What does an editor do? Can you write something for me?
An editor is not a writer. An editor is someone (usually hired by a publisher or writer) who polishes a piece of writing on two levels.
During content editing, the editor looks at the ideas in a piece: Do all of the ideas belong? Is the amount of focus appropriate? Do the ideas appear in the best order? For fiction, switch out the “ideas” with “characters and scenes.”
In mechanical editing, the editor corrects spelling, grammar, and punctuation and ensures stylistic consistency throughout a document.
An editor serves both writers and readers. They help writers realize their vision for their book, and they help readers by making each book the best that it can be.
Do I need an editor?
Everyone who writes needs an editor. An editor is a language expert who can not only provide a more objective perspective than your own but who can also ensure that your writing conforms to industry standards. An editor’s sharp eye is trained to catch the typos that your eyes will glaze right over and the noninclusive language that you didn’t intend at all. We all make mistakes, but having an editor look over your work will ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward.
So if you write anything for public consumption in a professional capacity, you need an editor. Whether it’s a self-published book or a business website, a grant application or a master’s thesis, an editor can help you make your work the best it can be.
What are the different levels of editing?
Developmental Editing
In developmental editing, an editor pays attention to big-picture elements like plot, characters, and pacing, in addition to all of the tasks listed below in copyediting.
Line Editing
In line editing, an editor focuses on the language of a piece at the sentence and paragraph level. Line editing is concerned with the tone, voice, and flow of the piece.
Copyediting
In copyediting, an editor works with the following elements:
- spelling, grammar, and punctuation
- treatment of numbers
- treatment of special terms
- hyphenation
- abbreviations and acronyms
- headers and the table of contents
- clarity, continuity, and correctness
Proofreading
During proofreading, an editor catches any errors that were either missed by the copyeditor or introduced during design.
How much does editing cost?
The cost of your project will fall within these industry rates. You can see prices for manuscript evaluations here. Prices for other projects will vary depending on the project. Once you send me your manuscript, I’ll complete a sample edit and offer a quote. You can decide whether to continue or not at that point.
What are my payment options?
Paypal, Zelle, Venmo, or CashApp. If none of these options work for you, we can work something else out.
What will I send and what will I receive?
I usually ask clients to fill out a questionnaire with more information about themselves and their project. When I understand your intentions for your work, I am better able to help you realize your goals.
In addition to this questionnaire, you will also send your manuscript:
– If you choose a manuscript evaluation, please send your manuscript as a Microsoft Word file. You will receive a long letter in the form of a Microsoft Word document. It will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript and offer suggestions for next steps in your revision or rewrite.
– If you choose a developmental edit, line edit, or copyedit, please send your manuscript as a Microsoft Word file. You will receive a redlined Word file. Track changes will show the changes that I’ve made to the manuscript itself, and comments in the margin will contain queries for you and explanations of my work.
– If you choose a proofread, please send the typeset PDFs of your book. You will receive PDFs with comments indicating where changes need to be made.
Can I get a sample edit?
Yes. I provide a free sample edit for nearly every project. A sample edit does not put you under any obligation to sign a contract. It’s simply a way for us to learn more about each other: I get a chance to learn more about your writing and can provide a more accurate quote, and you to get a chance to see my work before committing.
Do you have relationships with publishers? Can you help me publish my book?
I do not have relationships with publishers, and I cannot help you publish your book. There are many resources available online to learn about how to get a book published. It’s a complicated but navigable process; be prepared to do your research.
What do you read in your free time?
A little of everything. Literary fiction, science fiction, classics (Victorian and modern), and nonfiction. Also, anything #muslimshelfspace. I love me a multigenerational saga or an immigrant story, and my favorite tropes are books that start from the end, occur all in the space of a day, or are told out of order.
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