Here are the answers to some common questions about our editing services. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, then drop us a line using our contact form.
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- Q. How much does the service cost?
- Q. How long does it take?
- Q. Do you provide manuscript critique / editing services for nonfiction or poetry?
- Q. I don’t need a critique, just a copyedit. Can you provide this?
- Q. Do you communicate with the author during the manuscript critique?
- Q. Do you provide a free sample edit?
- Q. What computer system do you use for your editing?
Q. How much does the service cost?
A. For pricing details please see the appropriate service page (listed in the menu on the right). We will provide a no-obligation quote when we return your free sample edit to you.
Q. How long does it take?
A. We tend to get booked up about a month in advance, and the critique itself will take 2-3 weeks, depending on the length of the manuscript. We’ll tell you exactly when you’ll receive the completed edit before you book, so you won’t be left wondering what’s happening.
All short story critiques are returned within 7-10 days.
Q. Do you provide manuscript critique / editing services for nonfiction or poetry?
A. We’re at our best when we’re helping to improve narrative drive and storytelling; therefore we work almost exclusively on fiction manuscripts. However, in certain circumstances we can provide services for nonfiction manuscripts that work on some of the same principles (e.g. certain types of biography and autobiography).
We don’t edit poetry ourselves, but we know people who do. If you’re looking for a poetry editor, by all means get in touch with us, and we’ll forward your details to somebody who can help you.
Q. I don’t need a critique, just a copyedit. Can you provide this?
A. Yes we can, although we usually recommend having your manuscript critiqued before the detailed line edit. Get in touch and tell us your needs.
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Q. Do you communicate with the author during the editing process?
A. We usually find it best to approach your novel with a cold, objective eye, so we don’t communicate very much during the critique. However, you should feel free to ask any questions you have before the critique starts, and once the critique is complete, you’re always welcome to email with any questions about what we’ve said, or if you’d like something clarified.
Q. Do you provide a free sample edit?
A. Yes! A professional critique can be a big investment for a writer, so it’s important that you know exactly what you’ll be getting. We provide a free sample edit of the first five pages of your novel. Please see our page on the free sample edit for more details.
Q. What computer system do you use for your editing?
A. We perform our editing on Microsoft Word, using the Track Changes feature. Our critique report will also be prepared in Word, making it easy for you to open, read, or print.
If you choose to use our services, we will ask you to email us your manuscript in a Word file.
We edit on a Mac, and our files are completely compatible with both PC and Mac versions of Microsoft Word.