Frequently Asked Questions

What does Quick Brown Fox mean?

“The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog” is an English-language pangram, meaning it contains each letter of the alphabet. In 1885, The Michigan School Moderator suggested its use as penmanship practice. It later developed as a typing exercise, and now it is widely used to test fonts. 

How can I contact you?

Please e-mail services@quickbrownfoxeditorial.com. Once you are a contracted client, depending upon your project needs, your editor can be made available by e-mail or phone.

How should I pick an editor?

Freelancers can range from undergraduate English majors to retired Random House editors. You need to find the editor not only whom you can afford, but who will work the best with your vision. Every editorial relationship is a collaborative one. Many editors will offer a trial of their services for free or at a low cost. This sample will give you a good idea of how their efforts will be applied to your total manuscript. To arrange for a sample edit, e-mail services@quickbrownfoxeditorial.com

What types of editing do you offer?

Quick Brown Fox Editorial offers developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading, as well as editorial reviews. If there are other services in which you are interested (synopsis critiques, plot/character brainstorming, writing coaching, etc.), please send an email to  services@quickbrownfoxeditorial.com.  


How much should editing cost?

There is a wide range of prices when it comes to freelance editors. The Editorial Freelancers Association lists average costs for copy editing to be $30-50/hour, developmental between $40-60, and proofreading at $30-55.

Are your prices firm?

The rates at Quick Brown Fox Editorial are very competitive but can fluctuate based on the needs of a manuscript. You will be given a quote once your work has been received. Some manuscripts will need less work than expected, and a few will require more. 


Academic edits are based not only on the incoming quality of the work, but on the author’s station and the work’s difficulty. For example, undergraduate essays can expect a lower rate than a doctoral thesis. 


As a way of saying thank you, these services are also offered free of charge to U.S. military members transitioning to the civilian workforce or an academic life. 


If you have a concern about payment, we encourage you to e-mail liv@quickbrownfoxeditorial.com.

Breaking your manuscript into smaller editorial chunks may work in your situation or simply beginning with a First Chapter Review. 

Do you combine services?

Yes, we can. All of our services can be customized. When you submit your work, we will consult with you about which services you desire and which may be to your benefit. If you wish to have more than one service, we will determine a custom rate. 

Are there works you do not accept?

We do not accept foreign language works or manuscripts with eroticized rape or incest. Quick Brown Fox Editorial does reserve the right to refuse manuscripts. 

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Paypal, money orders, and checks. With check payments, the total must clear before editing will begin. 

When do I make my payment?

Editorial Review payments are due in full at the time of booking. For all other services, you will receive a free quote, and we will determine what services your manuscript needs. We request 50 percent of your payment upon submission and the balance upon completion. If you will need this in smaller chunks, please contact us. Jobs under $50 will all be due in full at booking.

How long will editing take?

Each client and project will have different needs and varied time frames. Your editor will want to make sure there is enough time for a thorough edit of your work. 


Quick Brown Fox Editorial will give you a rate and time quote after seeing a sample of your manuscript and knowing your total word count. On the outside, works under 100,000 words will be returned by 15 business days from your project start date. Project start dates can vary due to client load.


Rush services can be provided for an upcharge, as long as the time constraints still allow for a quality edit. 

What reference manuals do you use?

Quick Brown Fox Editorial uses The Chicago Manual of Style for all grammar and usage guidelines as well as Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary for manuscripts. 


If you are seeking academic or professional services, please specify if you need CMS, AP, or MLA style. 


You will also need to specify if you are publishing for an English market outside of the U.S. 

Do you have a guarantee?

When a manuscript is edited in a publishing house, it passes through the hands of several editors and still may present with the accidental typo or error when it lands on the shelves. Just as the writing process is never truly finished, neither is editing. There will always be one more phrase that could perhaps be tweaked. No one can guarantee a flawless manuscript, though we promise a professional edit. 


If you are unsatisfied with your manuscript upon its return, please contact us to reach a resolution. Quick Brown Fox Editorial wants all clients to be pleased with their choice. 

Are you hiring?

At the moment, Quick Brown Fox Editorial is not hiring.