Frequently Asked Questions
I have a rough draft, now what?
First of all, congratulations! Finishing a first draft is arguably the hardest part and you've done it!
Next, it's time to make sure it's the best draft of your story it can be, making it ready for publication. That is, the next step is editing--specifically developmental editing. This means your story needs to be read for plot, pacing, structure, depth, and overall consistency (among other elements).
Developmental editing is the big picture stage where we make sure characters are interesting and multifaceted, settings are fully realized, and that the structure of the story makes the most sense and tells your story in the way you want it.
Next, it's time to make sure it's the best draft of your story it can be, making it ready for publication. That is, the next step is editing--specifically developmental editing. This means your story needs to be read for plot, pacing, structure, depth, and overall consistency (among other elements).
Developmental editing is the big picture stage where we make sure characters are interesting and multifaceted, settings are fully realized, and that the structure of the story makes the most sense and tells your story in the way you want it.
How much does it cost?
There are so many hurdles between an idea and getting your book published. Cost shouldn't be one of them. I'm a big believer in giving everyone a chance at success and have built my business to include flexible payment plans.
I won't lie to you: editing can get expensive. Depending on the final word count of your manuscript, genre, and level of editing, the grand total can change from project to project. I'll happily break down this often-nebulous part of the author/editor relationship so you can get on to getting your book ready for publication.
Send me a message to request a sample edit, quote, and payment plan selection so that cost can be one less thing for you to worry about.
I won't lie to you: editing can get expensive. Depending on the final word count of your manuscript, genre, and level of editing, the grand total can change from project to project. I'll happily break down this often-nebulous part of the author/editor relationship so you can get on to getting your book ready for publication.
Send me a message to request a sample edit, quote, and payment plan selection so that cost can be one less thing for you to worry about.
I'm planning to self-publish, do I need an editor?
Especially when self-publishing, another pair of eyes to look at your finished work can be invaluable!
Beta readers are great resources, but they're not reading the way an editor would. Editors check the overall structure of the story and plot, working with you to develop characters and setting. That's not to mention the time they've spent training their eye to catch small grammatical errors that are easy to miss. The feedback an editor would give you is influenced by years of experience and study in the craft of writing a good story.
Even in the later stages of a book's journey to publication, grammatical feedback and line edits from editors are more precise than AI tools, offering sensitivity to subtle differences in connotations.
Beta readers are great resources, but they're not reading the way an editor would. Editors check the overall structure of the story and plot, working with you to develop characters and setting. That's not to mention the time they've spent training their eye to catch small grammatical errors that are easy to miss. The feedback an editor would give you is influenced by years of experience and study in the craft of writing a good story.
Even in the later stages of a book's journey to publication, grammatical feedback and line edits from editors are more precise than AI tools, offering sensitivity to subtle differences in connotations.
I'm planning to traditionally publish, do I need an editor?
When pursuing traditional publication, an editor working for the publisher will take on your book after it has been accepted by the publisher and contracts have been negotiated.
However, hiring an editor to work with you before you submit your proposal is always a good idea. The editing process refines your book into something that's more likely to catch a publisher's (or agent's) eye and could simplify any later edits.
However, hiring an editor to work with you before you submit your proposal is always a good idea. The editing process refines your book into something that's more likely to catch a publisher's (or agent's) eye and could simplify any later edits.
How long does it take?
This is a tricky question to answer as it depends on the length of the project and where it is in the editing process. If it's already been through some revisions and just needs a little proofreading, it could be finished in a week. If it's in a more raw state and needs a bit more polish, then it could take weeks or months of collaboration between author and editor.
Do you know where your project is? Where do you want it to be?
If you're not sure, schedule a consultation meeting with me and we'll pinpoint where you are now, where you want to go, and what the next step is.
Do you know where your project is? Where do you want it to be?
If you're not sure, schedule a consultation meeting with me and we'll pinpoint where you are now, where you want to go, and what the next step is.
Do I need an agent? How do I get one?
An agent is not required to get your book published at many publishers, but they are certainly someone you want on your team! Agents are advocates for their authors, working with publishers and editors to make sure your book is published in a way that's fair to you. They can review contracts to make sure proposals are a benefit to the author, and are often well connected in the publishing industry. If they personally can't help you, they probably know someone who can.
Some traditional publishers won't even consider manuscripts without an agent!
You will never--ever--need to pay an agent up front to get your book published. There are many people out there who will try to take advantage of new authors who might not know this, so exercise caution and make sure your agent is a good fit! (There are resources out there to help you navigate this sticky web. If you write fantasy or sci fi novels, Writer Beware is a good place to take note of what to do if you're defrauded.)
You can use resources across the web like AgentQuery.com to begin the process of submitting your manuscript. By "submit" I mean drafting a query letter and sending it to an agent that works in your preferred genre. Check out QueryShark.blogspot.com for some tips on writing a great query letter.
If you'd like some help drafting a query letter, schedule a meeting with me and we'll refine your ideas into a great pitch.
Unless you are exceedingly lucky, you will likely need to submit to several agents before finding one to represent you. Don't be discouraged! The road to publication often twists and turns but perseverance and tenacity are rewarded.
Some traditional publishers won't even consider manuscripts without an agent!
You will never--ever--need to pay an agent up front to get your book published. There are many people out there who will try to take advantage of new authors who might not know this, so exercise caution and make sure your agent is a good fit! (There are resources out there to help you navigate this sticky web. If you write fantasy or sci fi novels, Writer Beware is a good place to take note of what to do if you're defrauded.)
You can use resources across the web like AgentQuery.com to begin the process of submitting your manuscript. By "submit" I mean drafting a query letter and sending it to an agent that works in your preferred genre. Check out QueryShark.blogspot.com for some tips on writing a great query letter.
If you'd like some help drafting a query letter, schedule a meeting with me and we'll refine your ideas into a great pitch.
Unless you are exceedingly lucky, you will likely need to submit to several agents before finding one to represent you. Don't be discouraged! The road to publication often twists and turns but perseverance and tenacity are rewarded.
