Frequently asked questions

We price by the word so you know what to expect: Single Quill (one round of copyediting, line editing, or developmental editing, plus a 30-minute coaching call) runs about 35¢/word. Editorial Assessment + Developmental Edit — our most popular package, adding a pre-revision coaching call and a 500-word sample line edit — runs about 50¢/word. Start to Finish, our full-service package (assessment, coaching call, developmental edit, line editing, and final proofreading) runs about $1.15/word. We also offer flat-rate intensives for writers who need a structural roadmap rather than a full edit: a Draft Roadmap Intensive ($1,200, up to 20K words), a Structure Intensive ($3,250, up to 75K words), and a Clarity & Voice Intensive ($1,200, up to 20K words). 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. If you have a story or message but not the time or tools to get it onto the page, our ghostwriters will write with you and for you, capturing your voice and vision throughout.

No, and we're upfront about that. Cup & Quill also operates a publishing arm, Inicio Press, but we keep a clear line between our 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 offer dedicated thesis and dissertation editing and academic coaching, drawing on editors with PhDs and years of experience teaching and publishing in academia.

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 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.