Editing Process Q & A:
Q - Why should I choose BFF Editing?
A - I LOVE stories in books, movies, songs, etc.! So I identify with readers who want a quality story, and I can help you communicate your story/message in a way that will resonate with your readers.
I appreciate the creativity of authors. 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 deadline and to help you polish your story till it shines.
Q - What if I'm a new writer?
A - I can help you figure out what editing stage your project is in.
You can peruse my website for explanations of process and terminology as well as website resources and topical resources like storytelling, writing craft, hiring an editor, conscious language, etc.
I may ask you to fill out a New Client Questionnaire to give me more information about your writing and editing style and experience.
Q - Can I get a sample edit?
A - Yes. BFF Editing does offer a sample edit for new customers. This will help us both 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 the 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 have ideas for what is needed, and I will explain what I see and make suggestions. These are my opinions, observations, and recommendations based on my own ear, experience, and education. I offer them to you for the good of your story. It's what you are paying me to do.
But it is your responsibility as the author (especially in indie publishing) to ensure 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 will go out into the world. I respect and applaud that.
Q - Will it be difficult?
A - Having your writing critiqued can be challenging. When you've put so much of yourself into a project, it is not fun to have someone point out specific ways in which it is not perfect, no matter how kindly meant, constructive, or tactful the critique is.
Authors should endeavor to set their feelings and ego aside for the sake of creating a better story and a better experience for their readers.
The editing process is a lot of work. This work can be rewarding and enjoyable with the right attitude and company. :)
Q - What happens after the sample edit?
A -
Q - And then . . . ?
A - When it is time to start, you will 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.
See my Services pages for descriptions of various a la carte and package deals.
See my Business Policies for more details.
See my Fees page for how I calculate service rates.
A - I LOVE stories in books, movies, songs, etc.! So I identify with readers who want a quality story, and I can help you communicate your story/message in a way that will resonate with your readers.
I appreciate the creativity of authors. 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 deadline and to help you polish your story till it shines.
Q - What if I'm a new writer?
A - I can help you figure out what editing stage your project is in.
You can peruse my website for explanations of process and terminology as well as website resources and topical resources like storytelling, writing craft, hiring an editor, conscious language, etc.
I may ask you to fill out a New Client Questionnaire to give me more information about your writing and editing style and experience.
Q - Can I get a sample edit?
A - Yes. BFF Editing does offer a sample edit for new customers. This will help us both 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 the 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 have ideas for what is needed, and I will explain what I see and make suggestions. These are my opinions, observations, and recommendations based on my own ear, experience, and education. I offer them to you for the good of your story. It's what you are paying me to do.
But it is your responsibility as the author (especially in indie publishing) to ensure 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 will go out into the world. I respect and applaud that.
Q - Will it be difficult?
A - Having your writing critiqued can be challenging. When you've put so much of yourself into a project, it is not fun to have someone point out specific ways in which it is not perfect, no matter how kindly meant, constructive, or tactful the critique is.
Authors should endeavor to set their feelings and ego aside for the sake of creating a better story and a better experience for their readers.
The editing process is a lot of work. This work can be rewarding and enjoyable with the right attitude and company. :)
Q - What happens after the sample edit?
A -
- If it’s a green light, we will hammer out the details of service, scheduling, and payment.
- I will send a contract for you to look over. You'll sign and send it back.
- Before I begin, I’ll invoice you - usually 50% of the total with the remainder due when you have received the finished document.
Q - And then . . . ?
A - When it is time to start, you will 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.
See my Services pages for descriptions of various a la carte and package deals.
See my Business Policies for more details.
See my Fees page for how I calculate service rates.
Contact me today if you have questions or think we might make a good team.
