An Editor's Process: What It's Like to Work with Us
Editors are like snowflakes—none two are alike. So, when an author goes in search of their own personal book wizard, it can often be confusing when they receive different answers to the same questions. Some of these include (but are not limited to):
What are your rates? (This can vary greatly)
What word processing software do you use?
Do I receive continued support after you complete the edit?
Does the cost of the Developmental Edit also include the Line Edit?
Will you make changes directly to my manuscript?
How will we communicate?
As I said, there is great variance in the answers to all these questions. So, to save you some time and trouble, I want to take you through my own editing process that I’ve cultivated and perfected over the last nine years.
RATES
To begin, my rates are middle ground for the industry. At the time of writing, they hover between $0.018/word to $0.022/word, pending on the type of edit you require. For instance, a Developmental or Line Edit is more expensive than a Copy Edit. Keep in mind, you may require one or all of these edits. This too varies from author to author.
THE BOOK ASSESSMENT
Before we step into any editing, I will likely suggest a cost-effective Book Assessment. This is especially the case for first-time authors. I want to assess your work first, so I’m not giving you a Developmental Edit (structure, big picture) when only a light Line Edit and a Copy Edit are required. The opposite is true too. I don’t want to only complete a Copy Edit (grammar, spelling) for you when the manuscript is a mess structurally. The Book Assessment has saved several of my clients hundreds of dollars in the past, and even if you don’t move forward with editing, it will give you a clear idea on where your book is currently at.
EDITING
After the Book Assessment, I will suggest a concrete path forward, providing you my suggestions on how we tackle the next few months in a clear and concise way. In this case, let’s say we’re going to do a Developmental Edit first, where I am looking at the big picture and structure of your novel.
I will ask you for your manuscript in Microsoft Word format. I use this exclusively, as it’s still the best editing software out there. Once received, I will ask for 50% payment through PayPal, and will provide you a timeline based on your wordcount. After I receive the 50% payment, I get straight to work.
Your job during this time will be to wait, knowing that your book is in good hands. Rest if you like. Get your mind off your book. Focus on something else, perhaps another writing project so you can mentally separate yourself from your current work in progress. This will allow you to look at your book objectively when you receive it back from me weeks later.
As for myself, during a Developmental Edit, I will be making suggestions throughout your manuscript using Microsoft Word’s “Track Changes” as well as leaving detailed comments throughout. As I work through the book, I will be compiling my comprehensive editorial letter (4-8 pages) which will detail all the good as well as some constructive criticism and suggested improvements that should/could be made to the book.
I will then send you the manuscript and editorial letter by email. You will address the comments both in the manuscript and the letter, and I will be available both by email and video call to assist you or clarify if there is confusion or concerns. This attention to the author is what often separates me from others. Many editors charge for further collaboration, but I’m with you from beginning to end. There are no hidden fees, and no catches. Only the first payment and the final payment once you’ve decided you’re happy with the work completed.
Once you have addressed all comments, approved all edits, and we’ve collaborated on your book so its structure is flawless, we will repeat the general process for both the Line Edit and Copy Edit (if both are needed). I have to stress that your book may not need every edit, and I often lump the Line Edit in with the Developmental Edit to save you on cost (if the book is fairly clean). Remember: find out whether you need one, two, or all three of the standard edits. Get that Book Assessment!
When we finally conclude the Copy Edit (which is 100% required for all books), you’ll have a manuscript that is clean and ready to see the eyes of agents, publishers, and readers.
Formatting
If you’re self-publishing, however, you’ll need to have your book formatted for Print and eBook, and then uploaded to Ingram Spark or other Print on Demand distributors.
I feel this is important to note, as many new authors think that it is they who will have to store and ship their books from home. This is not the case, and it’s so wonderful! Readers can order your book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, etc. and the entire process is automated. Companies like Ingram Spark will print a single book, ship it to your new reader, and you get to sit back and watch the money roll in!
Okay, well it’s not that easy. Let’s back up a few steps!
While you have your book formatted for Print and eBook by a professional (I can do that too!), you will need to acquire two ISBNs as well as have a cover drawn up by a cover artist. It’s important that your artist has experience designing covers (trust me on this!), and so I recommend visiting www.99designs.com for all your cover needs. I’ve sent over a dozen authors down that road over the last few years, and not one has been unhappy with the experience. My personal favorite to work with is Emily from Emily’s World of Design.
From that point on, it’s up to you. I can provide marketing advice, and I can even provide you paid, professional book reviewers to improve book buyer trust. But it will be up to you to sell yourself and your novel.
The good thing? You’ll have a product you can be proud of, and an agent, publisher, and/or readership that will notice the care and attention that went into your book.
Did I miss anything? Do you have any further questions regarding my process? Contact me, and please let me know!