How do I know I’m ready for an editor?

In your eyes, there is absolutely nothing more you can do to your manuscript to make it better. That means you have read it through several times, checking for any and all errors. This will ensure the final editing process goes as smoothly as possible.

How should my manuscript be formatted when I send it in for editing or proofreading?

I prefer your manuscript to be in Microsoft Word. But if it’s been created in another program, let’s chat. Your manuscript text should be 12 pt. in Times New Roman, Courier, or Arial. Please have it double-spaced, and aligned to the left.

What about formatting? Should I do anything before I send it to you?

Preferably, you will have done nothing to format your book. That means you’ve left the margins alone, there are no headers, the page size hasn’t been changed…nothing. However, don’t worry if you’ve already done some formatting. Anything can be changed, or left the same. Before I start, we’ll discuss what you require as far as formatting goes. If you don’t know, don’t worry!

What are “track changes”?

This is a feature that allows you to see every single correction I have made to your manuscript. I will only do this for editing services, and not for formatting. After I have edited your manuscript, I encourage you to look through each edit and accept or reject the change that’s been made. This is time consuming, but vital to ensure all changes are to your liking. After all, this is YOUR manuscript! I will also leave comments throughout the manuscript as I edit, explaining a change I’ve made, or to give a call to action when an edit needs your expertise over mine. I also love to comment when a scene is particularly touching, makes me laugh, or when I just love something you’ve written.

Formatting: Can I have a graphic on my chapter headers?

Of course! Let me know what you have in mind, and I’ll see if I can match your needs with a choice of graphics. If you have a specific graphic, send that to me, too.

Formatting: Will I be able to approve the formatting before I make my final payment?

Absolutely! We will go through all changes together until you are completely satisfied.

What if I need something changed?

You have 10 days after I have sent back your final manuscript to request any changes for free. After that, you will be charged a small fee, depending on your needs.

How much do I pay upfront?

For most services, I require 50% upfront for each service, and the final 50% before I send back the final version. For subscription services, I require 100% upfront.

How should I pay?

I accept PayPal, Venmo, credit card, check, and cash

How long until I have my manuscript back?

This depends on which services you are ordering, and the length of your manuscript. For each service, I try not to keep it for more than a week. If you are ordering more than one service, it may take a little longer. If you have a specific deadline, let me know right away! I will do everything in my power to ensure that deadline is met.

What’s the difference between proofreading and copy editing?

Copy editing is correcting any errors that have to do with grammar, spelling, typos and proper paragraphs, and may include some developmental editing (mainly timeline and consistency errors). Proofreading is the final step in editing – going over a fully edited manuscript, searching for typos or small errors that may have been missed in the copy editing process.

Is proofreading necessary?

It’s highly recommended! Whether you have had your manuscript edited by North Coast Stories or any other book editor, proofreading should be an absolute must to ensure the highest quality. A final proofread will correct any errors that may have slipped by, giving it that extra polish.

Do I need to go over my manuscript once it’s handed back to me?

YES! I cannot stress this enough. This is your manuscript, and you should have the final say about any changes that are made to it. Please look it over right away, as you have 10 days to request any changes.

What are your prices?
Contact me today with your author needs, and we can discuss pricing. For a look at the services I offer, click here.

Final thoughts:

You are the boss. Never forget this. If there’s something you want changed, speak up!

Disclaimer:

While I will go over your manuscript with a fine-tooth comb, I cannot guarantee it’s error free…and neither can any other editor. This is why it’s recommended to go through as many forms of editing as possible – especially a final proofread! I also cannot guarantee the success of your manuscript. But it is my every hope that your polished book will make an impact on our world!