I’m a first-time author! How does this whole editing thing work?

First, congratulations! Completing the first draft of your novel is a significant accomplishment!

Second, take a deep breath. I know most writers loathe the editing process, but I attempt to make it as painless as possible.

Once you contact me, we’ll set up a time to talk about your book – its genre, who your intended audience is, its length, your goal with your book, and more. We’ll discuss the stages of editing and where your book is within that process. I’ll send you a contract for you to sign, and then we’ll get started.

We’ll be in communication every step of the way. Once you receive the documents back from me after editing or proofreading, we’ll get on the phone and talk about it – I’ll answer all your questions and will advise you on next steps.

Just remember, each editing stage you complete means your book is one step closer to publication!!!

 

These stages of editing you mention – what are they? 

Below are the typical stages of editing for a book:

For information on what’s covered in each stage as well as the timeline for their completion and their cost, visit the Services page, and for further details on the various stages visit the Book Editing and Proofreading pages of this site.

 

Do you accept all genres?

No. I accept most fiction and non-fiction genres. I do not accept:

• Cookbooks
• Highly technical non-fiction
• Poetry
• Short stories

 

Do you accept all manuscripts?

No. But don’t get scared! I do accept most of the manuscripts submitted to me, but if I feel your work is not yet at a stage where my editing will improve your work, I will return the manuscript to you, usually with some overall suggestions.

 

Is there a minimum word count?

Absolutely! The desired minimum word count is 15,000 words. However, I have been known to edit short work (marketing material, essays, reports, case studies, etc.) so please email me so we can talk about your project.

 

Do you keep the copyright?

Absolutely not! You do, as the author of the work.

 

Is my submission confidential?

Absolutely!

 

What format should my book be in when I send it to you?

Your book should be in Microsoft Word in Times New Roman font, 12 point type, double spaced.

 

Can I submit my book in small chunks?

While this is possible (as long as the minimum word count of 15,000 is met in the first chunk), it is not recommended. It is difficult to get a feel for the tone of a book, particularly fiction, in chunks. Although this approach does work well for some authors, from an editor’s perspective, this works better for a Line Edit (Stage 2) than a Developmental Edit (Stage 1).

 

If I get my book edited, will I still need a proofread?

Absolutely! A developmental edit may call for a rewrite of sections of your book, and these rewrites may introduce additional errors. The same holds true for a line edit. Anytime changes are made to your book, other parts of your book may be affected. A proofread is the final polish, the final look at your book to ensure nothing glaring remains before publish.

Once your first draft is complete, your book enters the multi-step editing process. The editing process is made of different stages. While some authors prefer to work with the same editor throughout the entire process, it is usually helpful to have the same editor complete the first two stages, while a fresh set of eyes can be helpful for the final stage (the final proofread).

The typical stages of editing are:

 

Once I, the author, have had the book edited, will the editor look at the changes I made?

I do not do a second edit. Once your book receives a Developmental Edit (Stage 1), you, the author, work on any necessary changes, rewrites, and additions. At that point, the book should be submitted for a Line Edit (Stage 2). The final stage (Stage 3), Proofreading, the stage right before you “publish” your book, is the final polish when it is proofread for glaring spelling, grammatical, and punctuation errors.

 

What do I get back from you?

I use Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature. With each edit/stage (Developmental, Line, or Proofreading), you will receive an electronic copy of your manuscript with Track Changes on to show you my suggested edits and comments as well as a clean version with all my edits accepted. In addition, I will provide you with a written report of your book detailing the overall suggested rewrites.  The final product is yours, and you may choose to either accept or override any of the marked edits.

 

How do you accept payment?

I will provide you with an invoice. Payment is only accepted electronically. Half (50 percent) of the payment is due before the start of work, and the remainder is due upon delivery of the final product to you.

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If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!