Q: Can you find me an agent?
A: I cannot but I can recommend a few books on this topic:
Before and After the Book Deal, by Courtney Maum who has a Substack on related topics. Get Signed, by Lucinda Halpern. And these blog posts by Tony Tulathimutte which TBH are entertaining even if you don’t need an agent. I enjoy the Substack Agents and Books by Kate McKean as well and have submitted questions that got thoughtful responses.
Q: What are your rates?
A: I refuse to quote or work for hourly rates. It makes no sense for a writing career. I got a flat monthly fee for blogging, a flat per-article magazine rate, and a book advance has zilch to do with hours. For developmental edits I will ask that you submit a chapter of your book and I will read and offer a quote for editing the entire thing. For line by line edits I offer the same process. If you use me for both steps, I offer a 10% discount. My rates start at $3,000 USD per book. The quote is free, I ask that you keep it confidential and I will do the same for any chapters you send me to review.
Q: How long does it take?
A: It’s crazy fast. Here is my superpower: I live in Asia so I work the night shift for American authors. You send me pages before you go to bed and I turn them around in the morning and neither of us are sleep-deprived, unless you have kids. I cannot help you there. From my end I pledge to not work sleep deprived, only fresh. You deserve the best.
Q: Do you want an author credit?
A: No.
Q: Do you want a bonus if the book makes the NY Times best sellers list?
A: Yes.
Q: What if I have a friend that needs a book fixed as well and we sign up together? Can I get a referral fee?
A: Yes, but only if your friend signs a contract and completes payment. You don’t get the SkyMiles if you don’t take the flight.
Q: Do you accept payment in SkyMiles?
A: If it covers a round trip Delta One class flight from Singapore to the US then possibly.