How long does an edit take? Usually it takes about two weeks, though it could take a few days longer if the book is over 100,000 words, or depending on how much work needs done to the book. I will inform you if I feel that it would take longer than the quoted time-frame.
What editing program do you use? I use the tracking tools in MS Word. I find that this is the easiest way for the author to preview the changes and accept them, or not. If you are not familiar with the tracking tools, I suggest that you read up on them online or via YouTube. I also send instructions on how to review and accept the changes. The most common issues that I have with authors is that they do not know how to use the tracking tools, and therefore words will run together or will be missing completely once they publish.
Do you accept PayPal? Yes I do, and that is my preferred payment method. I send an invoice to you once the book is complete and you have had a chance to review the changes.
Do I need to accept all of the changes? No, you do not. You can reject the changes in the review pane. I do ask that if you are rejecting much of the work that you let me know. Not only do I want the feedback, but if I felt the changes were warranted and you didn't, I may ask that you remove my name as editor on your book. I want my name to reflect my work.
Once I send the book to you, my work is done...correct? Not in a long shot. Reviewing and accepting the edits is a time consuming process.
Will you do 'rush' jobs? No, is the short answer. I may consider it if: You are a current client. Your book has been through SEVERAL beta readers. Your book is finished being written.
What is the process that I should follow before I ask for an edit? Well, it depends on what type of edit you're looking for. However, most of the following applies: You should have a complete book. You should have gone over it several times yourself, which includes several re-writes. It should have gone through a beta reader--one who is not your friend, relative, or any other person that cares about you. After getting the beta reader's feedback, you should have re-written again. When it gets sent to the editor, you should feel that it is the best representation of your writing. You should feel that the book is ready to be published.
What do you need to start the process? When you initially contact me, I will ask for the following:
1. A sample of your work-usually the first chapter
2. Your goal publishing date
3. Your target audience-including genre, age range, and country
4. Is it currently published and if so, send me a link.
5. A synopsis-and if it part of a series, a synopsis of the plot of the series
6. Is it a first draft?
7. Has anyone else read the book?
8. Do you have beta readers lined up?
I may have more questions after reading the sample.
A little more info:
As I have previously stated, I am not going to re-write your book unless you ask me to. I will re-structure very awkward sentences, paragraphs, and anything that makes the book hard for the reader to enjoy. If your story is lacking, or if your overall vision and writing style aren't going over well with the readers, then you will have to rethink the way you write. I will offer advice and feedback where I feel necessary. Whether you take that advice is up to you.
If you have already published your book and are getting negative reviews, you may continue to get negative reviews once the editing is finished. This is because you have not sent an updated copy to those who bought the book prior to the editing. Many times readers will purchase a book and not read it right away. So in order to avoid this, please send updated copies to your readers.