Making Your Words Work

“I was amazed by the quality of your copywriting and the thoroughness of your editing work also. Thanks!” - J. Jackson, Momentum Business Networking

Do you copy edit web content? Absolutely!

What about writing web content? Again, absolutely!

What if I just have a handout for my networking contacts that I want edited? That’s perfect! I will edit anything that you are using to promote yourself or your business. Maybe you’re just writing an article for the community newspaper or the company newsletter, and you want to make sure that you make a good impression. I want that for you, too! So send me an e-mail, and let’s talk!

Do you copy edit book length manuscripts? Of course! The level of copyediting (see Services) depends on which service you request.

What do you consider to be the average length of a manuscript? Manuscripts usually range from 140 to 400 pages, which converts into 35,000 words to 100,000 words. However, this does not mean that manuscripts outside this range are not considered. All projects are considered.

What are your basic requirements for a manuscript submission in terms of formatting? I require the following: the font should be Courier New 10 pt or Times 10 pt; all margins should be 1 inch; all text should be double-spaced; paragraph indention should be 0.4” - 0.5”; all text should be left-aligned. If the agent/publisher to whom you are submitting your work requests a different font or different margins, just let me know.

Some editors charge everything by the page. Why don’t you? The industry generally accepts that a page is equivalent to 250 words. My thought is that it is easier to use the number of words as a standard for pricing rather than risking a misunderstanding over the definition of a page. Therefore, with the exception of manuscripts, all my pricing has per word pricing. There are situations [see the next question] where pricing is charged per page or per hour, but I will always confirm the method of pricing.
Manuscript pricing is by the page because the accepted industry standard is 250 words per page, However, a word count is taken for confirmation.

Why do you charge by the hour for substantive editing? Substantive editing has so many levels of action that are required that charging by the word would not be an equitable method.

I noticed that the turn-around time for projects over 10,000 words is negotiated. Why is that? When a project is over 10,000 words, a lot of issues can arise that require more editing time. Some of these are consistency, wordiness, and content. Therefore, I negotiate turn-around time based on my evaluation of the specific project.

Does the turn-around time start when I submit my work to you? No. I will contact you once I receive your first e-mail. Then you will submit the project per e-mailed instructions. Once I receive the document, I will let you know when I can start, how quickly I can return the finished project, and the estimated cost. Once you email the contract back to me, the clock is running.

What are my payment options? See the Payment Terms page.

How will I know which level of copy editing you will do? You, of course, make the decision about which level you desire. If you choose copy editing, for example, and I can see that there are many problems with consistency, missing content, or sentence arrangement, then I will contact you about my concerns. You still make the choice about which level you wish to purchase.

“[Your copy] looks quite good! Brevity is better than lengthy copy that no one will take the time to read.” - T. Banks, Georgia-Pacific Professional

I’ve written a book, but the cost of having it edited seems like a lot. Is it really necessary? Well, you don’t have to have your manuscript edited, but it could certainly move you up a few notches when you try to get the attention of a literary agent. In today’s desktop publishing world, a greater percentage of manuscripts are being sent to agents that should have stayed on someone’s desktop. So, you can certainly understand why a well-edited manuscript might rise to the top of the pile! Usually, an agent/editor can spot one within the first few pages.
Do you have to spend the money? No. Is it a wise business decision? Yes.

I noticed that you list a minimum fee on the pricing page. What does that mean? The minimum fee for each level of service balances out the time spent reviewing and setting up for the project.

Do you ever turn projects down? Yes. If I feel that you and I are not on the same wavelength, it is better that we don’t torture ourselves by trying to work together. That being said, on pieces under 10,000 words, it would be rare that I would turn a project down. On larger projects, such as manuscripts, a different set of issues arise. It is much more important that you and I are able to harmonize if we are working on a copy edit or substantive edit of your manuscript.

Do you handle rush situations? Well, it depends on the situation. On short pieces I can usually accommodate a change in plans, but I can’t guarantee it.
 

“You have a powerful and compelling style that's such a joy to read!” 
- Murray Fuhrer, author

Can you guarantee that my edited manuscript will be accepted by an agent or publisher? Ah! There are few guarantees in life, and this isn’t one of them! Even if your manuscript is the best I’ve ever seen, I have no control over the expectations or the moods of the agents and publishers out there. Sorry.

Do you have a policy regarding the use of your name in the acknowledgments or the preface of a book? I would love to be listed as your editor! Of course, that would only be the case if you accepted all my final edits, and the published work is the same as the completed file sent to you.