© 2007 Susan Lohrer
FAQ
Writing and Editing FAQ
Q:
What is the editing process?
A:
First, there’s a sample edit. After studying your brief synopsis and first chapter, I edit the first two pages of your manuscript and give a detailed critique of the strengths and weaknesses of your writing. This gives you a feel for my editing style and allows me to give an accurate estimate of the editing time and cost of the entire project. If we decide to work together, the cost of the sample edit is deducted from your bill. I use Track Changes to add corrections, comments, and suggestions to your manuscript. (I also edit hard copies, but most of my clients prefer electronic editing because it eliminates shipping time and postage costs.) When you receive your edited manuscript, you’ll implement any changes you agree make your writing stronger. If your manuscript has received substantive editing or very heavy copyediting, you may wish to return it for proofreading to eliminate new errors (typos, spelling mistakes, and so forth) introduced during revision.
Q:
What should I include in my synopsis, and how long should it be?
A:
Just the basics. Introduce the main characters, then briefly describe their story goals, the conflicts those goals create, the main plot points, and the story’s resolution. I don’t expect this to be your best writing—I just need to have a solid idea of what the story is about. Five hundred words should be more than enough.
Q:
What is the correct way to format my manuscript (and why does it matter so much)?
A:
Unless otherwise specified, a correctly formatted manuscript is double-spaced with 1¼” margins all around and 12-point Times New Roman font. Why? Because editors read gazillions of pages, and that formatting is easy on our eyes. The header should include your last name, the title of your manuscript, and the page number (rumor has it that sometimes manuscripts are printed, then dropped on the floor—much easier to put back together when the pages are numbered).
Q:
Underlining or italics?
A:
Unless a publishing house’s guidelines specify underlining, just use your word processor’s italics function. Keep in mind that with italics, as with all special effects, less is more.
Q:
Where does the period go—before or after the quotation marks?
A:
Before (except in the United Kingdom).
Q:
What is Track Changes?
A:
Microsoft Word’s Track Changes is the coolest writing and editing tool since the invention of the word processor. Best used in Print Layout View, this feature allows reviewers to clearly indicate inserted or deleted text, as well as add comments and indicate formatting changes. It streamlines the revision process for both authors and editors. Again, very cool.
Q:
What are the differences between developmental editing, substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading?
A:
In developmental editing, the editor works with the author from the conception of the story and literally assists in the development of the manuscript. Substantive editing focuses on content and flow and often involves rearrangement, insertion, and deletion of material. Copyediting (also called line editing) encompasses spelling, grammar, punctuation, and the like, and often includes some substantive editing. Proofreading is the final stage of editing, in which the proofreader catches typographical errors before they go to press. I offer a wide range of services
to meet the needs of almost every writer.
Q:
How long will it take to edit my manuscript?
A:
It depends on the manuscript’s unique needs. But to give an example for a 100,000-word novel, copyediting or substantive editing can take from 40–100 hours. Since diligent editing requires a fresh mind and fresh eyes, this time frame usually translates to 3–6 weeks.
Q:
Will editing suck the life out of my manuscript?
A:
It shouldn’t, but this depends on the editor. A good editor respects the author’s voice and suggests changes that will make the manuscript more vibrant.
Q:
What types of fiction do you edit? What don’t you edit?
A:
I edit women’s fiction, both contemporary and historical, including romance and mystery/suspense. Most of the projects I work with are inspirational (told from a Christian worldview), and I sometimes work with mainstream authors. I appreciate not receiving requests to edit erotic or vulgar material.
Q:
Do you edit nonfiction?
A:
Yes, for authors who have a publishing contract or an established platform.
Q:
What don’t you edit?
A:
I don’t edit erotic or vulgar material.
Q:
How much does editing cost?
A:
Rates vary according to the editor’s experience. Never choose an editor based on rates alone—get references from authors you trust. Please check my rates
and see what authors
are saying about my editing. For current industry rates, please visit the Editorial Freelancers Association:
www.the-efa.org/res/rates.html
Q:
Do you accept PayPal or credit cards?
A:
Yes.
Q:
Do you use an editing contract?
A:
Not usually, but if a client prefers a written agreement, I use a standard contract that outlines my responsibilities as an editor (perform X editing tasks at Y rate by Z date) and the author’s responsibilities (respond to my occasional queries in a timely manner and pay for the editing work done by the agreed date).
Q:
Are you a writing coach?
A:
Not at this time. However, should your sample edit indicate you need a coach rather than an editor at this stage of your writing journey, I will be more than happy to recommend a writing coach.