How do I know which editing service I need?

Structural edits (also known as developmental edits) look at the “big picture” components of a manuscript; continuity, clarity, logical order, how the story fits together, what strengths and weaknesses are and how may solutions be found for the weaker points. The manuscript is considered from the reader’s viewpoint to determine whether audience, genre, writing style and content will meet expectations. Suggestions are offered for how to fill gaps, rework ideas and amend issues.

Line and copy edits focus not on story structure, but on word choices and placement. Grammar, spelling and punctuation is scrutinised, line by line and corrections/suggestions are made to improve the text.

Proofreading is as the name suggests; a reading of the proof (a typeset document). Proofreading takes place in the final stages of publication and catches the letters that have been left out, the words that may have fallen off a page, the caption that does not match the image it is meant to describe, when pages have been placed in the wrong order etc. No changes to structure or suggestions for improvement will be made other than to highlight errors.

Find out more about what to expect from a professional editor here: https://www.iped-editors.org/about-editing/

This guide is also useful: https://www.iped-editors.org/find-an-editor/working-with-self-employed-editors-a-guide-for-clients/

What’s the ‘best’ length for a manuscript?

A short short story: under 1,000 words.
A short story: between 1,000 and 5,000 words.
A long short story: between 5,000 and 10,000 words.
A novella: between 10,000 and 40,000 words.
A novel: adult novels are usually 70, 000 - 100,000 words with sci-fi and fantasy sometimes creeping up to 120, 000 words. YA tends to be about between 60, 000 and 80, 000 words.

Do you make the changes needed or does the author?

The author retains full control of the manuscript at all times, which means that it is the author’s responsibility to accept or reject changes as they see fit. It is the author’s work and they must be happy with the end result, but editors are experts and can be relied upon to make suggestions that will enhance a piece of writing.

Can I pay extra for a quick turn around?

It really depends on how quickly you need the job done and what the job entails… If it’s a relatively straightforward copy edit of a few thousand words, which you need within the week, I may be able to squeeze it in and we can work something out for extra payment as I’ll no doubt be working outside of normal business hours to get the job done. However, if you expect a quality edit of a substantial piece of writing then you need to allow a substantial amount of time for me to give the manuscript the level of detailed attention it requires, and that can not be rushed.

Can you help me find an agent, illustrator or publisher or assist me with self-publishing?

Short answer, no. Slightly longer answer, probably not! While I work in the publishing industry and know agents, illustrators and those who work for indie and trade publishers I can not pull any strings or call in any favours to have your work placed ahead of someone else’s in the queue. I can help you to make your writing the best it can be, before you submit to agents or publishers or tackle self-publishing. I can also suggest good places to find submission opportunities.