Frequently asked questions

We price by the word so you know what to expect: Editorial Assessment runs 1.5¢/word (upgradeable to a full Developmental Edit afterward for an additional 2¢/word), Developmental Editing runs 3.5¢/word, and Line Editing, Copyediting, and Proofreading each run 3¢/word. Line Editing Plus, a combined line edit + copyedit pass, is available on request for 4¢/word. Your free consultation gets you an exact quote based on genre, length, and timeline.

Developmental editing is the big picture — structure, pacing, plot, character, and argument. Line editing works sentence by sentence for clarity, rhythm, tone, and voice. Copyediting is a rigorous pass for grammar, usage, style, and consistency. Proofreading is the final safety net, catching typos and formatting slips before your manuscript goes out. Most projects use more than one of these in sequence, and we'll recommend the right combination during your consultation.

Yes — every Cup & Quill relationship starts with a free, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Tucker. We use it to understand your project and goals and match you with the right editor and package, not to pressure you into anything.

Fiction and non-fiction manuscripts of any genre, memoir, academic and dissertation writing, and business or personal-development writing. Faith-based projects are warmly welcomed. Writers range from complete beginners to seasoned, previously published authors.

Yes. Ghostwriting is one of our premium services, with prices for a 50K-word manuscript starting at $18K. We adhere to strict standards of academic integrity and do not ghostwrite academic work for scholars or students under any circumstances.

No. Cup & Quill partners with a publishing partner, Inicio Press, but we keep a clear line between editorial services and publishing. Working with us is never a guarantee of publication. Integrity and quality guide every decision we make.

Yes. Cup & Quill works with writers remotely worldwide, with many clients across the U.S. and Canada. All coaching, editing, and consultations happen online or by phone.

Yes, we edit dissertations in various disciplines and offer coaching for dissertation writers.

No. Cup & Quill holds firm ethical standards and does not provide services intended to misrepresent authorship or violate academic integrity policies. We're glad to help you develop and strengthen your own writing at any stage.

Timelines depend on your manuscript's length, the nature of the writing, the package you choose, and current availability. We'll give you a concrete timeline as part of your free consultation and quote.

That's exactly what the free consultation is for. Tell Dr. Tucker about your project and where you are in the process, and she'll recommend the right starting point.