Q: When is your next free spot on your schedule?
A: You can check my schedule here.
Q: How long will the edits take?
A: That depends on the length of the manuscript and the level of editing required. All turnaround times are listed under each service. For example, a light proofread takes around 5 days for 80,000 words (weekends not included), whereas heavy editing might require up to 14 days for 80,000 words.
Q: What style do you use?
A: I use The Chicago Manual of Style, with Merriam Webster and The New Oxford American Dictionary as references. I am familiar with American, Canadian, and British terms and spelling.
Q: At what stage should I submit my manuscript for edits?
A: Each manuscript is different, and each writer has different needs. My focus is on final draft, sentence-level editing. Therefore, all the big picture elements (plot, character arcs, pacing, etc) should be evaluated before a Line Edit, and the manuscript should be professionally edited before a proofread. Please don’t send in the first draft of your manuscript; in most cases, a single editing pass from a professional editor won’t be enough to bring your manuscript up to professional industry standards.
Q. What are the different levels of editing?
1. Developmental Editing. This looks at “big picture” issues.
2A. Line Editing. Line editing often involves heavy editing, rewriting, and restructuring of prose to address craft issues.
2B. Copyediting. Sometimes combined with, or referred to as, Line Editing. Copyediting tends to focus more on objective errors, such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and keeps an eye out for continuity errors, formatting inconsistencies, and other mechanics of style.
3. Proofreading. Proofreading is the final professional pass. It is meant to catch any errors that were missed or introduced during the editing phases. It is ideally applied after the manuscript has been formatted.
Q: Do you offer a sample edit?
A: Yes! I offer a sample edit of 1,000 words to make sure we are compatible as author and editor, to demonstrate the quality of my work, and to ensure the service you requested will meet your manuscript’s needs. Your edited pages will be returned to you usually within 24 hours (excluding weekends). Please make sure the sample reflects the overall condition of your manuscript.
Q: What format do you use?
A: I work in Microsoft Word, using Track Changes and Comments. If you have other formats, I will do my best to accommodate you.
Please make sure your manuscript is at least 12pt, in a readable font like Times New Roman, with the line spacing set to at least 1.5, and the language set to English.
Q: What currency do you use?
A: All listed rates are billed using U.S. currency (USD).
Q: Do you accept non-fiction?
A: Unfortunately, no. I prefer to focus on fiction. I recommend you search for an editor who not only specializes in non-fiction, but who is also an expert in the subject matter.
Q: What type of fiction do you not accept?
A: I no longer accept erotica, fiction with explicit sexual content, non-fiction, and children’s books. I’m also not interested in faith-based books, and I will not accept books that endorse discrimination. I reserve the right to decline a manuscript for any reason.
Q: What are your preferred genres?
A: I love plot-driven fiction for Young Adults and Adults. Urban Fantasy is currently my favorite genre, and I also enjoy thriller/mysteries. Without going into all the subcategories of the other genres I love: Fantasy, Science-Fiction, Horror, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Action/Adventure, Paranormal, and Urban Fantasy. Even if your genre isn’t listed here, please don’t hesitate to message me!
Genres I have edited:
Cozy Mysteries
Superhero
Urban Fantasy
Dystopian
Historical Fantasy
High Fantasy
Paranormal Romance
Mysteries
Spy Thrillers
Science Fiction
Horror
Contemporary Romance
Post-Apocalyptic
Alien Invasion
And more!
Q: What if I don’t agree with your edits?
A: That’s fine and expected! A sample edit will also help you determine if my style of editing is right for you. I’m always happy to discuss why I made a certain change. You are in control of the story and how you want it told. You are free to accept or reject any of the edits or suggestions I make. I’m here to help you effectively communicate your story.
Q: Is there a minimum word count or cost?
A: The minimum cost, regardless of the word count, is $100 for all manuscripts.
Q: How does payment work?
A: All payments are invoiced through PayPal. See payments
Q: Can you make my book a success?
A: I can’t guarantee how the market will receive your book. All I can do is polish the words you give me; the rest is up to you, your hard work, your talent, your mastery of the craft, and your knowledge of the business.
If I didn’t answer your question, please feel free to email me, Elizabeth, at arrowheadediting [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
Arrowhead Editing 