Q - Why do we need a sample edit?
A - It is reasonable and wise to take a test drive before buying. :) We both benefit from taking time to assess the situation (manuscript, personality, communication style, expectations, etc.)
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)
So a sample helps us both decide if we are a good fit.
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)
So a sample helps us both decide if we are a good fit.
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 a business, and while I am doing a sample edit for a potential client, I am not working on another author's contracted project.
In addition, I will likely make suggestions in the sample edit that the author will implement. (For instance, I've had authors cut thousands of words or add whole chapters while others made major adjustments to their manuscript.)
If a writer decides to hire me, I will apply the $50 toward the cost of the editing service.
Editing is a business, and while I am doing a sample edit for a potential client, I am not working on another author's contracted project.
In addition, I will likely make suggestions in the sample edit that the author will implement. (For instance, I've had authors cut thousands of words or add whole chapters while others made major adjustments to their manuscript.)
If a writer decides to hire me, I will apply the $50 toward the cost of the editing service.
Q - How do we get started?
A - You can fill out the Contact form on my website. Sharing this information 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 (via Wise or PayPal) and ask you to send me your manuscript in a formatted Word document (or a minimum of your first, last, and middle chapters). I will look it over, getting a sense for what your story needs. I will offer edits and suggestions.
Q - What will the sample edit and assessment look like?
A - Using MS Word's Track Changes, I will look over the sample and offer commentary or correction - for about 1,000 words, 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, to be clear, is not possible). It will be 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 determination of whether I can help
- my assessment of the editing stage your writing is in
- 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 all this 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.
And if I haven't already, I will 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 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!
And if I haven't already, I will 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 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!
“Kate has been editing for me for almost a year now and she is a sweetie who I totally recommend to get your manuscript polished with no fuss. If you’re looking for someone who is organized and precise, then Kate is the editor for you.”
-Cheryl Phipps / C.A. Phipps, USA Today Bestselling Author
