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.
I also appreciate a writer's creativity, and the time and investment you've made to reach your goal of writing a book. 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.
I also appreciate a writer's creativity, and the time and investment you've made to reach your goal of writing a book. 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 - Editing is not a regulated profession, so we all do it and talk about it differently. I recommend taking some time to peruse this website for my 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 inquiries via email or the Contact form.
Communication is the key - first, last, and always. I prefer to have things in writing so I can go back and reference details as well as write out considered answers. But if emailing is not your preferred mode of communication, we may be able to schedule a conference call. Sometimes we just need to hear a person's voice. I get that. :) We need to assess our suitability as a team, then craft the course and style of what your particular project needs and how I can help.
Communication is the key - first, last, and always. I prefer to have things in writing so I can go back and reference details as well as write out considered answers. But if emailing is not your preferred mode of communication, we may be able to schedule a conference call. Sometimes we just need to hear a person's voice. I get that. :) We need to assess our suitability as a team, then craft the course and style of what your particular project needs and how I can help.
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 you peruse this website and become familiar with my process and use of terminology. Hopefully you can find something new or useful in the listings of websites and topical resources.
Then 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. For instance: Do you like your edits to have a significant amount of instruction/explanation? Do you prefer simple inline corrections or suggestions in the comments? You can let me know before or after I do a sample edit for you. I can also send out an early peek at the edit to fine-tune our process to calibrate my feedback to suit your needs.
Then 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. For instance: Do you like your edits to have a significant amount of instruction/explanation? Do you prefer simple inline corrections or suggestions in the comments? You can let me know before or after I do a sample edit for you. I can also send out an early peek at the edit to fine-tune our process to calibrate my feedback to suit your needs.
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 - See my Dealing with Critique page).
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 - See my Dealing with Critique page).
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 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 page for details.)
We 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 page for details.)
Q - And then . . . ?
A - When we are coming up on the agreed-upon, scheduled work, I'll email to get last minute details like word count, then send out a contract for you to look over. You'll sign and send it back. Then I'll invoice you for the first half or balance of the fee (minus the $100 Hold My Spot fee).
I'll begin as soon as you've paid and sent me your manuscript - either in a Word doc or as a pdf, depending on what service you've hired me to do, and 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.
I'll begin as soon as you've paid and sent me your manuscript - either in a Word doc or as a pdf, depending on what service you've hired me to do, and 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 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.
See my Calculations 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.
See my 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 -