Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to some of my most frequently asked questions.
Don’t see your question or answer here? You’re welcome to contact me to discuss your requirements.
Services
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Yes! You’re very welcome to give me a call – contact me to arrange a convenient time. We can chat by phone or video call (Zoom).
The first 10–15 minutes is on me (free of charge).
If you would like further advice on your project, the fee is $125 (plus GST) for a 50-minute consultation, payable in advance.
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A range of genres for adults and young adults.
Fiction: contemporary fiction, crime fiction, historical fiction, romance, science fiction, and subgenres such as romantasy and sci-fi romance
Non-fiction: narrative non-fiction, self-help, professional reference/guides, coffee table book, travel guides
Life writing: autobiography, biography, autofiction, heritage fiction, organisational history
Academic and education: humanities and the social sciences; monographs, research reports, masters/doctoral/PhD theses
Crossover works: from academic to adult and young adult readers; from academic reference to general trade and coffee table books
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Natural/physical sciences such as astronomy, geology, meteorology studies, mathematics, physics and chemistry
Poetic genres, including lyric, narrative and dramatic poetry
Narrative works involving religion, horror, extreme/explicit violence, hate speech
Annual reports, organisational reports, corporate documents.
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Yes – see this page.
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No – contact Life Stories Australia Ltd to find someone in your state or territory.
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I do not use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in my writing or editorial practice.
Refer to my page on the use of GenAI.
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The use of large language models (LLMs) and other AI tools can significantly increase the work of a human editor. Two major concerns are inaccuracies reportedly introduced by LLMs into factual texts, and the unauthorised collection of data from copyrighted, original works.
You must let me know if you have used GenAI tools in any form in the creation of the work you are submitting for editing or assessment. I reserve the right of refusal.
Refer to my page on the use of generative artificial intelligence(GenAI).
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It depends on the service you require, the word count of your manuscript and a few other factors.
Check the Services page or get in touch to discuss your needs.
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No.
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A copy of your full manuscript (or a representative sample) and some notes on what you would like to achieve. Answers to my short questionnaire (5 questions)
A representative sample might be the first 3 chapters, or at least 10,000 words, plus the title, word count and contents page.
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That depends on the size (word count) and the scope of the work. For example, allow 3–4 weeks to edit an 80,000-word manuscript.
Keep in mind that projects are usually booked 2–3 months in advance, but you can ask to be put on my waiting list in case an opening arises earlier.
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I can help you prepare your manuscript for self-publishing, or to submit to a publisher or literary agent.
I can provide advice on how to find a publishing home for your manuscript.
I can help you prepare a package of documents for submission to a publisher or agent.
I can assist you (one-on-one) to prepare for an in-person pitch.
Unfortunately, I cannot introduce you to a publisher or literary agent, and I cannot submit the manuscript on your behalf.
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Yes! Contact me to discuss your project.
Shipping, returns and refunds
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We ship to Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
We ship all orders via Australia Post. Goods will be shipped within 1–2 business days, depending on the time your order is received. Please allow up to 7 days for delivery, sometimes longer to rural/remote areas. If you have not received your order within 7 business days, please contact me.
For the rest of world, please contact me and I can provide you with a shipping quote.
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I offer flat-rate shipping* to:
Australia, with Tracking $10.75
New Zealand $16.90
Canada $22.75
Singapore $20.45
United Kingdom $27.80
For the rest of world, please contact me for a shipping quote.
*Prices in AUD and including GST.
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We do not offer refunds for services rendered, including:
Coaching
Manuscript assessment
Editing and publishing-related services
Research-related services.
Cancellation or postponement of a service package
A full refund (less administration fee of $75.00) may be possible for cancellations prior to 14 days of the agreed date of commencement. No refund available for cancellation of 14 days or less prior to commencement. Credit towards a future date may be possible, less any additional fees payable and subject to availability and if other work can be substituted (e.g. from my waiting list).
If you have paid in advance for a service package and wish to cancel (or postpone) the service, or part of the service, please submit your request in writing by email, including information about the service booking, the date of your deposit payment and the reason you wish for refund.
For individual coaching sessions, a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to reschedule or cancel a session, otherwise the full coaching fee will be incurred.