Looking for an editor or coach?

I'm here to help you publish your manuscript with confidence.

Not sure what coaches or editors do? Keep reading to learn more.

What coaches + editors do

In addition to a book coach, there are three main types of editors: a developmental editor; a line editor (sometimes called a copyeditor); and a proofreader, who checks for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

A Venn diagram (sort of), listing what editors and coaches do

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Book a FREE 30-min call

Not sure you need a developmental or line editor?

Have questions about how I can help you finish your book with confidence and direction?

Want to know how I help you at every step, from development through publication, so you don't have to DIY everything?

Book a call with me so we can discuss your story, clarify what you're looking for, and get you on track to finish your book.

Results, services, and estimated cost

NEXT STEPS

All you need to do to get started is book a free 30-minute discovery call with me to see if we're a good match—whether that's for coaching, editing services, or both.

During the call, I'll learn more about what you're looking for and share how I can help.

RESERVE MY EDITING SERVICES

For line edits, an editor's schedule can fill up quickly, leaving you scrambling for options. So book that discovery call sooner than later to get on my calendar.

After that call, you can reserve my time by submitting a nonrefundable deposit ranging from $50 to $100, which I subtract from the total project fee.

GENERAL RATE

My rates align with the Editorial Freelancers Association. Please contact me so I can send you a customized quote.

COACHING RESULTS

Overcoming imposter syndrome so you publish your manuscript with confidence

Building a sustainable process from first draft through publication so you work smarter, not harder

Learning revision techniques so your author voice grows stronger and writing the next book is easier, faster

Knowing how to effectively self-publish and market so readers can find your book post-release

LINE EDITING SERVICES

Explanations for changes, so you can make an informed decision about whether to accept for reject my edits

Real-time messages from me so I can get clarification, make those change in your manuscript, and simplify revisions for you

Chapter analysis, which means suggestions about what to expand or cut match your goals, not my preferences

My Mission and Core Values

Compassion

Imposter syndrome and other life challenges are real, and I'm here to help you move forward and reach your next goal with compassion and understanding.

Honesty

I might not tell you what you want to hear, but my feedback will always be honest and delivered with explanations so you can make informed decisions.

Encouragement

You can write and publish your book. No matter what lies ahead, we'll face it together—because your goals are valid. You are worth seeing this through.

Collaboration

You never have to fear I'll tell you how to write your story. When I offer feedback, I first identify your goal and then explain what's helping, what's distracting from that goal, and why.

Sustainability

I'm always teaching my clients new skills and techniques they can implement themselves next time. The goal is to set you up for success so you can confidently do this on your own going forward.

Accountability

How many memes have you seen about writers dreaming of writing but getting distracted by something else? Accountability is crucial to helping us show up for ourselves.

Some of my clients' books

FREE DOWNLOAD

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Frequently asked questions

What are your payment options?

Payments are processed using Zelle. If you don't have Zelle, then we can discuss other options, but note that services like Strip include processing fees.

I offer two payment options:

  1. Pay in full when you submit your manuscript for editing.
  2. Pay half up front and then the second half upon completion. The first half is due before I start work, and the second half is due before I send you the completed edits.

What is your turnaround time?

The turnaround time depends on the length of the project and your deadline. I average 30K words per week, but I may be working on a few projects simultaneously, depending on my availability and how you reserve my time.

What do I need to do to reserve your time?

Send me an email, and we'll look at your deadline and estimated word count and my calendar. Then you just need to submit a nonrefundable deposit, which I deduct from the total project fee. The deposit varies by word count:

  • $50 for manuscripts with 10K to 15K words
  • $75 for manuscripts with 16K to 20K words
  • $100 for manuscripts greater than 20K words

Do you offer sample edits?

Yes. After we discuss your deadline and my availability, I'm happy to edit up to five pages of your manuscript so that you can see for yourself the quality of my feedback and verify that you feel like we're a good fit. I want my writers to feel comfortable and confident when they send me their writing. As a writer myself, I know how intimidating handing over your hard work can be.

What is your background?

I became an editor in 2004. For my first job, I was a science magazine editor (even though I didn't know much about science back then). Afterward, I worked for eight years as a nonfiction book editor. Now, I edit memoir, fiction, and creative nonfiction, all of which are my true passion.

I earned my BA in Literature from The American University and MA in Writing from The Johns Hopkins University. During both of those programs, I took advanced English grammar courses (yay for syntactic design and revision!), and I continue to challenge myself with online grammar courses to make sure my skills don't slip over the years.

What genres do you edit?

I edit fiction, memoir, and creative nonfiction of at least 10K words, which includes both novellas and novels. My specialty is fantasy and romance.

However, I don't usually provide line edits for BDSM or erotica. While I’m happy to edit those genres as a non-practicing member of the community, my experience with it is limited, which means my editing would be limited to grammar, sentence structure, etc. I would not be able to provide feedback regarding safe practices and accuracy, which I think is essential. ME

BOOK A

ABOUT ME

Erin P.T. Canning has worked for 20 years as an editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.

She always planned to write a book, but life had a tendency to distract her. After dedicating six years of her life to motherhood and discovering her ADHD, she started writing again, even though she feared her writing skills had atrophied.

After letting go of her perfectionism, Erin finally finished her own shitty first draft and released her fantasy romance novel, Ruins and Redemption, in 2023. Her current role as a podcaster and book coach enables her to help writers pursue their author dreams.