Manuscript Editor & Writing Coach

Lorna Lynch - Self-Interview

Professional:

Describe your perfect client.

My perfect client certainly doesn't have to be a perfect writer. In fact, his or her skill level is essentially irrelevant. I appreciate clients who, above all, appreciate me – or more specifically, my editorial judgment and my desire to have their work achieve its highest potential. The vast majority of my clients have been ideal, in that they respect the fact that I only make or suggest changes to their manuscripts that will improve their marketability.

What levels of editing do you perform and what are your definitions of each level?

Proofreading, copyediting, substantive/developmental editing, critiquing, writing query letters and proposals, offering author guidance. My definitions of these parallel those on the book-editing.com Web site.

What do you like most about your job as a freelance writer/editor?

I love being an integral part of making a manuscript really shine, be it fiction or non-fiction. I also enjoy offering encouragement to writers whom, I know from experience, can feel very much alone in their endeavors.

What lead to you becoming an editor?

I think I was born to do this, as I've been editing my own work (and that of my classmates) since I could read and write. In university, I naturally studied English and creative writing, and my editing skills were subsequently honed when I was the co-owner and managing editor of a monthly magazine.

How do you, as an editor, help a writer improve his or her book?

This varies greatly depending on the author's wishes, the target market, and the caliber of the writing. Broadly speaking, I try to return an error-free and marketable manuscript. If some rewriting is needed on the author's part, I make myself available to answer any questions and offer guidance throughout the process.

What do you feel is the editor's role and what is the writer's role in the revision process?

Generally, if revisions are needed, I include my recommendations as to where and what they should be with the edit. When making the changes, my clients are welcome to consult me for guidance free of charge. If the revisions essentially amount to a rewrite, my clients can commission me to do a re-edit of the manuscript.

What does a writer get out have having her/his book edited?

Beyond getting a clean and marketable manuscript, many authors also get a "crash course" in writing. Along with an edited manuscript, I include a file of notes which offer advice and instruction on an author's weak spots. These can range from basic punctuation and formatting issues to more nuanced elements, such as how to write convincing dialogue or create powerful scenes of suspense, eroticism, humor, or emotion.

Do you help your clients with the book proposal?

Yes.

Do you help your clients with agent/publisher selection?

Yes.

What do you consider to be the main elements of great fiction?

Superb dialogue; unique, memorable, and convincing characters; an engaging plot; strong, economical writing.

Is there any material you refuse to edit?

Actually . . . no.

What is the most common piece of advice you give to new authors?

If you enjoy the writing process, never stop. Like anything, the more you learn and practice, the more you will improve. Above all, never forget your audience – you're writing for them.

What do you do when you are not writing or editing?

Reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble, walking, socializing, playing ice hockey.

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Submission

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

EditMyBook@Gmail.com

Alternates
2010@Book-Editing.com
Help2010@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: Price quotes and time estimates for individual editors cannot be given over the phone or via chat. This is a network of freelance editors with varying prices and work schedules (see our FAQ). 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. It is possible that your submission was not received. You may also page the network coordinator by leaving voicemail or sending a fax to 469-789-3030.

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 freelance editor / proofreader / writer, not with the freelance network as a whole or its coordinator.