FAQ
What if I just have a handout for my networking contacts that I want edited? That’s perfect! I will edit anything that you are using to promote yourself or your business. Maybe you’re just writing an article for the community newspaper or the company newsletter, and you want to make sure that you make a good impression. I want that for you, too! So send me an e-mail, and let’s talk!
Do you copyedit book length manuscripts? Of course! The level of copyediting (see Services) depends on which service you request.
What do you consider to be the average length of a manuscript? Manuscripts usually range from 35,000 words to 120,000 words. However, this does not mean that manuscripts outside this range are not considered. All projects are considered.
What do you consider a "page" in your pricing? The industry generally accepts that a page is equivalent to 300 words.
Why does substantive editing cost more? Substantive editing has so many more levels of action that are required than copyediting. It Involves analyzing the organization and style of the content to ensure that it is in alignment with the project’s concept and its intended use, and some rewriting and reorganization may be involved. There are many more discussions with the author that have to take place. As you can see on the services page, my working speed drops from 6 pages/hour to 3 pages/hour when doing a substantive edit.
I noticed that the turn-around time for projects over 10,000 words is negotiated. Why is that? When a project is over 10,000 words, a lot of issues can arise that require more editing time. Some of these are consistency, wordiness, and content. Therefore, I negotiate turn-around time based on my evaluation of the specific project.
Does the turn-around time start when I submit my work to you? No. I will contact you once I receive your first e-mail. Then you will submit the project per e-mailed instructions. Once I receive the document, I will let you know when I can start, how quickly I can return the finished project, and the estimated cost. Once you email the contract back to me, the clock is running.
What are my payment options? See the Payment Terms page.
How will I know which level of copyediting you will do? You, of course, make the decision about which level you desire. If you choose copyediting, for example, and I can see that there are many problems with consistency, missing content, or sentence arrangement, then I will contact you about my concerns. You still make the choice about which level you wish to purchase.
Do you copyedit book length manuscripts? Of course! The level of copyediting (see Services) depends on which service you request.
What do you consider to be the average length of a manuscript? Manuscripts usually range from 35,000 words to 120,000 words. However, this does not mean that manuscripts outside this range are not considered. All projects are considered.
What do you consider a "page" in your pricing? The industry generally accepts that a page is equivalent to 300 words.
Why does substantive editing cost more? Substantive editing has so many more levels of action that are required than copyediting. It Involves analyzing the organization and style of the content to ensure that it is in alignment with the project’s concept and its intended use, and some rewriting and reorganization may be involved. There are many more discussions with the author that have to take place. As you can see on the services page, my working speed drops from 6 pages/hour to 3 pages/hour when doing a substantive edit.
I noticed that the turn-around time for projects over 10,000 words is negotiated. Why is that? When a project is over 10,000 words, a lot of issues can arise that require more editing time. Some of these are consistency, wordiness, and content. Therefore, I negotiate turn-around time based on my evaluation of the specific project.
Does the turn-around time start when I submit my work to you? No. I will contact you once I receive your first e-mail. Then you will submit the project per e-mailed instructions. Once I receive the document, I will let you know when I can start, how quickly I can return the finished project, and the estimated cost. Once you email the contract back to me, the clock is running.
What are my payment options? See the Payment Terms page.
How will I know which level of copyediting you will do? You, of course, make the decision about which level you desire. If you choose copyediting, for example, and I can see that there are many problems with consistency, missing content, or sentence arrangement, then I will contact you about my concerns. You still make the choice about which level you wish to purchase.
| “[Your copy] looks quite good! Brevity is better than lengthy copy that no one will take the time to read.” - T. Banks, Georgia-Pacific Professional |
I’ve written a book, but the cost of having it edited seems like a lot. Is it really necessary? Well, you don’t have to have your manuscript edited, but it could certainly move you up a few notches when you try to get the attention of a literary agent or compete in the self-publishing industry. In today’s desktop publishing world, a greater percentage of manuscripts are being sent to agents or being self-published that should have stayed on someone’s desktop. So, you can certainly understand why a well-edited manuscript might rise to the top of the pile! Usually, an agent/editor can spot one within the first few pages as can a reader. Do you have to spend the money? No. Is it a wise business decision? Yes.
I noticed that you list a minimum fee on the pricing page. What does that mean? The minimum fee for each level of service balances out the time spent reviewing and setting up for the project.
Do you ever turn projects down? Yes. If I feel that you and I are not on the same wavelength, it is better that we don’t torture ourselves by trying to work together. That being said, on pieces under 10,000 words, it would be rare that I would turn a project down. On larger projects, such as manuscripts, a different set of issues arise. It is much more important that you and I are able to harmonize if we are working on a copy edit or substantive edit of your manuscript.
Do you handle rush situations? Well, it depends on the situation. On short pieces I can usually accommodate a change in plans, but I can’t guarantee it. There may be additional fees.
I noticed that you list a minimum fee on the pricing page. What does that mean? The minimum fee for each level of service balances out the time spent reviewing and setting up for the project.
Do you ever turn projects down? Yes. If I feel that you and I are not on the same wavelength, it is better that we don’t torture ourselves by trying to work together. That being said, on pieces under 10,000 words, it would be rare that I would turn a project down. On larger projects, such as manuscripts, a different set of issues arise. It is much more important that you and I are able to harmonize if we are working on a copy edit or substantive edit of your manuscript.
Do you handle rush situations? Well, it depends on the situation. On short pieces I can usually accommodate a change in plans, but I can’t guarantee it. There may be additional fees.
| “You have a powerful and compelling style that's such a joy to read!” - Murray Fuhrer, author of Extreme Esteem |
Can you guarantee that my edited manuscript will be accepted by an agent or publisher? Ah! There are few guarantees in life, and this isn’t one of them! Even if your manuscript is the best I’ve ever seen, I have no control over the expectations or the moods of the agents and publishers out there. Sorry.
Do you have a policy regarding the use of your name in the acknowledgments or the preface of a book? I would love to be listed as your editor! Of course, this would only be the case if you accept all my final edits, and the published work is the same as the completed file sent to you.
Do you have a policy regarding the use of your name in the acknowledgments or the preface of a book? I would love to be listed as your editor! Of course, this would only be the case if you accept all my final edits, and the published work is the same as the completed file sent to you.
