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(Be sure to read below about the bonus plan!)
Do you need an editor? My answer is, “Probably.”
On this page you’ll find answers to questions about my editing
service. If you have other questions, be in touch. 704-875-6112, bklawing@earthlink.net
Why did I say above that you probably need an editor?
Because publishers expect camera-ready manuscripts – manuscripts that are
not only punctuated correctly, but also structured for optimal clarity
and dynamism.
Even writers for elite magazines and authors of best sellers use
editors.
What’s a freelance editor? I am a freelance
editor, which means I am not an employee of a publishing house. I work
independently, with writers who are preparing manuscripts for publishing
– or aiming to take their writing skills to the next level.
‘Editing’ – what does that mean? Most of the
feedback I give my clients addresses structure, clarity, tone and
richness – much more than punctuation and grammar. (Is the work organized
in the most dramatic way? Does the momentum lag? Have you focused the
manuscript such that you’ve achieved what you intended? Are there
additional ways to build suspense?)
What do I edit? Anything and everything, but I
specialize in fiction. All work is confidential and money-back
guaranteed.
Is editing affordable?
You can afford my bonus plan.
In most instances I find that a client needs feedback on what to do in
the next revision. My trained eye and ear quickly pinpoint which details
need to be addressed.
My collaboration with the writer usually proceeds this way (see below
for other options): I review the manuscript and schedule a
consultation, which – depending on logistics and convenience – is
held either in person or by phone. We can work together
whether you’re 5 miles away or 2500 miles away.
Two points about this bonus plan are worth hooting about:
- it’s
inexpensive
- and you ask
as many questions as you wish, for the meeting is open-ended – in
other words, in-session as long as you ask questions.
Other editing options:
- I use my red
pen to mark up your print copy, making notes about how and why
changes are needed.
- We work via
email. I correct your text, or insert notes using a different-size
font.
- Ghostwriting:
I turn your rough draft into a ready-to-publish manuscript.
- Final-edit:
When you’ve completed your revisions, I do the final polish, meaning
I doublecheck spelling and punctuation.
- We
collaborate. I help you write your story, or help you transform a
rough draft into a salable manuscript.
- I transcribe
your audio-taped story and deliver to you a finished manuscript.
When should you contact me? Early. If the ms. is
a short story or article, be in touch after your first revision. If it’s
a book ms., be in touch when you’ve completed a rough draft of about 75
pages. The feedback you get early will help you make the remainder of
the writing stronger and clearer – and your characters more real,
momentum faster-paced, sensory details richer, etc.
How do you know you can trust me as editor? I’ve
got a file full of letters of commendation. On the home page I’ve
included some quotes from clients, names withheld. (Remember, all work is
confidential – but most of my clients would be glad to speak with you.)
What does editing cost? If you fit the category
above – the writer that needs help in spotting the revisions that need to
be tackled – you can afford my feedback. I give you verbal
feedback; you make notes. (No need for me to see a book-length manuscript
to identify a work’s strengths and weaknesses.) The bill usually comes to
less than $175. Plan to spend a bit on your writing skills – I guarantee
you’ll be glad you did. This is my bonus plan, or budget plan.
What’s the regular rate? Detailed work, where the entire manuscript
gets a close review, gets billed at $40 per hour for jobs of fewer than 20
hours. I bill big jobs at an hourly rate that’s a bit lower.
What can you expect from the editing? My
goal is always to see you increase your knowledge. As a result of my
edits, you learn more and more how to edit your own work.
(Yes, my goal is to keep “deleting” my clients, one after the other.
But that’s OK – most clients refer other clients.)
I look forward to hearing from you. I promise to listen carefully –
for I know you are unique, so is your writing, so are your editing needs.
704-875-6112, bklawing@earthlink.net
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