Reach out for a free consult!
You're welcome to email me at jd.polishandpitch@gmail.com
Some helpful info to include:
- kind of editing you're looking for
- book details, such as length, genre, and themes
- date you're interested in, or any deadlines
Frequently asked questions
I believe an editorial partnership should be grounded in collaboration and advocacy. My worldview and opinions are not the creative work on the table. The work is solely the author's. Though there's no way I can squeeze myself into someone's brain to fully know the story with the same depth, I believe it is my job to listen as closely as possible in hopes that I can adopt enough of the author's knowledge and creativity to see what they see and blend my professional perspective into the picture.
Having both traditional publishing and self-publishing experience, I work with a lot of flexibility, pushing industry expectations on those who ask for it, and chucking it out the window for those who want to follow their own path. I like to think of my experience as a filing cabinet. I wait to hear what the author is looking for, then I pull out the right tools and advice for that specific project. As such, my process involves a lot of communication. I've found over time and through stories with writers and editorial peers that most poor editorial experiences occur when people work on assumptions or fail to discuss confusion. You best believe I am going to check in with your feelings constantly and ask if there's anything I can do to adjust because the best editing happens when we go from awkward strangers to trusted friends who aren't afraid of the give and take of honesty. And often that includes making a safe space to vent about life outside of writing too, since stress impacts writing and can be so painful to carry alone. I get it, all too well. I want to support whole people, not just pages.
My dual-focused experience in small press publishing and self-publishing equips me with a skill set that stretches from story conception, all the way to book release and the marketing that follows after. I'm also a bit of an artist, so I sometimes toss that into the mix (though I do not take art commissions).
Services I am currently providing include:
- Developmental Editing
- Line Editing
- Copy Editing
- Proofreading
- Miscellaneous Consults
For full details of each service, check out the rates section of the FAQ
Services I have previously provided but do not currently offer:
- Author Marketing Advising
- Formatting
- Minimalistic Book Cover Design
- Interior Book Design
- Chapter Heading Illustrations
I'm always eager to hear new inquiries outside of this experience to see if there's any way I can help or if there are any editorial peers I can refer authors to!
Not sure what you need? I offer free consultations and samples! You're always welcome to reach out and let me know what you're working on and why you're seeking help, then I can take a peek to help you figure out what service will help you most.
The majority of my experience is in Young Adult (YA) Contemporary and Adult in the genres Fantasy and Romance, which includes the subgenres contemporary fantasy, magical realism, dystopian, historical fantasy, sci-fi fantasy crossover, paranormal/supernatural fantasy, and high fantasy.
However, I often work on other genres and crave variety so I don't burn out on one particular thing:
- YA historical fiction
- YA sci-fi
- Adult literary fiction
- Adult contemporary
- Adult upmarket
- Adult mystery, blends include: fantasy, contemporary romance, detective/procedural
Alternate forms:
- Poetry (singles and collections)
- Short fiction (flash and longer form)
- Creative non-fiction
- genre blends and age crossovers
Themes/reps I can personally provide sensitivity for:
- LGBTQIA+
- Chronic illness
- Mental health
- Neurodivergent households
I'm always open to new genres I feel equipped to handle! However, here are a few things I do not work on:
- Most non-fiction (I do like memoir!)
- Political fantasy
- Sports themes
- Christian fiction
- Westerns
- Graphic novels (they're cool as hell, but I don't know much about storyboards, sadly)
- Militant themes/settings
(last updated October 24, 2025)
Only months labeled "booked" are 100% unavailable. Months with inquiries or anticipated bookings are potentially available, with opportunity offered in the order the inquiries were received.
2025
January - booked
February - booked
March - booked
April - booked
May - booked
June - booked
July - booked
August - booked
September - booked
October - booked
November - booked
December - booked
2026
January - booked
February - booked
March and on - open for inquiry
Smaller works/services may fit into my schedule sooner. It ultimately depends on the size of the project, your timeline, how soon you want to get started, and what room I have at the time of inquiry. When in doubt, always reach out and ask. Even if my availability doesn't work for you, I'll likely have a trusted editor to recommend.
Occasionally a project will demand special pricing, but most often, you can expect my rates will be calculated by the following (USD currency):
Developmental Light: $.015/word
Includes an editorial letter (avg. 15-20 pgs per 100k words) that analyzes the story, chapter-by-chapter, with a focus on story mechanics (such as setting, plot, character, etc.) according to the story's genre, age range, and author's publishing goals. Zoom support also provided for the understanding of notes and to discuss revision goals.
Developmental Deep: $.025/word
Same as Developmental Light, with the addition of in-document comments, as well as worksheets when needed. Additional readthrough to check revisions can be purchased at 25% of the original cost.
Line Editing: $.04/word
Utilizes Track Changes for the revision of sentences for flow, consistency, and grammatical logic, while also targeting filler and repetitive language. Includes the creation of a style sheet for reference. Additional readthrough to check revisions can be purchased at 25% of the original cost.
Copy editing: $.03/word
Utilizes Track Changes for the correction of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Includes the creation of a style sheet for reference. Additional readthrough to check revisions can be purchased at 25% of the original cost.
Proofreading: $.005/word, per pass
Utilizes Track Changes for the correction of any remaining spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors of copy edited works. Will include making of style sheet for those who don't have one. Available for hard copies as well, with book provided at the expense of the author.
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My default payment system is 10% deposit upon signing the contract, 50% of remaining total due at start of service, 50% of remaining total due upon return of notes. I am always happy to discuss payment plans as needed.
Yes! I offer free consultations AND free samples. You're always welcome to reach out and let me know what you're working on and why you're seeking help. Then, I can take a peek to help you figure out what service will help you most, as well as give you a taste of how I edit so you can decide if we're a good match.