Frequently Asked Questions
Editing/The Editing Process
Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF EDITING?
Because editing can be so subjective, it’s always best to check with each editor to see what they will provide for each edit. For an overview of our services, you can follow the link to our services page here.
Editorial Assessment: A manuscript evaluation similar to a book review that helps you understand the overall state of your manuscript so you can devise a strategy that dramatically improves the execution of your idea.
Developmental Edit: An in-depth manuscript evaluation that also details the why behind the weaknesses. This is a major reconstruction of your book to help clarify concepts, improve characterization, plot and pacing, elevate the overall craft of the writing, and improve accuracy.
Line Edit (includes light copy edit): This edit focuses on sentence structure and other details at the line level, elevating the overall prose of the manuscript. This usually comes in the form of in-document notes.
Copy Editing: This edit brings completed manuscript drafts to a more professional level. A copy edit helps create the most readable version of your book, improving clarity, coherency, consistency, and correctness. It ensures your manuscript meets all Publishing Industry Standards according to the most recent edition of The Chicago Manual of Style. This is the final edit before the proofread. There might be minor restructuring at the sentence level to make sure things are clear.
Proofreading: The final edit before publication to ensure the manuscript is error-free. The goal is to make sure nothing will confuse or stop a reader from enjoying your story, whether that is an unclear pronoun, missing word, or typo. It does not ensure all the Publishing Industry Standards are followed (that is a copy edit) but merely makes the final polish to a manuscript so it is ready for a reader.
Q: What services do you provide?
We focus on working with the deep and surface structure of the story. We do not currently offer proofreading or copyediting services, though we have worked with some fantastic editors in the past that we can recommend.
We currently offer a variety of editing options: 1st Chapter Edit, 50-Page Reader Assessment, Reader Report, and Developmental Edit. We also have a number of additional services, such as consultations and outline reviews. Over the years, we have found that clients benefit from going through the Developmental process and prefer in-depth feedback to help create the strongest book. If you would prefer overview feedback on the general strengths and weaknesses of the project, the Reader Report is an economical option.
To see a full list of services provided as well as the descriptions of those services, follow the link to our services page here.
Q: What is the difference between a copyedit and a line edit?
A line edit will help improve the overall prose of the story and point out writing techniques to elevate the author’s writing skills. A copyedit is a high-end proofread and works with the manuscript on a technical level, ensuring that the writing as it appears on the page meets industry standards.
EXAMPLE 1) Original Passage:
She reluctantly handed over her purse, and nervously waited to have it placed back in to her hands. She felt a rush of relief as the Security Guard finished his search after 30 seconds and handed it back to her.
Example 1 after a line editor has helped the author rewrite it so that it reads more fluidly:
She was reluctant to hand over her purse and felt a rush of relief as the Security Guard finished his search and placed it back in to her hands 30 seconds later.
Example 1 after it’s been copyedited for grammar and usage (with edits in bold):
She was reluctant to hand over her purse and felt a rush of relief as the security guard finished his search and placed it back into her hands thirty seconds later.
EXAMPLE 2) Original Passage:
The rising light of the sun was quickly brightening. Dawn was turning into morning. Alex finished reading her copy of the “New York Times” and put the paper down on the table, and then grabbed her ipod and put on Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love and went out for her mourning run.
Example 2 after a line editor has helped the author rewrite it so that it reads more fluidly:
The dawn light brightened, giving way to morning. Alex tossed “The New York Times” onto the table, grabbed her ipod, and then put on Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love as she headed out for her morning run.
*Notice here, the line editor caught and fixed a couple of technical errors, like the typo on the second use of “morning” and the inclusion of “The” as part of the newspaper’s title.
Example 2 after it’s been copyedited for grammar and usage (with edits in bold):
The dawn light brightened, giving way to morning. Alex tossed The New York Times onto the table, grabbed her iPod, and put on Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” as she headed out for her morning run.
Q: What is the standard editing process for a New York Publishing House?
The process is different at each house, and even with each author or each book the author produces. But here is a general step-by-step guide to what should happen. Sometimes steps get skipped (like an author might submit their manuscript and it will go straight to copyedits and sometimes the line-by-line is done with the copy edit) either because the manuscript is polished and ready or the publishing house is on a tight deadline.
- The author submits the completed manuscript to the editor.
- The editor reviews the manuscript and does a Developmental Edit with in-line notes and an editorial letter. If the manuscript needs big changes, the author and editor will sometimes collaborate back and forth until questions are answered, all problems are resolved, and both are happy.
- Author revises the manuscript and submits the final version to the editor.
- The editor does a Line Edit on the manuscript.
- The author revises based on the line edit and approves final changes. At this point, the author is not allowed to change more than 10% of the book, per contract.
- The manuscript is given to a copyeditor. Sometimes the manuscript is split in half and copyedits are completed by two editors to finish it quicker.
- The author approves all copyedits on the book. The author cannot make any substantive changes at this point.
- The author is sent galleys (a printed or electronic version of the final book as it will be printed at the press) for approval. This is the author’s last chance to find any errors, such as typos, in the manuscript. Only errors will be fixed at this point.
- The book is printed. The author rejoices and eats lots of chocolate (optional).
The Offer
Q: How long will my offer be open?
If we think we’re a good fit, we will send an offer. The dates on the offer are first come, first serve, and the offer dates may be updated if our client calendar changes. Be aware that our schedule can fill up rather quickly. If we don’t hear back within 10 days, then we will close the offer. This is to avoid ghosting, and we don’t want to put any pressure on you as you are making your decision. If you are really interested in working with a particular editor but need more time before accepting the offer, just let us know before the ten days and we can keep the offer open for you.
Q: Is the start date and/or end date flexible?
Yes. We can adjust the dates as needed around what is currently booked in our client calendar. If you end up needing more time as your Start Date gets closer, we can push the date back.
Q: Can I change me start date to 3-4 months from now?
Of course! We often have clients book several months in advance, and we are happy to adjust your offer dates to the best availability within your requested timeframe. Please note that our collaboration will begin at that point and no services (such as a consultation) will begin before the Start Date unless specifically brought out in the contract terms. If you would like that change to be made, we can add additional time to the contract for the normal hourly fee.
Payment
Q: How does payment work?
We use Stripe to secure payment transactions. Stripe works like an escrow system and simplifies the payment process. Once you’re set up, the funds will automatically be charged to your account on the dates specified in your contract.
Q: Do you offer discounts?
You can find discounts if you follow us on Twitter or Instagram [INSERT LINKS]. We also offer discounts to students and other young writers [SHOULD WE MENTION THIS? OR IS IT JUST ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS?].
General About US
Q: Should I avoid “spoilers” or telling my editor the ending of my book?
This is often a personal preference so it depends on your editor. Ask upfront, even before you hire the editor, what their preference is. Some editors actually prefer spoilers and other editors want to enjoy the “reader experience.”
Because of how we analyze story and structure, it is better if we know everything upfront. We prefer to know more about the story before we go in so we can help bridge the gap that sometimes arises between an author’s vision for the story and what is actually on the page.
Q: What does the editing process for my project look like?
The specific process varies dependent on which of our editors are working on your project, but this is the basic process that we follow:
We generally read the full manuscript at least twice, with the first read-through being used to get an overview and provide initial thoughts. We then deconstruct the story at the most basic level, doing research into comparison titles to find solutions to the uncovered issues. We then review the manuscript with everything in mind. Oftentimes the process will repeat, especially if the story structure is more complex.
The consultation time can be broken into several short sessions and you can schedule that once you’ve received feedback. We answer questions, provide instruction, and brainstorm to further develop or strengthen the story.
If you want to continue working with your editor after the collaboration is complete, we offer additional consultation at an hourly price, or we can begin a new collaboration.
Q: How do I know if I need a 50-page Reader Assessment or a Developmental Edit?
Because the first 50 pages are so crucial to a strong story and often reveal most writing mistakes in terms of prose, it’s a good way to go for your first review if you then follow up with a Reader Report or Developmental for feedback on the fully realized manuscript (and revised 50 pages). This helps you get two rounds of feedback. We sometimes will recommend the 50-Page Reader Assessment if we feel the writing and/or plot is weak and could use this level of feedback first to help prepare the manuscript for a Developmental Edit.
Q: Have you ever accepted an offer and then, when you got the manuscript, you ended up not liking it? Would you still edit the manuscript or would you inform the author to perhaps look elsewhere?
Our edits are based on the technical skills required in good storytelling, along with how strong the story is within the market. Our policy is that once the project has begun, we are committed to finishing the project, and we will do everything in our power to complete it.
In our research, we constantly consume stories of varying styles, tastes, and topics. We read or watch many stories that we as individuals wouldn’t normally consume if it was just for pleasure. However, we have learned to appreciate the craft and techniques used, even if the subject matter doesn’t suit our personal tastes.