Part I: What is an Editor and Why Hire One
Part II: Types of Editors
Part III: Picking the Right Editor For You
Developmental Editing:
My developmental services consist of working with you on aspects of your novel like character development, plot arcs, and overall story structure. The nuts and bolts of how it all fits together, so to speak. I will tell if your face is missing the eyes or if you have a bloody nose. We can start at any time, but I do prefer to work on projects that are more than 65% finished so that I'm not doing the actual plotting myself.
When I'm going through as a developmental editor, I generally don't pay close attention to things like word choice, grammar, or prose construction. Although some editors don't like to focus on style or voice construction, I try to incorporate it a bit where applicable.
You'll get a 2 - 3 paragraph write up (often far more) at the end of each chapter detailing where things go awry and what stuff sticks out as positive. I'll give you a comprehensive list of issues like "Bob shouldn't have given Sally the watch, because in the next chapter Sally just loses it anyway."
This usually comes in bullet point form.
At the end of the manuscript/chapter samples, I give an overall assessment they way a teacher would a student. This is usually 2 or 3 pages (often far more). It touches on things like flow from chapter to chapter and which portions I think could use revision, or outright chopping. It'll tell you the macro and micro of how you can improve your manuscript by capitalizing on your strengths, while targeting out specific weaknesses.
My developmental services consist of working with you on aspects of your novel like character development, plot arcs, and overall story structure. The nuts and bolts of how it all fits together, so to speak. I will tell if your face is missing the eyes or if you have a bloody nose. We can start at any time, but I do prefer to work on projects that are more than 65% finished so that I'm not doing the actual plotting myself.
When I'm going through as a developmental editor, I generally don't pay close attention to things like word choice, grammar, or prose construction. Although some editors don't like to focus on style or voice construction, I try to incorporate it a bit where applicable.
You'll get a 2 - 3 paragraph write up (often far more) at the end of each chapter detailing where things go awry and what stuff sticks out as positive. I'll give you a comprehensive list of issues like "Bob shouldn't have given Sally the watch, because in the next chapter Sally just loses it anyway."
This usually comes in bullet point form.
At the end of the manuscript/chapter samples, I give an overall assessment they way a teacher would a student. This is usually 2 or 3 pages (often far more). It touches on things like flow from chapter to chapter and which portions I think could use revision, or outright chopping. It'll tell you the macro and micro of how you can improve your manuscript by capitalizing on your strengths, while targeting out specific weaknesses.
[The Big Picture]
- Helping develop the story overall (not necessarily writing plot for you--but help hint where necessary).
- Helping to strengthen relevant chapters and slice out "clutter" chapters.
- Helping assess where/why things go awry and where things are on track.
- Helping writer (if asked or needed) to build the world.
- Assisting in character development.
- Guidance on plot arcs and whether they fit properly together.
- Nourishing "Voice" and tone where applicable. (Note: some editors classify this under line editing)
[Some of the nuance]
- Pacing?
- Sufficient conflict?
- "Big picture" ordering.
- Plot hole patching.
- Back-story checking & strengthening.
- Removing or editing irrelevant or weak side characters.
- Addressing abnormal/uncharacteristic behavior.
- Addressing missing/broken story elements and arcs.
- Ostensibly anything else that isn't directly prose or grammar related.
Note: Developmental edits generally do not include notes or changes within the manuscript. However, this varies from editor to editor. Personally, I almost always end up leaving some type of mark unless explicitly asked not to.
Rates: $10 per 1,000 words.
Line Editing: (Classified as Substantive Editing)
During a line-to-line edit, I scatter dozens, often hundreds of small annotations and line-edits across your manuscript. This can reach well into the thousands for longer manuscripts. These notes include comments like "This part doesn't make sense. Consider revising" or "I'm not sure why you chose this word: Consider . . ." , "There is syntax issues here: here is a link to a resource . . . " , "This part breaks from point of view".
(Note: Although it's not generally included as part of the service, I almost always find myself mixing in some type of developmental annotations.)
At the end of each chapter, I break down a bullet list like the one you see here listing the strengths and weaknesses to watch out for. At the end of the manuscript, I advise on common issues I see (usually things like syntax in dialogue, adverb abuse, too many "in world glossary words", cliche or trite moments, purple prose, etc.).
Here is a list (although by no means exhaustive) of the types of things I look for while line editing:
(Note: Although it's not generally included as part of the service, I almost always find myself mixing in some type of developmental annotations.)
At the end of each chapter, I break down a bullet list like the one you see here listing the strengths and weaknesses to watch out for. At the end of the manuscript, I advise on common issues I see (usually things like syntax in dialogue, adverb abuse, too many "in world glossary words", cliche or trite moments, purple prose, etc.).
Here is a list (although by no means exhaustive) of the types of things I look for while line editing:
- Over filtering, purple prose, stressed modifiers, cliches, oxymorons, dangling participials and about 50 other literary terms I explain in detail when they crop up.
- Overall flow of prose.
- Style and elegance.
- Assurance of "active" voice.
- Readability.
- Word choices.
- Consistency in tone. (Also goes with development)
- Sentence fragments.
- Policing Adverbs [link] (huge one!)
- Overuse of any word in general. ("was" or "the man" are common)
- Structure of paragraphing.
- Structure/syntax of dialogue.
- Average sentence length.
- Confusing sentences.
- Strength of imagery (sometimes by trimming!)
- And basically everything else [FOUND HERE] - I wrote this for the writing sub-reddit I administrate]
Rates: $13 per 1,000 words.
THE COMBO PACKAGE
You get both together. I do the full write up for each.
Rates: $16 per 1,000 words.
1 on 1 Personal Coaching
Lastly, I do offer 1 on 1 coaching. On anything really. SEO, Amazon self-publication tutorials, Cover art critiques, you ask, I will tell you what my knowledge is worth and adjust from the price roof. I'm actually pretty accessible on the internet, and will remain so in the near future until about JUNE of 2015 when I'll be leaving for a full year trip across the lower U.S 48 up to Alberta Canada. So there's that...To be honest half this blog will probably will with that stuff once that starts.
During a coaching session, it can range from one on Q&A, live editing, brain storming sessions, really anything that needs to be addressed 1 on 1.
$30/hour. It's amazing what I can do in an hour. Especially if it's on Skype or live in Google Docs! (I'll be honest--I almost never cut short after an hour.)
THE COMBO PACKAGE
You get both together. I do the full write up for each.
Rates: $16 per 1,000 words.
Lastly, I do offer 1 on 1 coaching. On anything really. SEO, Amazon self-publication tutorials, Cover art critiques, you ask, I will tell you what my knowledge is worth and adjust from the price roof. I'm actually pretty accessible on the internet, and will remain so in the near future until about JUNE of 2015 when I'll be leaving for a full year trip across the lower U.S 48 up to Alberta Canada. So there's that...To be honest half this blog will probably will with that stuff once that starts.
During a coaching session, it can range from one on Q&A, live editing, brain storming sessions, really anything that needs to be addressed 1 on 1.
$30/hour. It's amazing what I can do in an hour. Especially if it's on Skype or live in Google Docs! (I'll be honest--I almost never cut short after an hour.)
Payments are due up front. For anything over 20,000 words, you will need to schedule about a week in advance and put down a %20 deposit so I don't reserve slots unnecessarily.
Methods of payment include:
Methods of payment include:
- Bitcoin -- Address to be announced. (It changes)
- Paypal
- Check (But I'll have to cash it first--not just "I mailed it!")
- Wire transfer (Western Union) [Not preferred]
- Cash (It's very possible we met in person!)
Submissions:
[APRIL+MARCH STATUS]
LINE EDITING: [OPEN]
DEVELOPMENTAL: [OPEN]
* Manuscripts [OPEN*] (up to about 120,000 and you'll have to wait for April!)
* Short Stories [OPEN*] (up to 20,000 and you might have to wait for late March)
* Chapters [OPEN-Preferred!]
* Query Letters [Closed*] (check back when I have this blog more fleshed out)
* Beta Reading [Closed*] (I'll do by chapter)
PLEASE NOTE
I am "open" but still maintain the right to reject manuscripts (especially longer ones outside of preferred genre). Please don't settle on my services without sending me a 300 words sample! I like to know what I'll be dealing with, plus it's a good chance to showcase some skill and prove the worth of editing. Send me a Google Docs (Preferably one that is open to editing for those with the link), or some type of .Doc/.Docx and I'll check it out.
GlitchHippy@gmail.com // Reddit: /u/GlitchHippy // This blog via comments
(Please note: This blog's comments are not private)
Turnaround time variable on samples. Could be weeks, could be 10 minutes.
Depends where I am in the country!
I can work without internet, but I can't do new intake without it!
[APRIL+MARCH STATUS]
LINE EDITING: [OPEN]
DEVELOPMENTAL: [OPEN]
* Manuscripts [OPEN*] (up to about 120,000 and you'll have to wait for April!)
* Short Stories [OPEN*] (up to 20,000 and you might have to wait for late March)
* Chapters [OPEN-Preferred!]
* Query Letters [Closed*] (check back when I have this blog more fleshed out)
* Beta Reading [Closed*] (I'll do by chapter)
PLEASE NOTE
I am "open" but still maintain the right to reject manuscripts (especially longer ones outside of preferred genre). Please don't settle on my services without sending me a 300 words sample! I like to know what I'll be dealing with, plus it's a good chance to showcase some skill and prove the worth of editing. Send me a Google Docs (Preferably one that is open to editing for those with the link), or some type of .Doc/.Docx and I'll check it out.
GlitchHippy@gmail.com // Reddit: /u/GlitchHippy // This blog via comments
(Please note: This blog's comments are not private)
Turnaround time variable on samples. Could be weeks, could be 10 minutes.
Depends where I am in the country!
I can work without internet, but I can't do new intake without it!
PART II: ABOUT ME
Let me start by saying, I'm a chatter box. I am also open to any questions you might have subsequent to these stock questions you should be asking any editor.
Do you have any sample work?
Absolutely! I'm proud of my work. I'm good at it. This is the first question you should ask any editor. An editor who isn't up front about their experience is probably not someone you want to enter into a professional relationship with.
Editing is like allowing a mechanic to fix your car. You need to know they're not going to trash things.
Send me a Google Docs link (Open to be edited preferably), or some type of .Doc/.Docx and I'll check it out up to 300 words. GlitchHippy@Gmail.com // or reddit (/u/GlitchHippy) or Twitter @GlitchHippy.
Editing is like allowing a mechanic to fix your car. You need to know they're not going to trash things.
Send me a Google Docs link (Open to be edited preferably), or some type of .Doc/.Docx and I'll check it out up to 300 words. GlitchHippy@Gmail.com // or reddit (/u/GlitchHippy) or Twitter @GlitchHippy.
What do you specialize in?
Specifically, I'm a heavy lifting developmental editor. I'm also adept with line editing. Although I can work in a pretty wide spectrum of genres, here is what I prefer and have the most experience with:
- Science fiction of almost any variety
- Dystopian
- Post-apocalyptic
- Apocalyptic
- Space marine
- Cyber heist
- Crime
- Futurism
- Time travel
- Cyberpunk
- Techno-grit
- Fantasy
- High fantasy
- Dark mystery
- Crime thriller
- Vampire anything <-- I'm a sucker for this. har-har. I'm serious though.
- Steam punk
- Sci-Fi
- Anything involving hackers or the CIA/NSA/DHS/FBI <-- I run a national security analysis blog actually.
I know what makes these stories great. You can check out some of my film reviews on this very blog!
What do you base your prices on?
I base my rates of the Editorial Freelancers Association, and realism in the free internet market. It's going to sounds pretentious, but I am actually worth a hell of a lot more than I can feasibility charge on my own as a freelancer with such limited resources. That's just the reality. The truth is most editors (especially online) are worth a heck of a lot more but get overshadowed bigger websites or publishing houses who are rightfully slow to trust new editors. Many deserve more work. The bigger freelancers (the career ones) generally specialize in grammar, technical writing, medical, legal, etc.
Full disclosure, I haven't worked 10 years at a major publishing house. I don't have a substantive background in technical writing. I let my work speak for itself. It's why I offer samples and I'm quick to do so. Taking those factors into account, I charge what I'm able to and unfortunately less than I think many like myself are worth.
How long have you been doing this?
About 4 years now, 3 as a freelance editor as a job.
What is your methodology?
I very much prefer to work with GOOGLE DOCUMENTS.
Here is a tutorial my former co-editor made for the reddit we administrate.
Industry standard is MSWORD and I'm well suited to use it. I just don't like it. "Track Changes" feature drives me a bit nuts. It's awkward and clumsy and in my opinion outdated. Very very outdated. It's actually so antiquated that version mismatches and "artifacts" (glitchy symbols and corrupted files) are becoming more common than not.
I leave the choice up to the client. Google Docs, or MSWORD.
Each has their pros and cons.
Here is a tutorial my former co-editor made for the reddit we administrate.
Industry standard is MSWORD and I'm well suited to use it. I just don't like it. "Track Changes" feature drives me a bit nuts. It's awkward and clumsy and in my opinion outdated. Very very outdated. It's actually so antiquated that version mismatches and "artifacts" (glitchy symbols and corrupted files) are becoming more common than not.
I leave the choice up to the client. Google Docs, or MSWORD.
Each has their pros and cons.
What separates you from other editors?
Some of the most talented editors I've met still use pen and paper. Most still use "Track changes" on msword, although that too is rapidly shifting in favor of "group cloud sharing".
I'm what is considered a "new school" editor. I'm ambitious. I don't cling to antiquated standards. I use the newest methodologies. Within 5 years, the methods I'm using will in all likelihood be the standard as older methods are phased out in favor of the more effective (more hands on too) means.
I also know the "dark side" of the industry (the marketing and publishing) and what helps a novel sell. I'm self-published and relatively successful in that capacity. I know the ins and outs of Amazon, Google, and Barns & Nobel's self-publishing markets. I'm well versed in Amazon KDP/KU publishing policies, key-word search optimizations, all the way down to the cover-size dimension. I'm more than happy to answer any questions that might arise, and advise on whether I think a book is publishable or needs more work.
While most editors exclusively work/communicate with ".docx and only via email" I like to text (google phone - No personal numbers), skype, tweet, blog, reddit, facebook. Communication is everything to me and very few editors are as receptive to this style of hands on learning/editing.
What are you prices compared to other editors?
Every (and I mean this) competent editor is going to tell you 1 of 2 things.
A) I'm affordable!
B) About industry standard
The only way to tell for yourself is by comparing and contrasting. Some editors charge double what I do for development, others charge half as much, some charge exactly the same for both services line/develop and some don't offer either at all. As it stands now, the honest answer is that I'm about middle of the pack/standard prices for my services.
The only way to tell for yourself is by comparing and contrasting. Some editors charge double what I do for development, others charge half as much, some charge exactly the same for both services line/develop and some don't offer either at all. As it stands now, the honest answer is that I'm about middle of the pack/standard prices for my services.
What is your turnaround time?
Variable. Depends what you give me.
Full manuscript editing: 15~ business days from contracted date.
Blocks of 20 pages: About 48hrs per block
Editors (and for good reason) bristle at this question and that's because it can vary extensively based on a variety of factors, not just limited to how smooth or rough the writing is. It van vary based on work load, family issues, whether you've given them a deadline, etc.
For me, it really depends on how much work needs to get done and how much I have lined up. It also depends when you need it. If you tell me you'll need 100,000 words done in a week, I might tell you it's gonna be awhile. I simply can't afford to put all other projects on hold to rush deliver that much. Without a strict rush deadline, I crunch through things quickly, I work consistently and I won't leave you hanging. Without an exact word count, that's really all I can say on the matter until I know more.
Full manuscript editing: 15~ business days from contracted date.
Blocks of 20 pages: About 48hrs per block
Editors (and for good reason) bristle at this question and that's because it can vary extensively based on a variety of factors, not just limited to how smooth or rough the writing is. It van vary based on work load, family issues, whether you've given them a deadline, etc.
For me, it really depends on how much work needs to get done and how much I have lined up. It also depends when you need it. If you tell me you'll need 100,000 words done in a week, I might tell you it's gonna be awhile. I simply can't afford to put all other projects on hold to rush deliver that much. Without a strict rush deadline, I crunch through things quickly, I work consistently and I won't leave you hanging. Without an exact word count, that's really all I can say on the matter until I know more.
Do you read/write?
I write a lot more than I read, notwithstanding editing, and a lot of what I edit is not enjoyable. I think that makes me a better editor. The editor who falls in love with the writing isn't going to be as critical. I write a variety of stuff, like this blog.
Who do you usually work with?
In terms of co-editors, just me and only me. As for clients, just about anyone. I love working with "odd" people, as long as they aren't jerks. If I had to peg a demographic (even though some I couldn't tell you!) it's usually folks in their 30's who write things like sci-fi and other similar genres. I've worked with a few elderly women for weed and housing once though.
Why you?
Why not me? That's a serious question. If you're actually this far down, I've clearly done something to grab your attention and I think we'd make a good pair. You probably feel like you know me. We might even be in love. Are you in love with me? :)
I've basically covered all my bases. I don't really feel it necessarly to blab on.
Why not you?
I mean...have you seen this blog? In all honestly, there are some people I simply don't think I should work with. I'm rough around the edges and I have a sharp sense of humor. If you're not digging the vibe of this blog, it's probably best to find an editor who isn't going to be...well...me.
I also tend to be a be sarcastic with my banter, so if you're easily offended or can't take constructive criticisms very well, it's probably better to look else where. I am a man of integrity and honesty and honesty often hurts, even when padded between fluff. If your writing needs improvement, I will let you know why. Some folks just don't want to hear that. They want to be coddled and told their writing is brilliant. I am not that editor. I think it undermines the whole system. One of the results of coddling is the publishing market (which I'm very much a part of) becomes over saturated with poor quality writing that an editor affirmed as publishable. This hurts my profits directly.
On an aside here, you should be really wary of "yes men" editors. They tend to compliment a lot and very rarely actually make or even suggest changes. It's basically scamming in my opinion. you're paying them to waste your time.
I write a lot more than I read, notwithstanding editing, and a lot of what I edit is not enjoyable. I think that makes me a better editor. The editor who falls in love with the writing isn't going to be as critical. I write a variety of stuff, like this blog.
Who do you usually work with?
In terms of co-editors, just me and only me. As for clients, just about anyone. I love working with "odd" people, as long as they aren't jerks. If I had to peg a demographic (even though some I couldn't tell you!) it's usually folks in their 30's who write things like sci-fi and other similar genres. I've worked with a few elderly women for weed and housing once though.
Why you?
Why not me? That's a serious question. If you're actually this far down, I've clearly done something to grab your attention and I think we'd make a good pair. You probably feel like you know me. We might even be in love. Are you in love with me? :)
I've basically covered all my bases. I don't really feel it necessarly to blab on.
- I'm a writer.
- I'm an editor.
- I'm experienced.
- I'm affordable.
- I'm tech savvy.
- I have a sense of humor and a good critical eye.
Why not you?
I mean...have you seen this blog? In all honestly, there are some people I simply don't think I should work with. I'm rough around the edges and I have a sharp sense of humor. If you're not digging the vibe of this blog, it's probably best to find an editor who isn't going to be...well...me.
I also tend to be a be sarcastic with my banter, so if you're easily offended or can't take constructive criticisms very well, it's probably better to look else where. I am a man of integrity and honesty and honesty often hurts, even when padded between fluff. If your writing needs improvement, I will let you know why. Some folks just don't want to hear that. They want to be coddled and told their writing is brilliant. I am not that editor. I think it undermines the whole system. One of the results of coddling is the publishing market (which I'm very much a part of) becomes over saturated with poor quality writing that an editor affirmed as publishable. This hurts my profits directly.
On an aside here, you should be really wary of "yes men" editors. They tend to compliment a lot and very rarely actually make or even suggest changes. It's basically scamming in my opinion. you're paying them to waste your time.
How do you accept payment?
Paypal, bitcoin, Western Union, check via snail-mail (although I don't prefer this), cash (although I don't see how this is possible unless we met in real life). I'm open to negotiation, but within reason.
Fun story: someone once offered me WoW Gold. Temping as that was, I can't feed myself on WoW gold. Besides, I quit in 2012.
Fun story: someone once offered me WoW Gold. Temping as that was, I can't feed myself on WoW gold. Besides, I quit in 2012.
Fun story 2: I once accepted payment in form of marijuana (legally...I think) and once for a cactus and blanket. I love bartering. Only works if I'm local or you mail me something up front! I'm a sucker for interesting stuff....but I do need to pay my bills. This is my job.
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