For BFF Editing Process, scroll down or click here:
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For the Sample Edit process, scroll down or click here:
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For my business Policies, scroll down or click here: |
For Calculation of fees, scroll down or click here: |
For my Privacy Policy, scroll to the bottom or click here:
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Q - I'm new to publishing. Where do I begin?
A - Editing is not a regulated profession, so we all do it and talk about it differently. In order to avoid confusion and miscommunication, I recommend taking some time to peruse this website for my explanations of editing stages, process, and terminology. And while you are here, check out the listings of website and topical resources like writing craft, hiring an editor, conscious language, etc. Feel free to reach out with inquiries via email or the Contact form.
Communication is key. I need to have things in writing so that I can go back and reference details as well as write out considered answers. But sometimes it's helpful to hear a person's voice. We can schedule a conference call either to assess our suitability as a collaborative team before we craft the course and style of what your particular project needs or to talk things through after we've started the editing process.
Communication is key. I need to have things in writing so that I can go back and reference details as well as write out considered answers. But sometimes it's helpful to hear a person's voice. We can schedule a conference call either to assess our suitability as a collaborative team before we craft the course and style of what your particular project needs or to talk things through after we've started the editing process.
Q - Aren't all editors basically the same?
A - There are as many kinds of editors and styles of editing as there are writers and stories in this world. As you peruse my website and become familiar with my process and use of terminology, I hope you will find helpful information and get a sense of who I am as a person and a professional.
Contact me to discuss your project. You may know what you are looking for in an editor or have expectations for what an author/editor collaboration looks like. I need to know what your expectations and experiences are.
For instance:
Do you like your edits to come with a significant amount of instruction/explanation?
Do you prefer simple inline corrections or that I leave my suggestions in the comments?
You can let me know before or after I do a sample edit for you. After beginning the edits, I usually send the manuscript back for an early peek to fine-tune our process and calibrate the level and form of my feedback to suit your preferences.
Contact me to discuss your project. You may know what you are looking for in an editor or have expectations for what an author/editor collaboration looks like. I need to know what your expectations and experiences are.
For instance:
Do you like your edits to come with a significant amount of instruction/explanation?
Do you prefer simple inline corrections or that I leave my suggestions in the comments?
You can let me know before or after I do a sample edit for you. After beginning the edits, I usually send the manuscript back for an early peek to fine-tune our process and calibrate the level and form of my feedback to suit your preferences.
Q - Can I get a sample edit?
A - Absolutely. A sample edit is essential to decide if we are a good fit and for me to assess where in the process you are so that we can formulate a plan to make your wonderful story even better. (See my Sample Edit section to learn more.)
Q - What if I disagree with editing suggestions?
A - It is your responsibility as the author (especially in indie publishing) to ensure that the story looks and sounds the way you want it to. It is your name on the cover. You will make the ultimate decisions about how the story goes out into the world. I respect and applaud that.
I want to be as helpful as possible to your process and will try to accommodate your vision for how to improve your story. I will, of course, offer feedback, make suggestions, and explain what I think would make the message clearer and the story more engaging. Opinions, observations, and recommendations are based on my own ear, experience, and education, and I offer that feedback for the good of your story - i.e., which is what you've hired me to do.
I want to be as helpful as possible to your process and will try to accommodate your vision for how to improve your story. I will, of course, offer feedback, make suggestions, and explain what I think would make the message clearer and the story more engaging. Opinions, observations, and recommendations are based on my own ear, experience, and education, and I offer that feedback for the good of your story - i.e., which is what you've hired me to do.
Honing, polishing, and tweaking your message is definitely work. And having your writing scrutinized can be challenging. When you've put so much of yourself into a project, it's not fun to have someone point out ways it could be improved - no matter how kindly meant, constructive, or tactful the critique. (See my Dealing with Critique page to learn more.)
I find the collaborative process to be satisfying and hope you will too. Though editing is not easy, it can be rewarding and enjoyable with the right attitude and company. :)
Authors should be prepared to roll up their sleeves and set their egos aside for the sake of creating a better experience for their audience, which ultimately means greater success as an author.
I find the collaborative process to be satisfying and hope you will too. Though editing is not easy, it can be rewarding and enjoyable with the right attitude and company. :)
Authors should be prepared to roll up their sleeves and set their egos aside for the sake of creating a better experience for their audience, which ultimately means greater success as an author.
Q - OK, so what happens after the sample edit?
A - If we both agree it's a green light, I may ask you to fill out a New Client Questionnaire to give me more information about your writing, editing style, and experience.
We'll then hammer out the details of service, scheduling, and payment. If we won't be working together for a while, I'll send an invoice for the $100 nonrefundable deposit to hold your spot on my schedule. (See my Business Policies section for details.)
We'll then hammer out the details of service, scheduling, and payment. If we won't be working together for a while, I'll send an invoice for the $100 nonrefundable deposit to hold your spot on my schedule. (See my Business Policies section for details.)
Q - And then ...?
A - When we are coming up on the agreed-upon, scheduled work, I'll reach out to get last minute details - like word count - before sending a contract for you to look over. After you sign and send it back, I'll invoice you (minus the Hold My Spot fee and any other discounts).
I'll begin as soon as you've paid and sent your manuscript in the standard format in Word (see Formatting a Word Doc in Resources for details) or as a pdf, depending on what service you've hired me to do.
How many rounds we do - sending the manuscript back and forth between us - depends on the service, the book, and the timeline.
I'll begin as soon as you've paid and sent your manuscript in the standard format in Word (see Formatting a Word Doc in Resources for details) or as a pdf, depending on what service you've hired me to do.
How many rounds we do - sending the manuscript back and forth between us - depends on the service, the book, and the timeline.
See my Business Policies page for more details.
See my Dealing with Critique page for a helpful framing and perspective.
See my Services Overview page (with links to specific services) for descriptions of à la carte and package deals, add-ons, etc.
See the Calculations section of my Business page for explanation of how fees are calculated.
See my Dealing with Critique page for a helpful framing and perspective.
See my Services Overview page (with links to specific services) for descriptions of à la carte and package deals, add-ons, etc.
See the Calculations section of my Business page for explanation of how fees are calculated.
I'd love to chat with you about your writing journey.
Contact me today if you have questions
or think we might make a good team.
Contact me today if you have questions
or think we might make a good team.
“As a first-time author, I was worried I couldn’t handle someone reading my writing. But Kate was kind, and I could tell she knows her craft! She coached me in how to bring a deeper layer to my writing and even develop my own voice as an author. I appreciated that Kate pointed out both areas for improvement and where I hit the mark to connect with her as a reader. In all her critiques, Kate’s curiosity and positivity shone through.”
- CB Mason - Aspiring Author
Q - Why do we need a sample edit?
A - A sample edits helps us decide if we are a good fit. We both benefit from taking time to assess the situation (manuscript, personalities, communications styles, expectations, etc.) before deciding if we'd make a good team.
Not every technically proficient editor is a good match for your personality, sensitivity, writing style, or genre. Likewise, not every story is a good match for my tastes and expertise (see Preferred Genres on my About page). The sample also affords me the chance to assess the stage your manuscript is in, which I need for fee and scheduling calculations.
Not every technically proficient editor is a good match for your personality, sensitivity, writing style, or genre. Likewise, not every story is a good match for my tastes and expertise (see Preferred Genres on my About page). The sample also affords me the chance to assess the stage your manuscript is in, which I need for fee and scheduling calculations.
Q - Would this sample edit be free?
A - While some editors offer a free sample edit (I used to as well), I now charge $50.
Editing is my business, and I expend ample time and effort on a sample edit and the manuscript in general, providing helpful feedback and suggestions while getting to know it. Believe me, I give value for money!
If a writer decides to hire me, I'm happy to apply the $50 toward the cost of the editing service.
Editing is my business, and I expend ample time and effort on a sample edit and the manuscript in general, providing helpful feedback and suggestions while getting to know it. Believe me, I give value for money!
If a writer decides to hire me, I'm happy to apply the $50 toward the cost of the editing service.
Q - How do we get started?
A - If you want me to do a sample edit, please fill out the Contact form here on my website. Sharing information about yourself and your writing right off the bat saves us both a lot of time and back-and-forth emails.
Q - Then what?
A - If I think I can help, I will invoice you and ask that you send your manuscript in a formatted Word document (description found HERE). I'll look it over, getting a sense for what your story needs. Then I'll offer edits, feedback, and suggestions on approximately 1,000 words.
Q - What will this look like?
A - Using MS Word's Track Changes, I look over the sample and offer commentary or correction both inline (right in the text) and in comments (in the margins). It will not be a comprehensive edit, nor will it be “perfect” (which, of course, is not possible). This is a sampling to illustrate my style and the types of feedback I can and will provide.
Along with this single-pass edit sampling, I will offer:
Along with this single-pass edit sampling, I will offer:
- my assessment of what editing stage your writing is in
- my decision of whether I can help
- an estimate of how much time I think it will take
- an estimate of when I could fit the project into my schedule
- an estimate of how much it will cost
Q - Then ...?
A - You can look everything over (dialogue is welcome) and decide:
- if my feedback is helpful (would you prefer more or less explanation?)
- if my style of critique works with your personality (while sometimes blunt, I am never unkind)
- if you agree on the type and stage of recommended editing service (communicate your thoughts on this - perhaps we can work something out)
- if the proposed project fee works with your budget (while my rates won't change, I am happy to point out ways you can save money by doing more yourself before sending me the manuscript)
- if the scheduling works with your timeline (I'm often booked months out for bigger projects)
If everything clicks, I will issue an invoice for $100 nonrefundable deposit to hold that spot on my schedule (if it is a month or more out).
I may ask you to fill out a New Client Questionnaire, which is designed to give me more insight into your project and you. (If you've filled out a Contact form from my website, some of these questions may be redundant, but it helps me to have the information all in one place.) The better I know you, the more helpful my comments and suggestions will be.
I hope to hear from you!
I may ask you to fill out a New Client Questionnaire, which is designed to give me more insight into your project and you. (If you've filled out a Contact form from my website, some of these questions may be redundant, but it helps me to have the information all in one place.) The better I know you, the more helpful my comments and suggestions will be.
I hope to hear from you!
BFF Editing Business Policy Details:
- See Rate Calculations section for insight into how fees are determined
- $50 Sample Edit fee applied to cost of editing service
- $100 nonrefundable deposit on service fee to hold your spot on my schedule (I can pencil you in without it but can only hold the spot with a deposit)
- discount on further contracted services after a Basic Beta read or Alpha Assessment
- 50% (minimum) due before commencement of services (including utilization of BFF Beta Brigade) - Balance due upon receipt of completed project
- International payments accepted via Wise (Bank transfer is fine for NZ authors)
- $100 project fee minimum
- $20/hour consultation fee for requested conference calls or extensive correspondence
- $30/hour spot check fee for additional or bonus material of projects I've edited
- $40/hour for editing material of less than 10,000 words
- 5% discount off your next project if you refer someone and they hire me
- 30% surcharge for rush work
- Any revisions prior to submission of manuscript that result in more than 5% of the original word count (as noted in contract) requires a reevaluation of schedule and price
- Prior approval required to include my name/business in book credits
- Series Security - Whatever rate I quote at the beginning of your series (for a particular service - e.g., a Content Edit or Final Polish - and not including Special Deals) will continue for the duration of your series, or up to four years, whichever comes first
What can you, as an author, do for BFF Editing?
For my own growth and development, I appreciate feedback on your experience of working with BFF Editing - Google form provided.
I'd be eternally grateful for a testimonial for my website, a review on my FB or LinkedIn page, and a recommendation of my services to your fellow authors.
I'd be eternally grateful for a testimonial for my website, a review on my FB or LinkedIn page, and a recommendation of my services to your fellow authors.
BFF Editing is dedicated to helping writers refine their stories
to better entertain, edify, and enrich.
Let's chat about your writing journey and how I might help.
Because every book and book friend is unique, and because I tailor my services to each project, you won't find a boilerplate list of rates for editing services on my website.
BFF Editing rates are calculated with consideration for the individual situation: the complexity/level of edit needed, the word count, the turnaround time, how much consultation is likely to be required, etc.
However, the Editorial Freelancers Association provides a guideline for industry standard rates. And BFF Editing fees fall within those ranges.
I build relationships with my authors. I care about your success and the success of your stories. The more information I have, the better I am able to align my services and rates with your individual needs.
Check out my Business Policies. I'm willing to discuss payment installments. And take advantage of the savings in my Packaged Services!
In terms of scheduling, I am often booked months out, so reach out sooner rather than later.
BFF Editing rates are calculated with consideration for the individual situation: the complexity/level of edit needed, the word count, the turnaround time, how much consultation is likely to be required, etc.
However, the Editorial Freelancers Association provides a guideline for industry standard rates. And BFF Editing fees fall within those ranges.
I build relationships with my authors. I care about your success and the success of your stories. The more information I have, the better I am able to align my services and rates with your individual needs.
Check out my Business Policies. I'm willing to discuss payment installments. And take advantage of the savings in my Packaged Services!
In terms of scheduling, I am often booked months out, so reach out sooner rather than later.
Privacy Policy:
This policy explains how BFF Editing uses and protects the information gathered by the website host, Weebly, when you visit this site, as well as any personal information you provide when you contact BFF Editing or when you send files to edit.
If you are asked to provide information, BFF Editing will use that information only in the ways stated in this policy.
This privacy notice was last updated June 2023.
Your Privacy:
Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy, we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used.
When visiting BFF Editing, the IP address used to access the site will be logged along with the dates and times of access.
Cookies:
The website host, Weebly, collects this information using cookies. A cookie is a small file placed on your computer’s hard drive when you access a website. The information is used to analyze trends, administer the site, track user movement, and gather broad demographic information for internal use.
IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information. Cookies are ONLY used for web analytics. Cookies do not give access to your computer or any information about you that you do not intentionally share.
This data will be used for only these purposes and will not be given to any third parties without your prior consent or unless required by law.
Any data collected by this website is controlled and processed by Weebly. You can read their privacy policy for more information.
Cookies are not a form of malware and do not provide any more information than what you have already consented to share by stating that you accept the cookies.
At any time, you can disallow this website to store cookies on your computer or device.
To learn more about cookies, visit All About Cookies.
Why and when BFF Editing collects data:
Should you decide to work with BFF Editing, we will need to collect certain basic pieces of information about you in order to operate as a business. Such information as:
I use your data to:
How I store your data:
My Gmail account stores your contact email address and any conversations we have. These details are not stored anywhere else.
If we sign a contract, your name and postal address will be stored on a hard-drive in a password-protected electronic folder secured by Norton electronic security software. This will in turn be stored in a password-protected computer behind a firewall. Invoices will be stored in the same way.
Financial Information:
BFF Editing customers pay via Wise or PayPal, both of which are password-protected online payment systems.
You can read Wise’s privacy policy for more information about how it stores and uses your details.
You can read PayPal’s privacy policy for more information about how it stores and uses your details.
Links to third party websites:
We have included links on this site for your use and reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites. You should be aware that the privacy policies of these sites may differ from our own.
Changes to this Privacy Statement:
The contents of this statement may be altered at any time, at our discretion.
If you have any questions regarding this privacy notice, you may contact us at [email protected].
If you are asked to provide information, BFF Editing will use that information only in the ways stated in this policy.
This privacy notice was last updated June 2023.
Your Privacy:
Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy, we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used.
When visiting BFF Editing, the IP address used to access the site will be logged along with the dates and times of access.
Cookies:
The website host, Weebly, collects this information using cookies. A cookie is a small file placed on your computer’s hard drive when you access a website. The information is used to analyze trends, administer the site, track user movement, and gather broad demographic information for internal use.
IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information. Cookies are ONLY used for web analytics. Cookies do not give access to your computer or any information about you that you do not intentionally share.
This data will be used for only these purposes and will not be given to any third parties without your prior consent or unless required by law.
Any data collected by this website is controlled and processed by Weebly. You can read their privacy policy for more information.
Cookies are not a form of malware and do not provide any more information than what you have already consented to share by stating that you accept the cookies.
At any time, you can disallow this website to store cookies on your computer or device.
To learn more about cookies, visit All About Cookies.
Why and when BFF Editing collects data:
Should you decide to work with BFF Editing, we will need to collect certain basic pieces of information about you in order to operate as a business. Such information as:
- your name
- your email address
- your postal address
- any information you choose to share about your project
I use your data to:
- contact you regarding your project
- send invoices and electronic copies of your project
- assess how my website is used by visitors
How I store your data:
My Gmail account stores your contact email address and any conversations we have. These details are not stored anywhere else.
If we sign a contract, your name and postal address will be stored on a hard-drive in a password-protected electronic folder secured by Norton electronic security software. This will in turn be stored in a password-protected computer behind a firewall. Invoices will be stored in the same way.
Financial Information:
BFF Editing customers pay via Wise or PayPal, both of which are password-protected online payment systems.
You can read Wise’s privacy policy for more information about how it stores and uses your details.
You can read PayPal’s privacy policy for more information about how it stores and uses your details.
Links to third party websites:
We have included links on this site for your use and reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites. You should be aware that the privacy policies of these sites may differ from our own.
Changes to this Privacy Statement:
The contents of this statement may be altered at any time, at our discretion.
If you have any questions regarding this privacy notice, you may contact us at [email protected].
