How do I know you’re any good?
Good in the sense that I can clean up your story? I authored a dozen books before becoming an editor, and I have edited hundreds of books. I have worked hard to hone my craft.
Good in the sense that we’ll make a great team? You have a great story to tell. I want to help you make sure it’s in the best shape possible before delivering it to your readers.
How should I format my manuscript?
- Use 12-ish pt. normal font. Nothing with swashes or anything that looks like it belongs on a wedding invitation or a comic book cover. Double-spaced please.
- Use Styles in Word to indent your paragraphs. Don’t use TAB to make paragraphs. Seriously. Don’t.
- Use Headings in Styles for your Chapters headings (Numbers and/or Titles)
- .doc or .docx
- Standard 8.5 x 11-page size. Regular old 1-inch margins.
These make it easier to read and easier to navigate through the document. I will NOT be formatting your book for print or e-book. Once I’m done, feel free to go back to your preferred fonts, margins, page sizes, etc.
How does payment work?
Once I have your contract, I will invoice you through PayPal.
Can I see a contract?
Sure. Here’s a SAMPLE.
How long does it take?
Good question. Once we start, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for a normal-length book (80-100K words). Faster may be possible. Again, if you have time constraints, let me know in the contact form. We may be able to work something out.
What happens if I change my mind and want to hire someone else?
We can still be friends. If I haven’t started your manuscript, I’ll refund your payment through PayPal. If I have started, I’ll refund your payment, minus the charges for the work up to that point, and I’ll return the partially edited manuscript.
What happens if you can’t finish?
In the ridiculously unlikely event that I would be unable to finish your project, I’ll refund your payment and return the partially edited manuscript.
What genres do you edit?
Almost any. I would turn down horror because I have a terribly overactive imagination as it is. Excessive violence and gore would be a deal-breaker. Pornography is out. Other than that … I think we’re good. I reserve the right to decline to edit your work.
I’ve edited everything from children’s books to Ph.D. dissertations.
Do you use Track Changes in Word?
Yes.
What if I want more than line editing?
We can talk. I can do more in-depth, developmental editing, but it is a huge commitment, and there are a lot of variables. (My schedule, the condition of your manuscript, your timeframe, etc.)
You’re a writer too. How do I know you won’t steal my stuff?
Because that’s completely illegal and unethical.
What references or styles guides to you use?
If you actually care about this … a thousand bonus points for you. I use the most recent Chicago Manual of Style (currently 17th edition) and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. (The Oxford Dictionary of American English is my back-up)
You’ve convinced me:
I want line editing I want proofreading. I want to look at the services again.