Check we’re a good fit with a sample edit

A sample edit provides your choice of editing on 1,000 words. Get a taste of professional feedback and decide if we’re a good fit before booking a full edit. For each of the services below, a sample edit is available for US$50.

Choose a level of editing

Select from the editing services below and pick the one that best suits your needs for a sample edit. Not sure? You can ask in the contact form below.

Proofreading – ideal for correcting literal errors
Copyediting – ensures clarity and consistency
Line edit – enhances style, readability, and flow
Developmental feedback – offers high-level story insights
Developmental edit – provides in-depth, story-level analysis

From curious to confident

I’ve helped over 100 writers with their stories, from constructive and encouraging feedback for emerging writers to thorough final reviews before publishing for established authors. With professional training and experience, you can rest assured I edit to industry standards in a way that fits with your unique needs, goals, and voice.

Why a sample edit?

Personalized feedback. Get targeted input on your own writing from a specialist.
Confirm compatibility. Check my editing style is helpful for you and fits with your writing and publishing goals.
Test editing types. Ensure you’re choosing the right level of editing for the current stage of your work.
Make an informed decision. We’ll both be confident that investing in a full editing service is right for you, and I’ll be able to give an accurate quote.

“Got the characters and the story so well”

I have worked with Joanne over a series of multiple books. She is a very talented editor. Working with her has been an absolute pleasure and she made it very easy! Joanne had a significant impact on my books and merged with my writing style perfectly. Whoever she is working for next is very lucky. Joanne, you deserve all the success in the world!

Zayden Stone

Mythology author

Joanne got the characters and the story so well, and my take on the genre – all things that make a real difference. I am so pleased with the quality of the report and the level of detail. It is truly precious! Joanne, I loved working with you, and really hope we can work together on the next one too! 🙂

Lara Byrne

Award-winning historical fiction author

How to book a sample edit

Choose your editing type. Opt for sentence-level editing (line edit, copyedit, or proofread) or story-level editing (developmental feedback or developmental edit).
Select your excerpt. Choose a chapter or up to 4,000 words from anywhere in your manuscript. I’ll select 1,000 words for the sample edit.
Get in touch. Fill in the contact form below and I’ll email you back within 1–3 working days to discuss payment and file sharing. Turnaround time for a sample edit is usually 5 working days from when payment is received.
Request an optional call. If you’d like to discuss your sample edit before you send me your work, ask for a free, 20-minute introductory call – just mention it in the contact form below.

Get personalized feedback with a sample edit

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Your message has been sent

Feel free to reach out with questions or requirements and we can discuss how to best give your book the boost it deserves.

Your privacy is a priority to me and I’ll only use your email address to reply to your message (there’ll be no sneaking you onto an email list!). Please see my privacy policy. As stated in my terms and conditions, all work remains confidential unless I receive express written permission.

Wait, I have questions!

What is a sample edit?

A sample edit enables you to see your choice of editing in action on 1,000 words of your writing. Get a taste of professional feedback and check we’re a good fit before booking a full edit.

How much does the sample edit cost?

Sample edits are US$50, whichever type of edit you choose. Payments accepted in USD, GBP, or LKR.

How do payments work for the sample edit?

For sample edits, payment is due before the editing begins. I’ll provide you with an invoice and payment instructions once we’ve agreed on the details. Payment options vary slightly depending on which country you’re in.

What types of editing are available for the sample edit?

You can choose from: Story-level editing: Developmental feedback or a developmental edit. Sentence-level editing: Line editing, copyediting, or proofreading.

How do I choose the excerpt for the sample edit?

Select a chapter or up to 4,000 words from anywhere in your manuscript. Or even send me a chapter from the beginning, middle and end of your novel. I’ll then choose 1,000 words from that selection to edit.

How do I book a sample edit?

You can book a sample edit by contacting me through my contact form or emailing me at joanne@ajatarbooks.com. If you’d like a free, 20-minute introductory call before sending your work, just ask!

What is the turnaround time for a sample edit?

The sample edit is typically completed within 5 working days after we’ve confirmed the details and I’ve received payment.

What genres do you work with?

I specialize in fantasy fiction, historical fiction, world mythology, memoir, and some non-fiction, but I’m open to working with various genres. Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions about your project.

Is my manuscript confidential?

Yes, all manuscripts and communications are treated with the utmost confidentiality. As an ex-ghostwriter, I take privacy seriously and won’t talk about you or your work without written permission. This is why several of the testimonials on my site are anonymous.

What if I’m not satisfied with the sample edit?

The already subsidized cost of a sample edit is non-refundable. You can read my service descriptions and download editing examples from the services pages to get a feel for my editing style before you decide whether a sample edit is right for you.

Can I ask questions after receiving the sample edit?

Yes, I’m happy to answer any questions you have about the edits or suggestions I’ve made. If this ventures out of the scope of a sample edit, we can arrange a paid consultation call or custom mini-project.

What software or format should I use to submit my manuscript?

My preference is a Word document (.doc or .docx) so I can use Track Changes and comments for my edits. If you have another preference, we can discuss it in advance.

Not ready for a professional edit yet? My post about self-editing might help.