Ever want to ask questions to an editor or get some more information about services? You don’t want to miss this interview.
As an author, editing is one of our make-or-break items that is a must have in any of our works. Even at the simplest of forms using your built in spell/grammar checker is a tool that everyone uses. Editing is the one of the biggest investments we should be making but, the who? What kind of editing is needed? How much does it cost and how much can I afford? are questions we constantly ask ourselves.
So if you are in the market for a affordable, Canadian editor (no offense to my international friends, but that exchange rate is killer these days!) then consider Dead Trees & Ink.
About Kristy
Kristy is a fellow Canadian, and the founder of Dead Ink and Trees Editing. Like most people in the industry her love of reading and story telling has led her down the path of wanting to help indie authors stories flourish.
Kristy also has a deep love of animals especially horses and dreams of owning an animal sanctuary one day!
Her husband Erik is also an indie author and they need some ARC readers. Check it out.
✨ ARC Readers Needed for Of Perfect Spirit
Our upcoming title, Of Perfect Spirit, will be released on May 10, 2025, and we’re currently looking for ARC readers to get early access and help build buzz.
📖 Genre: Fantasy
🎉 ARC Drop: April 10th, 2025
📬 Want to read early and leave a review? Join the ARC team by signing up here: https://forms.gle/TZcfqQfwumEiATQT6
Q & A
Q: How long have you been in the industry?
I just started seriously in the industry in November 2024, but I’ve been beta and arc reading for the past 5 years!
Q: Did you always want to be an editor/agent?
Not exactly! I never expected to be an editor—but I’ve always loved reading, helping others with their stories, and nerding out over narrative structure. Friends used to send me their essays and fiction to review, and I realized just how much I loved diving into their voices and helping shape their work. While my dream is to eventually advocate for indie authors as an agent, editing felt like the perfect place to start.
Q: What drew you into the career?
Honestly? My husband. He’s an indie author, and working on his manuscripts really opened my eyes to how much I love the editing process. Seeing a story evolve—helping it grow while preserving the author’s voice—is incredibly rewarding.
Q: Favourite genre to edit?
Fantasy will always have my heart—it’s where my imagination feels most at home. That said, I genuinely enjoy editing a well-crafted romance, sci-fi, mystery, or thriller/horror too. I love when a story can surprise me or sweep me away. Non-fiction, however, just isn’t in our wheelhouse at this time.
Q: Your favourite book/author (as a reader) & why?
This is such a hard question! I’m a major mood reader, so my favourites often shift with the seasons. That said, Samantha Shannon has absolutely sunk her claws into me. Her world-building, prose, and story structure are masterful—and she’s managed to catch me off guard more than once, which is rare. Her characters feel real and lived-in, and I always look forward to what she’ll write next.
One of my recent favourites was Wicked & Wildflower by Sarah A. Bailey—I loved how deeply you get pulled into the characters’ world. Honestly, it felt like being surrounded by the best fictional men imaginable.
Every book I love leaves a little ink behind on me, and that’s what keeps me reading.
Q: When do you suggest that the editor process start?
That really depends on your personal process. Most authors come to us after they’ve finished or nearly finished their first draft. My advice is to wait until you’ve taken the story as far as you can on your own. If you’ve read it so many times you can’t see straight, that’s usually when we hear: “I’m sick of looking at it—can you help me find what I’m missing?” And that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Q: For those seeking traditional publishing paths would you recommend any editing services?
Absolutely—but the type of editing you need might be different. For authors who are querying, developmental editing or a manuscript critique can be a game-changer —a critique partner can make a big difference too! It ensures your story structure, pacing, and characters are in strong shape before agents or publishers see it. You may not need a full copy edit at that stage, but the cleaner your manuscript, the better your chances of standing out.
Q: How much should people plan to budget for editing?
We try to stay very indie-author friendly with our pricing. Most projects range between $300–$1500, depending on your word count and the level of editing you need. We also offer combo packages and are happy to talk through a plan that fits your goals and budget.
Q: Break down the importance of the different editing types-
Developmental Editing:
Big picture edits. Plot holes, pacing, character arcs, worldbuilding—this is where we help shape the foundation of your story.
Line Editing:
Focused on style, flow, voice, and clarity. It’s where your prose gets polished while still sounding like you.
Copy Editing:
We correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency issues. It’s about making sure the mechanics don’t distract from the story.
Proofreading:
The final polish. We catch those pesky typos and formatting glitches that sneak through at the end.
Q: Types of services you offer?
We offer a full range of editing and formatting services, including:
- Copy Editing
- Proofreading
- Line Editing
- Developmental Editing
- Formatting (for eBook and print)
The cool part? You don’t just get one editor—you get two! My husband Erik Tucsok and I team up on each project so you get a well-rounded critique with both technical and creative insight.
Q: What’s the best advice for self-editing before sending it to you?
Read your story out loud. It’s one of the best ways to catch awkward phrasing and improve clarity. If you find yourself pausing or getting confused in a section, chances are your reader will too. Also, take a moment to assess your pacing—make sure each scene has purpose. A quick run of spellcheck and a fresh set of eyes (maybe a trusted beta reader) can make a big difference before you send it our way.
Q: What are the top 5 overused words?
- Just
- That
- Look / Looked
- Says / Said
- Really / Very
Q: Biggest newbie mistakes you see?
One of the biggest mistakes I see is writers jumping into edits too early—before the story has fully settled. It’s also common to see too much telling instead of showing, overly formal dialogue, or an info-dump in the first few chapters. Sometimes there’s a temptation to explain every emotion or beat, but trusting the reader is part of building a strong story. Another big one is skipping the revision phase entirely and going straight from draft to submission.
Q: If you could recommend any craft book for an author what would it be and why?
Save the Cat is a great resource for getting your story structure sorted—it really helps break things down in a digestible way. For quick reference while writing or editing, I love The Emotion Thesaurus and The Game Master’s Book of Astonishing Random Tables. They’re great tools to spark ideas, deepen descriptions, and avoid repetition.
Q: For an author, especially self-publishing ones, it’s a big decision to find someone and trust them with the work. What would be some big red flags to look out for and avoid being scammed.
Fake editors are unfortunately a real and scary problem. Your editor should feel like a partner, not a gatekeeper. Red flags include vague communication, rushing you to commit, no contract or clear terms, and promising perfection or bestseller status. A huge one? If they don’t read your sample before quoting you, that’s a bad sign.
At Dead Trees & Ink, we take the time to read your sample, chat with you about your needs, and make sure we’re a good fit. If you’re unsure about someone, don’t be afraid to ask for a quick call or video meeting—just having a conversation can often reveal a lot.
Q: For those who want to get into the business, where do you recommend they start? Any programs etc?
Start by beta reading! Offering feedback for other writers is a great way to build your instincts and experience. If you have a strong foundation in English or your chosen language, that’s a great start. From there, I highly recommend checking out courses from the Editorial Freelancers Association. They offer fantastic, accessible training for editors at all stages.
Use code: KISS10
For a 10% discount on services special for my readers.
Where to find her:
Upcoming events:
📚 Tales & Treasures Book & Craft Fair
Join us at our quarterly market-style book and vendor fair in London, Ontario! These events bring together indie authors, local artists, and handmade creators for a full day of community connection and creativity.
🗓 Upcoming Dates (10am–4pm):
- May 10, 2025
- August 9, 2025
November 8, 2025
📍Location: Westview Baptist Church
Each event features local books, vendors, and activities, with new authors and artisans every time.
🧺 Vendor applications open via our website: deadtreesandink.net/events
🛠️ Writing & Publishing Workshops – Coming Soon!
We’re planning a series of virtual and in-person workshops designed to support indie authors at every stage—from drafting and self-editing to marketing and publishing. Whether you’re just starting or getting ready to launch, these sessions are built to empower and inform.
➡️ Topics will include:
- Developmental Editing Deep-Dives
- Self-Editing Tips & Tricks
- Formatting for Print & eBooks
Building Author Platforms
Stay tuned on Instagram or Discord for signup links and full schedules!
Website: https://deadtreesandink.net/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/deadtrees_ink
Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/4HUuxjQEgr
Want more like this? Sign up here.
Madyn Rose 
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