It can seem daunting to hand over your manuscript to an editor. So how does working with an editor or proofreader work? In this blog post, I explain how working with me as a developmental editor, copyeditor, proofreader, reader or typesetter works, what the process is.
What is your editor going to do? Are they going to completely rewrite your work, undo all your stylistic decisions and make it their own work? Will you lose your voice?
The simple answer is: no!
Your editor is sympathetic to your manuscript and understands the need to keep the story true to what you want to say. All your editor wants to do is make your narrative as strong as possible and to ensure that the copy is as error free as it can be so that there are no distractions for the reader.
How does developmental editing work?
A developmental edit makes suggestions for you to improve your manuscript and makes big picture changes. At the beginning of your writing journey, a developmental edit can make suggestions to improve characterisation, plot, voice, etc.
How does developmental editing work with me?
- First, you need to get in touch to discuss your options. You can email or book in video call.
- We will discuss your manuscript, your specific needs, time frame and budget.
- You agree to my terms and conditions and pay a deposit.
- You send me the manuscript and I get to work! I will make in-text comments and suggestions and supply you with a bespoke report full of recommendations as well as your writing’s strengths.
- When I send back the files to you, I will send the final invoice too. Please pay within 30 days.
- Feel free to email or book in further calls to discuss your edit!
Copyediting
Copyediting gets the text in as clean a shape as possible and ensures that your text is consistent and free from as many errors as possible!
How does copyediting work with me?
- First, you need to get in touch to discuss your options. You can email or book in video call.
- We’ll discuss your manuscript, your specific needs, time frame and budget.
- You agree to my terms and conditions and pay a deposit.
- You send me the manuscript and I get to work! I will make in-text comments and suggestions and supply you with a style sheet and any additional feedback and queries in a separate documents.
- When I send back the files to you, I will send the final invoice too. Please pay within 30 days.
- Feel free to email or book in further calls to discuss your edit!
Proofreading
Proofreading is usually the final stage before publishing, after the text has been formatted and typeset. It checks for any last typos, that page numbers and headings are correct and makes minimal interventions into the text.
How does proofreading work with me?
- Email or book in video call to discuss your needs.
- We will discuss your manuscript, your specific needs, time frame and budget.
- You agree to my terms and conditions and pay a deposit.
- You send me the manuscript or typeset files, along with your style sheet (if you have one) and I get to work! I will make in-text comments and suggestions working with your style sheet.
- When I send back the files to you, I will send the final invoice too. Please pay within 30 days.
- Feel free to email or book in further calls to discuss your proofread!
Beta reading
Beta reading gives you some feedback about your manuscript without going into the depth of a developmental edit. It assess your manuscript’s strengths as well as areas for development and gives you, the writer, an understanding of how readers will receive your work.
How does beta reading work with me?
- Email me to let me know you want beta reading. Beta reading is a fixed fee service, available for just £200.
- You agree to my terms and conditions and pay a deposit.
- You send me the manuscript and I get to work! I will write a bespoke report for you detailing your writing strengths and areas for development.
- When I send back the files to you, I will send the final invoice too. Please pay within 30 days.
Authenticity reading
I offer authenticity reading for writers of LGBTQ+ content who are not, themselves, part of the LGBTQ+ community. This is important for authentic and accurate representation.
How does authenticity reading work for me?
- Email me to discuss your needs.
- We will discuss your manuscript and your specific needs.
- You agree to my terms and conditions.
- You send me the manuscript and I get to work! I will write a report detailing your writing strengths and areas for development.
- I send back the files to you, I will send the final invoice too. Please pay within 30 days.
Typesetting and formatting
Once your manuscript has been edited, it’s time to get it ready for publication with typesetting and formatting. This could be as a print file, ebook file or both. I will support you to create beautiful book interiors that match your vision.
- Email me to discuss your needs.
- We will discuss your vision and ideas for your book.
- You agree to my terms and conditions.
- You send me the manuscript and I get to work! I will send you files for you to review and you can make revisions, as needed.
- I send back the files to you, I will send the final invoice too. Please pay within 30 days.
Nick (he/him) is an experienced, professional editor and proofreader, specialising in LGBTQ+ writing. Use this form to get in touch right now!
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