Querying information

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Please note that my 2024 calendar is nearly full but I am considering projects for 2025.

For an editing query, please share the first five (5) double-spaced pages of your manuscript—or, if your submission is shorter, the whole thing. To get a quote for your project, please share your entire manuscript, query letter, and so forth. Be assured your submissions will be treated with confidentiality.

Writing or ghostwriting projects may also be queried; consultations or further correspondence will be established.

Submissions should be emailed to Christine@WriteforSuccessEditing.com or to WriteforSuccessEditing@gmail.com.

Please include:

- Editorial service you think you need. Confused as to what your manuscript needs? Don’t worry, I’ll advise you. General information about editing levels is provided further on the Information page.

- Genre (such as fantasy, romance, historical fiction, and so forth)

- For children's books, provide the category (board book, picture book, chapter book, etc.).

- Total word count if only the first five pages are sent.

- Publishing option that you wish to pursue (traditional publication, self-publication)

- Time line (i.e., the manuscript is ready to go, and if you have a completion deadline)

- A note if you have attended one of my workshops, presentations, or we have met at a conference; if this is a referral.

- Let me know what you’re trying to achieve; the more I know, the better I can help you. For example: Are you submitting your piece for a specific call for submissions (such as a date-sensitive inclusion of a short story in an anthology), a contest, or for another type of assignment? If yes, please provide me with the details so I can check that you’re meeting the requirements. Are you seeking traditional publication or self-publication? Or, maybe you are still unsure at this point. Please tell me where you’re at in the process.

- Comps (comparable titles). For example, Frances Hardinge's 2020 YA novel, Deeplight, states that the book is comparable to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea meets Frankenstein.

I will respond within forty-eight (48) hours from receipt (holidays excluded).

If you’ve never done this before then how do you know when your writing is ready for professional review?

Your project is ALWAYS welcome. I receive first drafts, and I receive publication-ready pieces. At any step of the process, I can provide you with unbiased and professional feedback to help you achieve your goal.

GENERAL RATE INFORMATION 

An initial get-to-know-you sample edit, Zoom, phone call, or combination of these services can be performed for two (2) hours.

To continue, I will email you a confidential written quote for your project that includes a turnaround time. Each submission is unique and I cannot provide you with a quote until I have reviewed your project in its entirety.

We can also work together on an ongoing hourly basis with hours purchased at a minimum of five (5) hours at a time or the amount of hours that is anticipated to be used in the calendar month as invoicing occurs on a monthly basis. Money paid is held in reserve and deducted in 15-minute increments. I try to remind clients as to how they are spending their time. For example, if someone likes to work via email, review and response to an email is a minimum 15-minute deduction; a client should take this into consideration before emailing. Rather, a Zoom or phone call may be a more effective use of hours. As explained in the contract, if a client ends up with money left on account after a project wraps up, that amount will be refunded within 30 days of the project's completion; fees (already charged by Square, PayPal, etc.) will be deducted.

Appointments scheduled for Zoom or phone calls, or for in-person meetings must be cancelled 48 hours prior to the start time of that call or meeting. If such advance notice is not provided, then the client will be charged for that time.

Benefit from my confidential registry of beta readers. This registry includes children from age six (for picture book) through adult beta readers. My beta reader service has been intact for more than fifteen years and is an invaluable author benefit. Authors receive specific, targeted feedback from their intended audience. Both the author and the beta reader remain confidential. I coordinate as many readers as needed per project; the author receives timely, written responses from the readers. Rates vary.

NUMBER OF EDITING HOURS PER MANUSCRIPT

Editing hours vary based on the type of work requested (such as, content editing), the level of editing required (light, medium, or heavy), and if the coordination of other personnel is needed such as subcontractors or beta readers. Each book is unique and will be priced accordingly.

I am a careful, caring, and thorough editor and my pricing is fair. My goal is to help you with publication and profitability. Writing a book is like starting a small business—you will invest money up front that you wish to recoup once you have built your author brand and have your product ready for sale. I am available to assist you from creation to publication and beyond.

Jobs typically require up to three passes for developmental editing (picture books may require significantly more edits), a final review which includes a proofread, then ongoing interaction as the author readies for publication. By working with me, the quality of your writing can improve because I encourage a continuing conversation. Improved writing means less time and money spent editing grammar and style, and more time for you to focus on your craft or other aspects of the business.

Projects receives a written quote and a turnaround time based on the hours needed for the project, the level of editing chosen, and the manner in which the edit is to be performed (such as, electronic-editing). 

Ongoing clients receive priority scheduling and may continue at their contracted hourly rates when industry rates increase.

PAYMENT INFORMATION

I use an online invoicing service called Square. Payment is made through this service. They email clients with notice of payment due and confirmation of payment made. You can also pay via PayPal, Venmo, cash, or check and I will record such payments in Square for your records.

All clients receive electronic notice of payments made and year-end notices for tax purposes.

TYPICAL TURNAROUND TIME

I am quick and responsive. My turnaround times are competitive with industry standards.

A short piece may take days to edit, a novel may take weeks. Many authors opt for several edits, establishing an ongoing relationship with their editor. Some projects continue a year or more, from initial meeting until the manuscript is ready to submit for publication.

AVAILABILITY

My availability varies from week to week. If your project is ready now or you know when it will be ready, then I'm happy to let you know if or when I could take it on.