Frequently Asked Questions
Writer Services
What types of projects do you edit?
I work with fiction manuscripts across many genres, including fantasy, romance, mystery, thriller, and speculative fiction. I especially enjoy stories with strong character development, immersive worlds, and meaningful emotional arcs.
If you are unsure whether your manuscript is a good fit, feel free to reach out through the contact form.
I’m not sure which editing service I need. Can you help?
Absolutely. Many writers are unsure which stage of editing is most appropriate for their manuscript.
If you provide a brief description of your project, current draft stage, and goals, I can help recommend the service that will be most helpful.
You can also view the “Which edit do I need?” guide for a quick overview of the differences between services.
What is the difference between story editing, line editing, and proofreading?
Each stage of editing focuses on a different aspect of the manuscript:
Story Editing focuses on big-picture elements such as structure, pacing, character development, and clarity of the narrative arc.
Line Editing focuses on sentence-level clarity, flow, tone, and word choice while correcting grammar and consistency issues.
Proofreading is the final polish, correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, and minor errors before publication.
Each step builds on the previous one to strengthen both the story and the writing.
Do you offer sample edits?
Yes. A Opening Pages Critique can be a helpful way to experience my editing style and receive meaningful feedback before committing to a larger project.
How far in advance should I book editing services?
Booking 4–8 weeks in advance is recommended, particularly for full manuscript edits. Scheduling early helps ensure availability that aligns with your writing and revision timeline.
How long does the editing process take?
Story Edits and Manuscript Evaluations typically require at least 30 days to complete, depending on manuscript length and overall project scope. First Chapter Critiques can often be completed within a few days.
When booking, the calendar will display estimated completion dates based on current availability. Selecting a date helps ensure your project is scheduled in a timeframe that allows for thoughtful, thorough feedback.
Timelines vary depending on manuscript length, complexity, and the level of editing requested. Larger projects often include built-in revision periods between editing stages, allowing time for careful consideration and meaningful improvements before moving forward.
The Full Editing Package is designed as a multi-stage process and may require up to six months to complete, depending on revision time needed between each phase. Clear communication throughout the process helps ensure scheduling stays aligned with your goals and deadlines.
Will my manuscript remain confidential?
Yes. Your work is treated with complete confidentiality and respect. Your manuscript and ideas will never be shared.
Do you guarantee publication or representation?
Editing strengthens a manuscript but cannot guarantee publication, representation, or commercial success. The goal of editing is to help you present the strongest possible version of your story.
What file format should I submit?
Manuscripts are typically edited in Microsoft Word (.docx). If you have questions about formatting, I’m happy to help.
How will I receive feedback on my manuscript?
For most projects, I provide inline feedback using Google Docs, allowing you to view suggestions, comments, and edits directly within your manuscript while preserving your original text. This format also supports a collaborative back-and-forth dialogue, making it easy to ask questions or request clarification as you review the feedback.
Comments may include suggestions related to clarity, flow, consistency, and readability, as well as notes highlighting opportunities to strengthen character development, pacing, or overall effectiveness of a scene. Working within the document helps you easily review feedback, respond to comments, and track revisions as you refine your manuscript.
If you prefer a different file format, we can discuss alternative options prior to the start of the project.
Can I contact you with questions before booking?
Yes — questions are always welcome. Reaching out early can help ensure you select the right service and timeline for your project. You can use the contact form or reach out direct via email to anarrativecompass@gmail.com
Cover Design Services
Do you design custom covers, premade covers, or both?
Both. Premade covers are ready-made designs you can purchase and personalize with your title and author name — the fastest, most budget-friendly way to give your book a professional look. Custom covers are designed from scratch around your specific story, ideal if you have a particular vision or a series that needs a cohesive look.
If you're not sure which is right for you, reach out through the contact form and I'm happy to help you decide.
What's included with a premade cover?
Each premade cover includes the finished design personalized with your title, subtitle (if applicable), and author name. Covers are available for [ebook, paperback, or both], and delivered as print-ready and web-ready files— including JPEG/PNG/PDF.
Once a premade cover is purchased, it is retired from the collection so no two authors share the same design.
Do you customize the title and author name for me, or do I do it myself?
I handle the customization for you. Just provide your final title, subtitle, and author name exactly as you'd like them to appear, and I'll place and style the text to fit the design. You'll have a chance to review before final files are delivered.
How is cover design priced?
Premade covers are offered at a flat price listed with each design, so you know exactly what you're paying up front. Custom cover pricing depends on the scope of the project — reach out through the contact form for a quote.
What do you need from me to get started?
For a premade cover, I'll need your final title, subtitle, and author name. For a custom cover, it helps to share your genre, a short description of the story, any comparable titles or covers you love, and your format needs (ebook, paperback, or both). The more you can tell me about the feeling you want the cover to capture, the better.
Can I request changes to a premade cover?
Premade covers are designed to be used largely as shown, with your title and author details added. Minor adjustments such as font or color tweaks may be available, depeding on the request and required timeline for completion.
If you'd like a design changed significantly, a custom cover is usually the better fit.
What's included with a premade cover?
Each premade cover includes the finished design personalized with your title, subtitle (if applicable), and author name. Covers are available for [ebook, paperback, or both], and delivered as print-ready and web-ready files— including JPEG/PNG/PDF.
Once a premade cover is purchased, it is retired from the collection so no two authors share the same design.
to help you decide.
Do you provide print files, or just ebook covers?
I provide ebook-ready files, print-ready files, or both, depending on the format you select. For print covers, final dimensions depend on your printer, trim size, and page count, so I'll ask for those details to make sure the file is set up correctly.
I always recommend ordering a physical proof from your printer before publishing.
Will my cover be unique to my book?
For premade covers: each design is retired once purchased, so it won't be sold to another author. Custom covers are, of course, one of a kind and created solely for your book.
Do you use stock images?
Yes—I work with carefully chosen, commercially licensed stock imagery alongside my own design and artistic training to create covers that feel custom and cohesive. Every image and font used complies with commercial licensing requirements, so your cover is cleared for sale.
Can I contact you before purchasing?
Always. If you have questions about a specific design, licensing, formats, or whether a premade or custom cover is the better fit, use the contact form or email me directly at erika@anarrativecompass.com
AI Policy
Do you use AI to edit manuscripts or generate feedback?
No. Every edit, comment, and piece of feedback you receive comes directly from me. I don't use AI tools to evaluate your story, write your editorial letter, or generate suggestions. The whole point of Narrative Compass is a real human perspective—someone who actually reads your work, understands what you're reaching for, and responds to it thoughtfully. That's not something I'm willing to hand to a machine.
Do you use AI to create your book covers?
No. My covers are designed by hand, using my background as a classically trained artist and scenic designer, using carefully chosen, commercially licensed stock imagery and professional design tools. I don't use AI image generators to create artwork. This means your cover is made with genuine craft—and, importantly, that every image is properly licensed and cleared for commercial use.
Will my manuscript be fed into an AI tool?
Never. Your manuscript is treated with complete confidentiality and is never uploaded to, shared with, or used to train any AI system. Your words stay between us. Your story and your ideas remain entirely your own.
What if I used AI to help write my manuscript?
That's your call to make as the author. I'm happy to edit manuscripts regardless of how they were drafted—but please know that you remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, and rights to your work, including any AI-assisted material. I don't verify the source of a manuscript's content, and my job is to help you strengthen whatever you bring to the page.