Are you an aspiring author? Curious about the editorial process?
1. Do you only work for publishers, or do you edit for individual authors as well?
Although the vast majority of my work comes from traditional publishers, I also accept contract work for individuals on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in hiring me to edit your manuscript, please e-mail me an overview of your project. Should I review and accept your project, I will tell you my flat fee upfront so there are no surprises.
2. I'm going to self-publish my book. Do I still need an editor?
May I be honest with you? Self-publishing is not a place for amateur writing. If anything, your need for an excellent editor is much greater if you choose to self-publish or go through an independent publisher. A traditional publishing house will hire a professional editor (such as yours truly) to polish your book on your behalf. But if you self-publish, you are fully responsible for the content. Without a publisher's sales team to place your book in stores and websites, your best chance of success for a self-published manuscript is to submit a top-quality, professionally edited book. Hiring an editor is absolutely worth it. Remember, your editor will take your book to the next level and make you shine.
**If you are looking for an alternative to traditional publishing, I recommend Creative Enterprises Studio. This independent publishing services group provides customized services that take your book from concept to printer to publicity. The professionals at CES are the same freelancers who work for major publishing houses, so your published book with CES will be the highest quality. Want to find out more? Contact Creative Enterprises Studio here--and say you heard about them on my website!
3. God gave me the message for my book, and I wrote down exactly the words God gave me. So I'm hiring you to edit my book, but you won't need to change anything.
Okay, technically this isn't a question. But you'd be surprised how often I hear something similar to this! Because I work in the Christian book industry, I understand that authors have a strong sense God has given them a particular message. And I don't doubt for a moment that God has guided authors to write their books.
However, we all know there is only one divinely inspired Book--and it doesn't need an editor.
If you are convinced that God has given you the message for your book, then you can trust that He will also provide the team of people who will shepherd your book through the publishing process. The same God who gave you the words has also given your editor the skill to polish them, your publisher the ability to print them, and your readers the willingness to be transformed by them. We're all part of a team prayerfully working together, using the gifts God has given us to bring into reality the plan God has for your book.
4. If you edit my book, can you guarantee it will be picked up by a literary agent or traditional publisher?
No, I can't guarantee your edited manuscript will be accepted by an agent or publisher--and I'd be extremely wary of any editor who makes such an outlandish promise! However, I can assure you that your manuscript will shine after a high-quality, professional edit. When I submit the edited manuscript back to you, you will be holding the absolute best possible version of your book. What God has in store for it next is completely up to Him.
5. What do you charge for your editorial services?
I charge a flat fee for all my editorial services. If I accept your project, I will quote you my complete fee upfront so you will know exactly what to expect. Because each manuscript is unique and requires customized attention, I do not have a one-size-fits-all editing rate.
Have another question to add to my FAQ page? Send it to me here!