New to working with an editor? Here's how it works.
There are lots of reasons why people choose to work with an editor. For some of my clients, it's about the reassurance that comes from having me look over their work before it is sent to their publisher; for others, their relationship with me is part of a learning journey where my changes and comments help them learn about how to produce a certain style of writing or to develop their writing skills. Whatever your motivations for getting in touch, rest assured that I will approach your text with diligence and care, respect your authorial voice, and complete the edits in line with your requirements.
The quote
After you get in touch, I'll ask you some questions to learn more about what you are working on, any deadlines you are working towards, and about the end result you are looking for (i.e. for the text to be submission/publication ready or for feedback on a work-in-progress). We will also agree on the timeframe in which the edits will be completed.
I'll also check whether you'd like me to ensure conformity of your text with in-house style guides, a particular citation style, or style manual.
We'll also discuss whether you are looking for a single edit (i.e. a round of proofreading before publication) or multi-stage editing (i.e. structural editing that then moves through the copyediting and proofreading stages after you make further revisions).
The edit
I work in Word when editing texts. I use the Track Changes feature while working; this means you can see every change I make. I may also add comment bubbles to the text to raise queries that require your attention. If you have requested additional checks (e.g. consistency of the manuscript with a particular style manual), these will also be completed.
All of my editing feedback is 'in text' – that is, in the form of tracking and comment bubbles. Manuscript appraisals are the exception; here, my in-text feedback will be supplemented by a report on your manuscript. This ranges in length from 2,000–6,000 words, depending on your text.
Next steps
I will return the completed edits on the date agreed at the quote stage. I will return two copies of your documnet: one will have the tracking visible, so that you can see all of my changes; the other will have the changes applied, so it reads like a final copy. My comment bubbles will be visible in both copies.
I invite all clients to take the time they need to review my changes and to get in touch if they have any questions. If we have agreed on a multi-stage edit, I will look forward to receiving an updated and revised version of the text on an agreed date in the future.
I request payment in full within seven working days of completion.