Editing Process Q & A:
Q - Why should I choose BFF Editing?
A - Stories are my passion! So I identify with those who want a quality reading or listening experience.
But I also appreciate the creativity as well as the time and investment writers make. I will treat your book baby, as well as your voice and feelings, with respect and care.
Your confidentiality and time are also respected at BFF Editing. I will work conscientiously to meet your deadlines and to help you polish your story till it shines.
But I also appreciate the creativity as well as the time and investment writers make. I will treat your book baby, as well as your voice and feelings, with respect and care.
Your confidentiality and time are also respected at BFF Editing. I will work conscientiously to meet your deadlines and to help you polish your story till it shines.
Q - I'm new to the publishing world. Where do I begin?
A - I recommend taking some time to peruse my website for explanations of editing stages, process, and terminology as well as website and topical resources like writing craft, hiring an editor, conscious language, etc. Feel free to reach out with enquiries via email or the Contact form.
Q - I'm a published author and have worked with editors. Aren't they all the same?
A - There are as many kinds of editors and styles of editing as there are writers in this world. :) So I recommend the same as to publishing newbies: peruse my website and become familiar with my process and use of terminology. Hopefully you can find something new or useful in the listing of websites and topical resources.
Q - Can I get a sample edit?
A - Definitely. A sample edit helps us decide if we are a good fit. Hopefully we can then formulate a plan to make your wonderful story even better. (See my Sample Edit page for details.)
Q - What if I disagree with editing suggestions?
A - I want to be as helpful as possible to your process and will try to accommodate your efforts and vision for how to improve your story.
I will, of course, offer feedback, making suggestions and explaining what I think would make the message clearer or more engaging. Opinions, observations, and recommendations are based on my own ear, experience, and education - offered for the good of your story (i.e., what you hired me to do).
But 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 will, of course, offer feedback, making suggestions and explaining what I think would make the message clearer or more engaging. Opinions, observations, and recommendations are based on my own ear, experience, and education - offered for the good of your story (i.e., what you hired me to do).
But 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.
Q - Will it be difficult?
A - 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.
The editing process is not easy, but 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 authors.
The editing process is not easy, but 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 authors.
Q - OK, so what happens after the sample edit?
A - If 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 will hammer out the details of service, scheduling, and payment, then I will send a contract for you to look over. You'll sign and send it back.
I'll send an invoice for the $100 nonrefundable deposit to hold your spot on my schedule. See my Business Policies page for further details.
We will hammer out the details of service, scheduling, and payment, then I will send a contract for you to look over. You'll sign and send it back.
I'll send an invoice for the $100 nonrefundable deposit to hold your spot on my schedule. See my Business Policies page for further details.
Q - And then . . . ?
A - When it is time to start, you'll send me your manuscript - either in a Word doc or as a pdf, depending on what service you've hired me to do - in the standard format (see this article for help).
How many rounds of edits - passes we make, back and forth between us - depends on the service, the book, and the timeline. (Note: If some time has passed and you've altered the manuscript significantly, we may need to draw up a new contract.)
How many rounds of edits - passes we make, back and forth between us - depends on the service, the book, and the timeline. (Note: If some time has passed and you've altered the manuscript significantly, we may need to draw up a new contract.)
See my Business Policies page for more details.
See my Services Overview page (with links to specific services) for descriptions of à la carte and package deals.
See my Rate Calculations page for explanation of how fees are calculated.
See my Services Overview page (with links to specific services) for descriptions of à la carte and package deals.
See my Rate Calculations page for explanation of how fees are calculated.
Contact me today if you have questions or think we might make a good team.
"The only people who think writing is easy are people who don't write. Writing's a difficult, courageous act. Bravery is required as well as a great deal of slogging along. A lot of our work is work."
- Gillian Roberts, Author -
- Gillian Roberts, Author -