I've tried to answer as many of the most common questions relating to the process of hiring an editor (specifically me) below, but if there's something I've missed, or something you'd like clarification on, please don't hesitate to drop me a line.
How can I be sure I need an editor or proofreader?
There are three fundamental stages to the editorial process once you have finished writing your book. These are:
I like to refer to these stages in terms of Build, Sculpt and Polish, and it's imperative to your book, your time, your money, and your sanity, that they are completed in that order. You might do some of these stages yourself or you might hire a professional, depending on your skill set, experience or budget. But regardless, it's always advisable that you self-edit the manuscript at least once - preferably more - before enlisting the help of a professional. Be sure you have done all you can with it first. In this way, you could save yourself time and money at the next stage.
While I don't charge for in-depth developmental edits, my manuscript review will identify the issues that arise during this first-stage edit.
If you're still not sure what your manuscript needs next or how I could help, send me a sample of up to 2000 words - preferably from the middle of your manuscript - and I'll get back to you with my thoughts and, if applicable, some quotes.
- Stage 1: Developmental/Structural Edit, for tackling large issues such as plotlines, character development and story arc
- Stage 2: Copy/Line Edit, for line by line issues, such as effectiveness, clarity, flow and consistency
- Stage 3: Proofreading, for typographical, grammatical and formatting issues, such as typos, incorrect grammar and spelling inconsistencies
I like to refer to these stages in terms of Build, Sculpt and Polish, and it's imperative to your book, your time, your money, and your sanity, that they are completed in that order. You might do some of these stages yourself or you might hire a professional, depending on your skill set, experience or budget. But regardless, it's always advisable that you self-edit the manuscript at least once - preferably more - before enlisting the help of a professional. Be sure you have done all you can with it first. In this way, you could save yourself time and money at the next stage.
While I don't charge for in-depth developmental edits, my manuscript review will identify the issues that arise during this first-stage edit.
If you're still not sure what your manuscript needs next or how I could help, send me a sample of up to 2000 words - preferably from the middle of your manuscript - and I'll get back to you with my thoughts and, if applicable, some quotes.
It's an added expense; will it be worth it?
It would be easy here for me to just say, ‘Yes, hiring a professional is essential and will pay for itself when the book sells.' But I’m not in any position to guarantee you the return on your investment - there are lots of factors influencing that. Instead I would suggest considering what you hope to achieve with your book.
Anyone who picks up a book to read, for whatever reason, wants to be able to enjoy it without distraction, and errors of spelling and grammar or lack of clarity and cohesion are frustrating and off-putting. So, in this sense, having a professional and objective pair of eyes look over your work is always going to be worth it.
If you are releasing your work directly into the marketplace with a view to profiting from your stories and building your author brand, then now more than ever quality is of paramount importance. It is already a heavily populated market where authors are having to work extremely hard to jostle their books to the front of the queue. Positive reader reviews are one way to help achieve that, and therefore a professional-looking, error-free book will put you in a stronger position to sell via word of mouth, and to build your author brand ready for future releases.
To make the process a little easier, I discount 15% from your first order on manuscripts in excess of 60,000 words, carry out additional work at a discounted rate, and discount 10% off orders on subsequent manuscripts in the same series.
Anyone who picks up a book to read, for whatever reason, wants to be able to enjoy it without distraction, and errors of spelling and grammar or lack of clarity and cohesion are frustrating and off-putting. So, in this sense, having a professional and objective pair of eyes look over your work is always going to be worth it.
If you are releasing your work directly into the marketplace with a view to profiting from your stories and building your author brand, then now more than ever quality is of paramount importance. It is already a heavily populated market where authors are having to work extremely hard to jostle their books to the front of the queue. Positive reader reviews are one way to help achieve that, and therefore a professional-looking, error-free book will put you in a stronger position to sell via word of mouth, and to build your author brand ready for future releases.
To make the process a little easier, I discount 15% from your first order on manuscripts in excess of 60,000 words, carry out additional work at a discounted rate, and discount 10% off orders on subsequent manuscripts in the same series.
I would like to publish traditionally; can you still help?
Of course. If your work is accepted by a publisher, it is highly likely - though not always guaranteed - they will fund and project manage your book right through to post-publication, which includes several rounds of editing and, finally, proofreading. But some authors are choosing to give themselves the best possible chance of reaching this stage by seeking editorial assistance early, and thus ensuring their manuscript is as good as it can be when it lands on the agent’s or publisher’s desk.
Can you refer me or recommend me to literary agents?
Unfortunately not. I am a self-employed, independent editor and proofreader; I do not work in correlation with literary agents or publishers or receive any commissions from third parties for referrals.
How will you work on my book?
When your manuscript is with me, you can rest assured it will receive my full attention - I do not work with more than one client simultaneously.
Before I begin work, you will need to email your manuscript to me in its entirety in a Word document. I prefer to use Microsoft Word for the ease and convenience of its Track Changes facility. With Track Changes you will be able to view what changes I’ve made and choose whether to Accept or Reject them. It also lets me add comments to the manuscript, where I can explain to you my reasons for altering the text, and/or provide notes for your reference. If you are unfamiliar with Word’s Track Changes, I will talk you through how to use it.
During an edit or proofread, I will run professional software applications through your manuscript to pick out initial errors, such as typos or inconsistencies. These applications are stored on my own PC, under my own private license, and are protected by up-to-date antivirus applications. In other words, your manuscript will be safeguarded to the best of my ability while in my possession, and not exposed to any outside sources. Following these checks, the real work begins - that which can't be done by a machine (or, dare I say, AI). This is where I will read through your entire manuscript from first page to last - once on screen, and a second time on paper.
Finally, on completion, I will send you at least two versions of the work: a Tracked Changes copy and a Clean copy (with all of the changes accepted).
With a manuscript review, I will compile a multi-page report which you will receive in a Word document, under the headings of all the important elements that make up a complete story, as listed on the Services & Fees page.
Before I begin work, you will need to email your manuscript to me in its entirety in a Word document. I prefer to use Microsoft Word for the ease and convenience of its Track Changes facility. With Track Changes you will be able to view what changes I’ve made and choose whether to Accept or Reject them. It also lets me add comments to the manuscript, where I can explain to you my reasons for altering the text, and/or provide notes for your reference. If you are unfamiliar with Word’s Track Changes, I will talk you through how to use it.
During an edit or proofread, I will run professional software applications through your manuscript to pick out initial errors, such as typos or inconsistencies. These applications are stored on my own PC, under my own private license, and are protected by up-to-date antivirus applications. In other words, your manuscript will be safeguarded to the best of my ability while in my possession, and not exposed to any outside sources. Following these checks, the real work begins - that which can't be done by a machine (or, dare I say, AI). This is where I will read through your entire manuscript from first page to last - once on screen, and a second time on paper.
Finally, on completion, I will send you at least two versions of the work: a Tracked Changes copy and a Clean copy (with all of the changes accepted).
With a manuscript review, I will compile a multi-page report which you will receive in a Word document, under the headings of all the important elements that make up a complete story, as listed on the Services & Fees page.
How long will it take you to work on my book?
Naturally this depends on the word-length of your manuscript and the amount of work required. As a rough guide, a novel-length project (80,000 words) may take between one to two weeks for each service. However, some projects are completed quicker than this, others may take longer. If time allows, I prefer to work on the basis of quality before speed, and will usually overestimate a timescale to ensure I can give it 100% of my care and attention. When I hand your work back to you, I want to feel certain I have done everything I can to get it into shape for the next stage of its journey. However, I understand time is not always on our side, and in these instances I will arrange a schedule that will respect any forthcoming deadlines if I believe it to be reasonable. If my current workload dictates I am unable to meet your deadline, I will inform you of this before proceeding.
What happens when you've finished work on my book?
On completion of an edit or proofread, you'll receive the two versions of your manuscript mentioned above (Tracked and Clean). If applicable, you will also receive a Query List containing anything you need to address or be aware of before you proceed to the next stage. In addition, you will receive a Style Sheet (if you do not already have one), listing all the formatting and stylistic choices (e.g. spelling and numerical styles, UK or US English, etc) that have been consistently applied throughout the manuscript. This sheet is essential for anyone working on the manuscript subsequently, and/or useful for your reference if you are writing a book series and wish to be consistent across all of the instalments. In addition to these documents, you may also receive my thoughts and feedback in an email or separate document.
It's important to remember that these documents are purely for your use and consideration only. You are under no obligation to agree with or action any of the points I raise. Feedback is a wonderful medium through which you can broaden your writing skills and creativity, but it should not do so to the detriment of your own personal goals for your work. When in doubt, trust your instincts.
Finally, with the invoice you will receive a feedback form, which will allow you to comment upon your experiences of working with me. Honest feedback is always welcomed and appreciated, as it helps me to improve on the service I offer you.
It's important to remember that these documents are purely for your use and consideration only. You are under no obligation to agree with or action any of the points I raise. Feedback is a wonderful medium through which you can broaden your writing skills and creativity, but it should not do so to the detriment of your own personal goals for your work. When in doubt, trust your instincts.
Finally, with the invoice you will receive a feedback form, which will allow you to comment upon your experiences of working with me. Honest feedback is always welcomed and appreciated, as it helps me to improve on the service I offer you.
Could we have a Zoom or phone consultation?
Whilst some editors offer a follow-up consultation by phone or Zoom as part of the services they'll invoice you for, unfortunately I don't, for several reasons. Firstly, I like to have a written record of everything we discuss so I can refer back to it if needed. And secondly, as I work with multiple authors and their manuscripts, and like to give each one a considered response as opposed to an off-the-cuff, muddled or incomplete one, email is my preferred method of communication. In other words, the written word rather than the spoken one is the way I work best! I will always, however, be more than happy to answer any follow-up questions you may have via email.
How and when do I pay?
A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking, and will be outlined in the quote. This deposit acts as insurance for myself that the work will be paid in full upon completion, and also guarantees my sole occupation with your manuscript for the duration of the work. Once completed, I'll issue you with an invoice, and the remaining payment will be due within 14 days of the invoice date.
Accepted payment methods are PayPal and electronic bank transfer, details of which will be supplied at the time.
Accepted payment methods are PayPal and electronic bank transfer, details of which will be supplied at the time.