Particularly if you’ve never worked with an editor before, you may be wondering what to expect along the way.
What are the steps to the process? What exactly will I do with your manuscript while it’s in my care?
And what can you expect to receive from me as the end product?
Well, let’s take a look.
Sample Edit
Preliminary Steps
You: Email me a request.
We: Schedule a start date.
Active Editing Steps
You: Email me your 2000 words (preferably as a Word document).
I: Edit your document, saving it as a new file. (So we can always access your original.)
I: Email you the edited file upon completion along with my suggestions for next steps.
Follow-up Steps
We: Via email or zoom, discuss any questions you may have about the edit and whether we want to continue with a full line/copy edit.
There is no commitment beyond this step.
If you have no questions and do not want to continue any further with your manuscript, I will wish you well, and you can be on your way. Easy peasy. Or if you want to schedule a full edit, we can certainly do that next.
Line/Copy Edit
Preliminary Steps
You: Email me a request.
I: Email with any clarifying questions about your project (genre, general concept, word count, current state of the manuscript).
You: Email me some answers and information (please).
We: Schedule a start date.
1-2 Weeks Before Start Date
We: Sign a contract for the scope of work to be done.
You: Pay half the agreed-upon editing fee.
Active Editing Steps
You: Email me your manuscript (preferably as a Word document).
I: Read your manuscript in its entirety.
I: Edit your manuscript, saving it as a new file. (So we can always access your original.)
I: Email you at the halfway point with an update.
We: Make any needed adjustments to the timeline (hopefully none, but just in case).
I: Continue editing and notify you upon completion.
You: Pay the remaining balance due.
I: Email you the edited manuscript and an accompanying style sheet.
Follow-up Steps
You: Review the manuscript, edits, and comments.
We: Schedule a time to meet via zoom, if desired.
We: Via email or zoom, discuss any questions you may have.
The follow-up window is open for 2 weeks after I send you your edited manuscript.
Feel free to message all your questions at once or just a couple at a time as you discover what you need.
I aim to reply within 1-2 days so you can keep moving.
Back Cover Blurb
Preliminary Steps
You: Email me a request.
I: Email with any clarifying questions about your project (genre, audience, general concept and tone, whether you already have a blurb draft or are starting from scratch).
You: Email me some answers and information (please).
We: Determine whether this is an add-on or stand-alone project and agree on a rate.
We: Schedule a start date.
1-2 Weeks Before Start Date
We: Sign a contract for the scope of work to be done.
We: Schedule a zoom meeting, if desired.
You: Pay the agreed-upon fee.
Active Editing Steps
You: Email me any necessary documents (either your manuscript or a detailed summary).
I: Read your manuscript or summary.
I: Draft a back cover blurb.
I: Email you the completed draft along with an explanation of how I got there.
Follow-up Steps
You: Email feedback, questions, concerns, or revisions to the blurb.
OR
We: Meet via zoom to discuss the blurb.
We: Work together to produce a final draft we love.
Blurb writing can involve a little more back and forth between author and editor.
I do my best to be flexible here in finding time to meet and collaborate.
You know your story better than anyone, and a good blurb has to remain true to that story.
Comment Boxes Editing 