FAQ

Why was this network formed?
Anyone can put up a Web site and claim to be an editor or proofreader. This network was formed in 1998 in order to weed out the editor-wannabes from truly talented editors. The core focus of this network is talent, ethics, and the proper writer-editor match.

Who are the editors in this network?
The network is made up of a number of well-qualified editors, proofreaders, and writers in a variety of genres and specialties. No matter what level of editing, mentoring, or writing you need, at least one of them is a likely match for your project.

How are editors screened to make sure they qualify for this network?
The editors had to pass a series of tests and demonstrate excellent credentials (depending on their specialties). They also had to agree to adhere to a list of ethical guidelines (e.g., fair pricing, using an editing agreement). Client feedback is also monitored.

Please note that not all editors provide every level of editing or other services. For example, if "copyediting" is listed with the editor's biography, it means that editor passed the copyediting tests (note: Because the testing score must be 100%, the pass rate is only 2%). If you do not see "copyediting" listed with the bio, it means that the editor either did not pass the copyediting tests or does not offer copyediting as one of his/her services.

How are the editors related to this network?
This is a network of freelance editors; therefore, your agreement/arrangement is with the editor/writer you select, not with the network as a whole or the network coordinator.

What are your submission procedures?
Follow the instructions at: http://www.book-editing.com/quote.shtml. Remember, you'll need to include a synopsis/summary/project description along with your submission if you want a quote for any level of editing or writing.

Can I get the contact information (e-mail address or phone number) for a particular editor listed on the site?
Not immediately. You must first go through the submission procedure and name the editor. Your e-mail will be forwarded to that editor and direct contact can then begin.

Can I speak with the network coordinator about pricing and turnaround time?
The network coordinator cannot give price quotes and time estimates over the phone. This is a network of freelance editors with varying prices and work schedules. To obtain a price quote please follow the procedures listed on our quotes page. If you've gone through the submission process and have not received responses, notify the coordinator through e-mail first. PLEASE do not call before going through the submission process (see above), even if you have not started your project and have no sample to send.

Will the editors accept all submissions?
No. It would be unethical for editors in this network to accept material they don't feel can be improved with their editorial input. If the editors reject your submission (and if you agree with their assessments) you may request rewriting or mentoring services, which are additional services available through this network.

What happens if I ask for light editing and the editors believe my work needs more intensive editing?
No two editors will share exactly the same opinion, but if you receive a general consensus that a different level of editing (or a rewrite) is needed, you can choose to accept their opinions or ignore them. The editors in this network will not be dishonest with you in order to charge a higher rate.

Is my submission confidential?
If you select specific editors, the submission will go to those editors. If the editors you selected are not available, or if the network coordinator believes another editor might be a better choice, your submission may also be sent to another network editor. If no editors are named in the submission e-mail, the network coordinator will send your submission to one or more editors who might match your editing needs and deadline date.

How long does it take to receive a response?
The network coordinator receives e-mails between 9 am and 9 pm weekdays (Central Time), and sporadically on weekends. In all cases, you should receive a response no later than the next business day.

Unless the network coordinator must contact you to clarify your needs or to receive permission to contact editors other than those you requested (e.g., because they're not available or because there are better matches for your material), your submission is forwarded to your selected editors as soon as it is received.

I sent a sample chapter. Why didn't any of my selected editors accept my submission?
1. You may have requested an unrealistic deadline date (e.g., 500 pages developmentally edited within a week).

2. You may have set an unrealistic budget (e.g., $500 to do a detailed line edit on a 500-page book) or did not answer the budget question at all.

3. You may have asked for price-matching with another editor in this network or on another website.

4. You may have selected editors who do not perform the services you need or who do not deal with the subject matter.

5. It may be evident that you're only price shopping and are not serious about engaging the services of a professional editor. Our editors devote substantial unpaid time to evaluating your writing and preparing a sample edit. They respond only to serious inquiries.

6. You may have declared your submission near-perfect and seem to want ego-stroking only. Editors are paid to find flaws.

You can ask the network coordinator for assistance if your selected editors do not accept your submission.

If I send a chapter, will I get a sample edit?
Only if the editor(s) intends to consider your manuscript. However, if you do not receive a response of any kind from at least one editor within one business day, contact the network coordinator.

Your sample edit will not consist of the entire chapter you sent. Because of the time commitment involved, a sample edit is usually 1 to 3 pages, depending on how much material the editor feels is necessary to edit in order to demonstrate the level of editing required and the editor's particular style. The sample edit also gives the editor an idea of how much time your project will require and how much to quote.

Does my editor need to be an expert in my topic or genre?
Not always. A good copy editor knows when to look up a word or query an author when something doesn't look right. Copy editors are not walking dictionaries, but they are suspicious of every word they read. That's why editors catch mistakes that your friends and colleagues didn't when they read your material and pronounced it "perfect." With developmental editing, it might be more helpful to work with a specialist in your topic or genre, especially if you need help with improving the story (fiction writing) or presenting your research (nonfiction).

Will the editor I select start work on my material right away?
Probably not. Professional editors with long track records and outstanding reputations will have steady workloads, and many are booked weeks, even months in advance. At times, however, a client may reschedule and leave a vacant spot on an editor's calendar. Ask your editor about his/her next available date.

I'm eager to begin submitting my manuscript to agents right away. How soon can I expect my manuscript edit to be complete?
It is important that you are realistic about the editing process. Editing is a slow, meticulous process that cannot be rushed. If you request that a 100,000-word manuscript be completed in 10 days, you are probably not going to receive a response from any editor you select. Even if you only require a simple proofreading, a job of that size usually takes weeks to complete because of the multiple readings required. (The frequent typographical errors in newspapers and other daily/weekly publications show what speed does to quality.) You also must realize that the editors in this network are usually working on a current project with a contractual deadline date. Because of their ethical standards, they cannot drop everything to put one project ahead of others.

Do the editors use an editing agreement / contract?
All editors in this network must use an agreement that spells out the scope of the project, the cost, and the schedule.

How do I get on an editor's calendar?
The editors set appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. You must return the editing agreement and pay a deposit to your editor to secure your spot.

What is the turnaround time once the editor starts on my project?
Each editor has a different schedule, and much depends on the level of editorial input needed. Obviously, a manuscript that needs a heavy edit will take longer to complete.

How much will it cost?
The editors must see a sample and perform a short sample edit to give you a price quote. The rate for your project depends on the level of editing required, the complexity of the material, and the estimated turnaround time. When possible, they will give you a per-word rate because many factors can affect the number of words on a page (e.g., span size, spacing, and margins). The average for editing is 2 to 4 cents per word, and nontechnical writing starts at 5 cents per word. A surcharge may be applied to rush jobs. It's important, therefore, to return the editing agreement and deposit quickly so you are not subject to a rush fee if you procrastinate yet your deadline remains the same. You might even lose the chance to work with your preferred editor if he/she has given your dates to another client.

Is word count the number of total words or just the words edited?
Word count is the number of words your editor will read. If there are portions you don't want read/edited, remove those portions from the file that you send the editor. Should you contract an editor, the word count submitted for the estimate will be compared with the word count of the document received for editing. A higher/lower word count means higher/lower cost.

I received responses from two editors who gave me two different per-word prices. I like the work of the editor who quoted a higher rate, but I want the lower price offered by the other editor. Will my preferred editor match the price of another editor in the network?
Not necessarily. The editors in our network work independently and are not in competition with each other. The editor you prefer may see a need for heavier editorial input, and the additional time involved would justify the higher quote.
Each freelancer sets his/her own rate. As with any service, you can ask the editors about the bases for their quotes; however, no editor is required to lower their quoted fee to match another editor's quote.
Remember: It is in your best interest to select the editor who most closely matches your expectations.

Why is there a difference in the quotes I've received from other networks and the quotes received from this network?
The saying "you get what you pay for" often applies to the field of editing. It is common for novices who want to break into editing and gain experience (or those who cannot pass professional editing tests) to charge extremely low rates. Many applicants who fail our editing tests often end up in these other networks or put up their own websites and offer services they are not qualified to provide. The editors in this network possess excellent credentials, have passed a series of editing tests, and have agreed to the ethical guidelines that are part of this network.

Do the editors work chapter by chapter?
In cases of financial hardship for the writer, some may be willing to work in increments. This is more acceptable when only copyediting is needed. However, if continuity is important to your project, it is in your best interest to have the work edited as a whole.

What are my payment options?
You may also send U.S./international money orders/cashier's checks. (Currency conversion fees are paid by the client.) cashier's checks. Editors who accept personal checks require that the check clears before they set your date on their calendar. Because of the nature of online services, all editors require retainers (prepayments). You can set up an incremental prepayment schedule to make the process more affordable.

What if I decide to end the relationship with my editor?
The editing agreement you signed stipulates the steps required to end the writer-editor relationship.

Will an editor work on my book in exchange for a percent of profits?
No. The term for that is "on spec" (speculation). It is basically asking the editor to work for free. There's no guarantee that a book will see a profit (or even be published).

Is the deposit refundable if I change my mind?
No. The deposit causes your editor to turn down other work offers. If you do cancel, you likely cause your editor to suffer a financial loss.

Can I ask the editor for references?
Absolutely. Remember, though, that the editor must see a sample and agree to accept your submission before he/she will provide you with the names and contact information of prior clients.

What's the difference between a critique, developmental/substantive editing and copyediting?
Copy editors work with the writer to make sure that the material is clear, easy to read, and error-free. Copy editors tend to start from the small picture (i.e., analyzing words, sentences, and paragraphs) and work up to the big picture.

Developmental/substantive editors go about things in the opposite order. They begin by reading the manuscript for the big picture (e.g., plot and character development). Most manuscripts that receive developmental editing are in need of major revision, so there's no point in copyediting huge chunks of the manuscript that will be either deleted or altered.

A critique editor provides a written report to the author that points out strengths and weaknesses and offers revision suggestions. A critique is not an edit; unless the writer has a separate mentoring arrangement with the editor, the writer must figure out how to implement the suggestions. Some critique editors are also developmental editors who will work with the author to restructure and/or rewrite parts or all of the manuscript.

What do I get back?
Most of the editors use Word's tracking feature, which shows all edits, embedded comments, and queries. In those cases, you will likely get back a tracked file and a "clean" file (with no tracking and all edits accepted). Since the final product is the writer's, you may accept or override any/some/all of the marked edits.

What are some steps a writer can take to choose an editor?
An excellent article appeared on Ciao.co.uk (a consumer review site) under the category of "Literary Editors." This has been posted on the network's site without alteration (and with the writer's permission). Click Here.

What other information do you need to know?

Do you have a publisher or agent in mind for your project?
Do you plan to self-publish or seek traditional publication?
Are you working toward a deadline, or is your time frame flexible?
Do you have previous writing experience? Have you studied writing or taken part in critique groups?
What help do you think you need with your project?

What do editors expect from the writers they work with?

Be open to suggestions. The final product is yours, but don't waste your money on editing if you're too attached to your draft and will override all edits.
Stay available. Let your editor know how to reach you by providing several means of contact.
Let your editor work. Don't call or e-mail each day to check on progress.
Send your work to your editor at the agreed-upon time. If you know you won't be ready by your appointment date, let your editor know well ahead of the start date (at least 30 days before your appointment date) so your editor can reschedule you and possibly acquire other work. You may lose your deposit if you cancel without adequate notice.
Remember that this is a professional arrangement. Pay the correct amounts on the dates specified in the editing agreement. Don't delay payment dates or alter payment amounts.

Do editors have a policy regarding use of their name in the acknowledgments / preface?
Most editors will allow use of their name if the writer has accepted most of the edits and has not added new material that the editor has not seen (which may have errors or other problems that would reflect badly on the editor's professional reputation).

Will editors work with writers who have self-publishing in mind?
Most will, if they see writing talent and if they find the book topic interesting.

Can my editor help me find an agent or publisher?
Generally not. Most freelance editors are too busy fine-tuning manuscripts to become involved in the time-consuming effort of marketing a manuscript, though they will help authors put together query packages. Even if a freelance editor does happen to know an agent who might be interested in a particular type of book, trying to find a match between an author and an agent can be as difficult as trying to find a spouse for your best friend. Matchmaking isn't the editor's job. Also, it's an ethical gray area. See: The Association of Authors' Representatives.

Should I get an agent?
Yes. Most large publishing houses will not accept manuscripts from unrepresented authors. Many agents have long-standing relationships with editors at publishing houses large and small, and an agent will have the expertise and contacts to get your manuscript into the hands of a publisher that best suits your book. Just because you have an agent, however, does not mean your book will get published. If you are unable to secure an agent, you may still be able to get your book published at a smaller publishing house. Check each publisher's submissions guidelines carefully to make sure they accept manuscripts from unagented authors, and then follow the publisher's submission guidelines to the letter.

From a legal viewpoint, unless an author is an expert on legal matters pertaining to contracts and has the time and ability to research which publishers are most likely to accept the manuscript and offer the best financial terms, the author is better off working with an agent. It can be as difficult to attract the attention of an agent as it is to get a contract from a publisher, but in the end the contract is likely to be under better terms for the author, and the author will have saved considerable legwork and time.

Can you guarantee that my edited manuscript will be accepted by an agent or publisher?
Though your editor(s) will assist you in making the manuscript presentable and as error-free as humanly possible, representation or publication cannot be guaranteed. (No editor in this network or any other can, or should, make such a promise.)

I had a great/lousy experience with the editor I selected. Should I tell the network coordinator?

Absolutely (in either case). Any editor who has consistently negative (legitimate) feedback will be removed from the network.

Note: An editor refusing to work without prepayment or to do free additional work (above and beyond the scope outlined in the agreement) are not legitimate complaints; an editor missing a contractual deadline or becoming unavailable is.

Because of the ethical guidelines of this network and the collection of feedback from network clients, legitimate complaints have rarely occurred since the network was formed in 1998.

Please use the feedback form to let the network coordinator know about your experience with your editor(s).

Feedback about our network

"I was pleased at the speed of contact of the network, and at how well they matched my needs. They got my work into the hands of a consultant that handled my work not only professionally, but also gave my valuable insights and feedback." John DeJordy, Quality Assurance, RCN

"[H]e actually read what I was saying. In doing so, he was able to edit (by rephrasing, adding/deleting) my paper to make it more concise and professional. He returned my work quickly, and provided as much feedback and interaction as I needed...I would also add that I could have found a cheaper price elsewhere, but experience with on-line editing has taught me that getting the cheapest editing isn't worth the money." G. Mahoney (contact info on request)

"Thank you for the wonderful response to my query about editing my manuscript ... The three editors I requested all got back to me within one day with kind and thorough bids. I appreciate that you made it so easy for me to contact these highly qualified professionals." Elaine Rhodes

"Lynda, I have had several responses, and they have all made great suggestions. Now the only trouble is choosing one... At any rate, I really appreciate your help. Because of you this very scary step was made with ease." Martha June Kirby

"Thank you so much for promptly forwarding my email to the various editors. I got some great responses ... I'm looking forward to breathing some new life into my project. Your web site has been of huge service to me, and I'm grateful to you for that." Marcia Augustine

"I have received three responses within twelve hours, and am writing to say how pleased I am to have found such an organized association to search for an editor." Anita B.

"I cannot commend the network highly enough for the level of professionalism and customer service of its associates. Best wishes, Martin Walker"

"WOW! Talk about prompt, efficient and thorough service... It was a difficult choice... so much talent on offer. I am very impressed. Thank you." Lee K. Curtis, Northern Correspondent, Wildlife Australia Magazine

"Thank for guiding me towards a great person, someone I feel very at home with. Your level of service is 2nd to none." D.J. Churcher, UK

"You've already done the background work. We just have to pick one and go with it. So easy." Achuth Menon

"The site made it easy for me to have access to many experienced editors and then choose the one that best fit my work. It made me feel much more secure in my choice." Joshua LeBlanc

"I think this is a well organized editing group. Everyone I have been in contact with has been very knowledgeable and professional." Deneene

"Thank you for your email and professionalism, which is quite refreshing in these days of impersonal e-business. Thus far, your service and contractors are remarkable! And I will be very, very pleased to recommend you to others here in Saudi Arabia where outsourcing of English material is very much in demand." RD Muslim

"If Linda is an example of the quality of people in your organization, then the services you offer are TOP NOTCH!!" Debra Cree, utilities co. rep.

"Just a quick note to let you know of my very positive experience with two editors. Both responded extremely promptly to my original letter and to subsequent emails. Their work was of exceptional quality and I had a good, strong ethical sense from both, as well. They were consummate professionals. I had a difficult time deciding between the two. They both represented your service well! Thanks." Bart Borsky

"I was extremely pleased with expedience of the network. Everyone was friendly, helpful, accommodating, and supportive. There was not one bit of the network I was displeased with or uneasy about from the first day I found the site." Joshua Miller

"I had a wonderful experience thanks to your service! Please keep up the good work." Marianne Bellotti

"I am currently working with Tim on my children's book, and he is proven to be an absolutely OUTSTANDING editor!! I am thrilled you have brought such top-notch editing talent together into a one-stop-shop for writers!" (Contact info on request)

"I am most impressed with the network—and my consultant. The process is handled in a most professional manner, and the editing and suggestions were right on target." Eve Carr, freelance writer

Submission

Cut and paste the questions and answers into an e-mail:

EditMyBook@Gmail.com

Alternates
2012@Book-Editing.com
Help2012@Airmail.net
Contact@Editing-Writing.com

You may send your initial submission to all addresses to make sure it's received.

Required:
Submit the first 50 pages of your manuscript (Word/DOC or RTF attachment preferred). Large files should be zipped. Attachment not required if writing has not started (e.g., because you're looking for a ghostwriter).

A sample is required to receive an estimate
for editing services

Along with a sample, the following information is required. Ignore questions that do not apply to your project (e.g., footnotes).

(01) Word count of complete project (under "Tools" in MS Word):

(02) Put your 100-word (approx) synopsis/description here (or attach):

(03) Describe your genre and topic (e.g., nonfiction/self-help, science fiction, horror, romance, mystery, Western, young adult, children, poetry, Christian, creative nonfiction, literary):

(04) Deadline date, if any, for return of complete project. (Please be realistic. Remember that professional editors usually have a project in process.):

(05) If you have no immediate deadline, when do you want to start the editing process?: (For instance: within 30 days, within 60 days, within 90 days, 4-12 months)

(06) Level of editing desired/expected --

Copyediting / Proofreading / Line Editing (e.g., English corrections, typos, paragraph and sentence structure, word use)
Developmental (e.g., help with the big picture, such as flow/pacing, telling the story, characterization, structure, style)
Rewriting / Ghostwriting
Critique / Evaluation

(07) Number of charts/tables/pictures (if any):

(08) Writing style/format manual (e.g., Chicago Manual, APA, MLA), if applicable:

(09) Number of footnotes/references:

(10) Do you have a contract with an agent or publisher?:

(11) Do you plan to self-publish?:

(12) What is your budget for the entire project?
$ ________________
(Note: The editors will quote their regular rates, but having an idea of your budget allows the editors to tell you what services they can provide to stay within that budget.)

(13) Your name:

(14) E-mail addresses:

(15) Day/evening phone numbers (required -- in case the response to your e-mail bounces or the editors need clarification regarding the scope of service needed, deadline, etc.):

(16) City, State, Country (or time zone):

(17) The name(s) of the editor(s)/writer(s) you'd like to contact.
(If no names are selected, your e-mail will be sent to several consultants chosen by the coordinator):

(18) Do you want the coordinator to reroute your submission if you requested editors/writers who (a) are not available by your deadline date, (b) do not handle the type of material you submitted, and/or (c) do not perform the service(s) you want?

(19) How did you learn about our service?:

(20) Attach the first 50 pages of your manuscript (include prologue/preface, proposal, query)

Notes:

No hidden charges
We won't quote you one price and charge you another. When possible, we'll provide you with a per-word or per-page rate so you'll know up front exactly how much your project will cost. (Of course, we ask that you fairly represent the scope of your project.)

To learn more about the rates charged by professional editors, please see: Editorial Freelancers Association

It is a mistaken notion that freelance editors work "on spec" (speculation) with no payment to the editor. It is basically asking the editor to work for free. There's no guarantee that a book will see a profit (or even be published). The editors posted here do not work on spec.

LIVE AGENT

Note: Questions about price and turnaround times cannot be given over the phone or via chat.
To obtain a price quote please follow the procedures listed on our quotes page.

Contact live support if you do not receive a response within three hours (M-F, 9a-7p central). Expect longer response times if you submitted after U.S. business hours or on weekends.

You may also send your submission to our alternate e-mail addresses if you do not receive a response within three hours M-F:

Help2012 at Airmail.net
editingnetwork at gmail.com
contact at editing-writing.com

You may also leave voice mail for the network coordinator: 469-789-3030. This number is for verification of e-mail submissions only.

Please be as complete as possible in representing your project's scope and size so you will receive the most accurate estimate.

Disclaimer: Your agreement, whether oral or written, is with your editor or publishing consultant, not with the editing network as a whole or its coordinator.