmental edit. This 10-15 page document will assess your manuscript as a whole, focusing on structure, character development, plot development, pace, setting, etc. Should you have a specific section of the book you’d like feedback on, please indicate the page numbers in your inquiry. This service is within the EFA’s editing rates.Developmental editing: an in-document edit of your manuscript that provides feedback, notes, and suggestions on plot, narrative arc, structure, flow, dialogue, character development, clarity, voice, themes, conflict and tension, any overarching and recurring grammatical issues, and other relevant elements of craft. My suggestions are free for you to take or to spark your creative juices to find your own solution. The goal of a developmental edit is to give you hope, spur you forward, and help your story shine. This service is within the EFA’s editing rates. Please note that at this point in time I am taking on a limited number  of developmental editing clients.proofreading: the final edit of an already-copyedited manuscript that corrects any remaining or hard-to-see errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. This service is within the EFA’s editing rates.Ready to get started? Fill out this editing questionnaire.

Question 4

What Is Your Availability?

Accepted Answer

Updated July 2026I am currently in the process of writing and querying my own WIPs. At the moment I am open to taking on clients seeking first chapter reviews only. Thank you for understanding.

Question 5

What Are Your Rates?

Accepted Answer

I follow the Editorial Freelancer Association's rates. For their list of rates by services please go to this website: https://www.the-efa.org/rates/

Question 6

Do You Offer Samples?

Accepted Answer

At present I do not offer sample edits. My focus at this time is writing my own novels and querying agents.Thank you for your understanding!

M.E.R.

Editorial Services

FAQ