Frequently
Asked
Questions
EDITING SPECIFIC FAQS
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How many times do you read the manuscript during an edit?
Every package includes two comprehensive editing passes. April thoroughly reviews and refines your manuscript twice before returning it.
​What are the word limits for the editing packages?
For the critique and line-edit packages, the word count limit is 10,000 words. Sample edits are restricted to the first three pages regardless of word count. The First Fifty Focus page count does not include the title or copyright pages (neither are required).
Is email support available during the editing process?
Yes, email support is always available, so your questions are answered throughout the editing process. If you prefer more personalized help through phone or Zoom calls, please refer to the à la carte services. You may reach April at info@writestartfictionstudio.com.
Will I receive detailed feedback with my editing service?
Yes, with each editing service, you’ll receive an editorial letter listing the work's strengths and weaknesses, including suggestions for improvements. The letter will give you clear and actionable guidance for refining and improving your manuscript. The First Fifty Focus and Critique packages include 3-6 pages of feedback, depending on the package and complexity of issues found during the edit.
What does each type of edit include?
Critique: Provides a thoughtful analysis of strengths and weaknesses with constructive feedback.
Line Edit: Concentrates on refining the language, improving sentence structure, tone, and style, to enhance readability.
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Do you accept all genres?
No. April edits only genres that can be categorized on Amazon as clean or Christian. She accepts all subgenres of these categories except horror, children's, middle grade, and LGBTQ.
Can I get a sample edit before committing to a full service?
Yes, April offers a complimentary sample edit of 3 pages ($21 value), so you can see the quality and style of her work before committing to a full service. Submit sample here.
Is proofreading included in the editing packages?
No, proofreading is a specialized service that is currently not offered at Write Start Fiction Studio.
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Why do you not offer a copyedit?
April adores punctuation. She keeps a copy of The Chicago Manual of Style next to her Bible on the nightstand. She’ll never pass up an improperly placed comma, but for her clients’ benefit, she chooses to invest her time and mental energy in her greatest strengths—line and content editing. A good proofer will catch the punctuation errors.
Do you use AI?
Programs such as Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and Editor in Microsoft Word are handy tools for any writer, but they are flawed, often suggesting changes that contradict standard punctuation rules. These programs can mislead a writer weak in grammar and punctuation rules. However, the programs do catch errors the eye often overlooks, such as missing articles. So no detail slips through the cracks, April passes every edited manuscript through both Microsoft Editor and ProWritingAid, providing her clients with that extra layer of thoroughness. She values AI for what it offers, but nothing can replace a human editor. Please, inform April if you do not want this extra pass through ProWritingAid.
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COACHING SPECIFIC FAQS
How much time should I plan to commit each month?
Most writers spend 3–6 hours per week working on planning, writing, or revision between calls. The goal is steady, sustainable progress, not burnout.
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Do I need to have a complete outline before starting Manuscript Coaching?
Yes. You should have either:
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A complete story blueprint, or
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A strong partial outline with a clear direction
If your structure isn’t solid yet, I’ll recommend Write Start Blueprint Coaching first. This protects your manuscript and your time.
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How many chapters will you read each month?
Typically 1–3 chapters per month, depending on length and pacing (20K max.). The focus is on quality decisions, not speed. This keeps feedback thoughtful and manageable.
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How much editing is involved in the coaching process?
This is coaching.
I guide:
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Story structure
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Character development
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Scene purpose
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Craft-level decisions
I do not line edit, rewrite sentences, or correct grammar. Editing services are available separately once the draft is complete.
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Will you help me fix problems if I go off-outline while writing?
Yes, within reason. Stories evolve. Part of coaching is discerning which changes strengthen the story and which create future problems. We will adjust strategically, not reactively.
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Is this faith-based coaching?
Yes, in posture and discernment, not in pressure.
I work with Christian writers who want to steward their calling well. Faith may inform our conversations about vocation, obedience, and perseverance, but you will never be forced into a formula or message.
If you write Clean Fiction only and do not want faith to enter our conversations, please let April know. She will respect that boundary.
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Can I switch packages if I realize I’m not ready?
Yes. If it becomes clear that a different level of support is more appropriate, we’ll discuss next steps and adjust. My priority is the health of your work, not locking you into the wrong container.
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What happens after the coaching ends?
You’ll leave with:
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A completed or near-complete draft
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A clear revision path
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A writing process you can reuse
From there, you may choose to pursue editing, take a break, or continue independently.
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What sub-genres do you coach?
April edits only genres that can be categorized on Amazon as clean or Christian. She accepts all subgenres of these categories except horror, children's, middle grade, and LGBTQ.
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Do you have a refund policy?
Yes, but because line and content editing are inherently subjective and suggestions are based on professional judgment, refunds are not provided for subjective disagreements (e.g., style changes or sentence restructuring). However, a partial refund may be considered under the following circumstances:
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Missed significant inconsistencies: If I miss a significant number of clear, objective errors (e.g., character details, factual inconsistencies), and the author provides documented examples, a partial refund may be considered.
Refund Calculation:
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5-9 missed inconsistencies per 5,000 Words: 20% refund of the total editing fee.
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10 or more missed inconsistencies per 5,000 Words: 30% refund of the total editing fee.
To be eligible for a refund, the client must submit a documented list of inconsistencies within 14 days of receiving the final edited manuscript. The editor will review the list and determine the validity of the errors before issuing any refund.
Refunds are only applicable to the specific service where the issues were found and do not apply to other services provided. The refund percentage is capped at 30% of the applicable editing fee and no full refunds will be provided.
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Are your questions not answered here?
Email April at info(at)writestartfictionstudio.com.