Here's how I work and what I like to work on.
I can give you a timeline estimate, but it’ll be that - an estimate. I give your story the time it needs, I won’t rush through comments just to get to the end. Especially if you have glove-service, know that this is NOT a quick process. Round 2 will probably take longer (though it doesn't faze me if there is a break between rounds for glove-service. I know you probably need time to work on your story after my first pass).
The style of my comments varies. If you can take it, I’ll whip out those black leather gloves and let your MS have it—and you will like it. If you need kid-gloves I have those too; I can do hand-holding and cheer-leading.
Either way, you will get comments that may come across as tough—ones that will make you think, and maybe pout a bit. You will get manifestos- but I tell everyone new to me, those are GOOD, it means you've got me hooked and I am invested. You WANT those, even if they are somewhat unsettling. If I'm hurry-typing enough to fuss up my spelling, it’s because I am invested and trying to get back to the action.
Developmental editing is a big commitment - for you in dollars, for me in time. So I totally understand the need for a trial run (for both of us—you need to connect with my commenting style and I with your story, sometimes it just doesn't work out and that’s understandable).
I can give you a timeline estimate, but it’ll be that - an estimate. I give your story the time it needs, I won’t rush through comments just to get to the end. Especially if you have glove-service, know that this is NOT a quick process. Round 2 will probably take longer (though it doesn't faze me if there is a break between rounds for glove-service. I know you probably need time to work on your story after my first pass).
The style of my comments varies. If you can take it, I’ll whip out those black leather gloves and let your MS have it—and you will like it. If you need kid-gloves I have those too; I can do hand-holding and cheer-leading.
Either way, you will get comments that may come across as tough—ones that will make you think, and maybe pout a bit. You will get manifestos- but I tell everyone new to me, those are GOOD, it means you've got me hooked and I am invested. You WANT those, even if they are somewhat unsettling. If I'm hurry-typing enough to fuss up my spelling, it’s because I am invested and trying to get back to the action.
Developmental editing is a big commitment - for you in dollars, for me in time. So I totally understand the need for a trial run (for both of us—you need to connect with my commenting style and I with your story, sometimes it just doesn't work out and that’s understandable).