Hi! I'm Stef, a Vietnamese-Filipino writer and reader raised in the Philippines. I offer proofreading services, developmental edits, and sensitivity reads on complete manuscripts. I have been a beta reader, editor, and sensitivity reader for several authors, and I have years of experience working with all kinds of writing. Previously, I have been a mentor with the Author Mentor Match program, and an editor for the Southeast Asian literary journal Rambutan Literary.
What's most important to me is getting your manuscript to where you want it to be, and helping to shape it into the best version of itself. I'm invested in getting to know your characters and supporting their arcs, strengthening your plot and working towards a satisfying ending, and understanding your unique voice and style and helping it shine. This means that instead of giving you prescriptive comments, I'll want to go back and forth with you on what is most important to you about your manuscript, and where I think you could polish it to make it even better.
If a working partnership with me sounds like it would be a good fit for you, then read on, and feel free to reach out to me and inquire via the form below!
GENERAL INFO
Currently, I will read:
Children's books, picture books, and chapter books
Middle-grade and upper MG fiction
Young adult and new adult fiction
Adult romance novels (#romanceclass, etc.)
Memoirs, biographies, and any works of creative nonfiction
Videogame scripts, tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), and the like
Currently, I will NOT read:
Academic papers, theses, or any form of schoolwork (sorry, students!)
Full-length collections of poetry
Before I agree to work with you, I may ask for a sample of your manuscript to ensure we are a good fit for each other. I reserve the right to turn down any manuscripts I feel I am not the right person for. Before the start of work, you will be asked to sign a contract with me to ensure fairness for both parties; there is a non-disclosure clause in my contract, but I am also willing to sign any separate NDA or similar agreement you might have.
I require a minimum of 30 days to read any full manuscript, though I may finish reading sooner; this is also negotiable on a case-to-case basis, such as if you have an urgent deadline you need to meet. There may be an additional fee for a rush job, which will be discussed before I begin reading.
My base prices reflect my years of experience doing freelance and project-based editorial work, my formal educational background and areas of expertise, and my unique intersecting identities and lived experience (as well as the emotional labor required to provide authenticity-related feedback or feedback regarding sensitive topics).
I accept payment via Paypal for international clients, and via bank deposit for PH-based clients; work will begin once I have received the full payment. This is also negotiable on a case-to-case basis, i.e. I am willing to accept payments in installments if you are having difficulty paying the full fee.
NOTE: I offer different rates for PH-based clients; for more info, please scroll down to the section header FOR FILIPINO WRITERS.
COPYEDITING AND PROOFREADING
What I offer help with:
Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Sentence construction
Overall readability
Formatting
What you can expect from me:
A marked-up copy of your manuscript with my edits and suggestions, so you can clearly see what I have changed or what I would like to recommend. I can also use track changes on Word if that is preferable to you.
My rates for proofreading and copyediting services are as follows:
$800 - flat rate for manuscript up to 60k words
$800 + (# additional words x $0.02 per word) - for manuscripts over 60k
Ready to contact me? Fill out my Contact form at the bottom of this page, with your name + "COPYEDIT" at the top of the message.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITS
What I offer help with:
Characterization and character arcs
Plot, continuity, and logic
Pacing
Dialogue
Worldbuilding
What you can expect from me:
A marked-up copy of your manuscript with detailed comments, as well as a semi-formal edit letter with a summary of my thoughts and suggestions.
I will then respond to any clarifications or further questions you may have, and will go back and forth with you via email or Google Doc comments, until you have a clear idea of what you would like to do next.
My rates for developmental editing services are as follows:
$1,250 - flat rate for manuscript up to 60k words
$1,250 + (# additional words x $0.03 per word) - for manuscripts over 60k
Ready to contact me? Fill out my Contact form at the bottom of this page, with your name + "DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT" at the top of the message.
SENSITIVITY READS
I can do sensitivity reads for the following:
Filipino first-gen representation
Vietnamese diaspora representation
Biracial representation
Fat/plus-size representation
Demisexual, demiromantic, asexual, and WLW representation
Depression and passive suicidal ideation
Adult ADHD
What you can expect from me:
A marked-up copy of your manuscript or an edit letter detailing potential problem areas I noticed in your manuscript, with suggestions for what you can do to edit or fix them. I am willing to go back and forth with you to answer further questions and give additional suggestions if necessary.
My rates for sensitivity reads are as follows:
$400 - flat rate for manuscript up to 60k words
$400 + (# additional words x $0.02 per word) - for manuscripts over 60k
Ready to contact me? Fill out my Contact form at the bottom of this page, with your name + "SENSITIVITY READ" at the top of the message.
FOR FILIPINO WRITERS
I offer different rates for writers who are based in the Philippines, taking our economy, average salary, and cost of living into consideration. I can provide these rates upon request, and am willing to negotiate them, to take payments in installments, or to waive certain fees on a case-to-case basis.
Want to inquire? Fill out my Contact form at the bottom of this page, with your name + "PH WRITER" at the top of the message.
BETA READS
STATUS: CLOSED until further notice
Depending on the project, I am willing to beta read manuscripts free of charge, especially those by marginalized authors and/or authors based in the Philippines. If you approach me to do a beta read, you can expect an email or message with general comments on your plot, world, characters. pacing, and overall readability, as well as some general suggestions if I feel the need to give them.
I am not always open to do beta reads due to my schedule, so if you would like to inquire, please feel free to send a message in my Contact form with your name + "BETA READ" at the top of the message.
TESTIMONIALS
"Stef really helped my book stand a little straighter. My content notes are more rigorous, my prose more intentional. And I didn't ask for this, but Stef left so many encouraging and amusing comments across the manuscript that were a joy to read. You would do well to have Stef give your book a once-over! Your book will be much better for it." - Vida Cruz, author of BEYOND THE LINE OF TREES
"When I got Stef’s feedback on my WIP, I didn’t expect her to be so thorough! Not only did she give me incredibly insightful suggestions on how to improve my work in various aspects, but she also took my piece to heart and opened herself up to me in case I had more questions and clarifications. She really took the time and effort to set aside a session with me to discuss the piece, and I couldn’t be more honored! She painstakingly answered my guide questions and real-time questions with all honesty and patience, and from the bottom of my heart, I truly believe that she has the best intentions because she has fallen in love with my characters too and she wants them to succeed. That, to me, is the most amazing thing a writer can ever hope for. Stef knows what she’s saying, and her keen eye for detail is invaluable. Her constructive criticism helped me spot errors and improvements, and inspired me to shape -up my WIP to be the best that it can be. I can never repay her enough!" - Catherine Dellosa, author of RAYA AND GRAYSON'S GUIDE TO SAVING THE WORLD "Stef gave me really helpful feedback. Her thoughtful and comprehensive notes made me feel like she really hunkered down to have a thorough read of the work and get an understanding of the characters and what the story is trying to say. She asks questions to ensure we are on the same page, specially on the particular feedback I need from her. This can totally be a chore since she is working with a roughly-hewn draft, so I super appreciate all her comments." - Jay E. Tria, author of the PLAYLIST Series
“Stef is a wonderful editor to work with. She will make you feel you’re her equal, that you and her are collaborators toward the common goal of making your work to be the best it can possibly be. She identifies the strengths of a manuscript and doesn’t hold back on praises. She points out the flaws in a mild, guiding manner which makes you realize the validity of her suggestions. She is diplomatic, intuitive and attentive in dealing with a writer’s work. I loved working with her and look forward to more collaborations in the future.” - Mayumi Cruz, fusion fictionist and author of IT'S NOT JUST SEMANTICS and CHROMA HEARTS
"I hired Stef for a sensitivity read for my YA novel. She was easy to work with, very professional, and read in a timely manner. She pointed out a trope I used that I wasn't even aware of, was more than willing to continue emailing until I understood, and gave suggestions to help me fix it. I highly recommend her services." - Abby J. Reed, author of WHEN PLANETS FALL
"Stef completed an amazing beta read for my manuscript. She had insightful comments that I hadn't considered before, especially on characters and foreshadowing. She was easy to communicate with and responsive to both my initial concerns and my follow-up questions. And I loved how excited she was about my writing! I highly recommend her!" - Nadine Rajeh, kidlit writer