Why should I pay for editing? When the publisher accepts my manuscript, their editor will do all that.

Contrary to popular belief, house editors do not have the time to edit a manuscript to this extent prior to publication. In fact, if your manuscript is in a very rough condition, chances are very high that it will be rejected. It is the manuscript that needs the least amount of editorial work from the start that makes it attractive to the editor/publisher.

If I pay you, am I guaranteed to find a publisher and get published?

No. Not unless you intend to self publish. I cannot guarantee that your manuscript will be accepted by a publisher because there are many factors involved when it comes to accepting or rejecting a manuscript.

Nor can I guarantee you that your manuscript won’t face additional editing should it be accepted by a publisher. Every publishing house has its own particular style (e.g.  style sheet) and other rules and preferences they choose to follow. My goal is to help you put your best work forward so that the acquiring editor or publisher is more inclined to accept your work.

Why should I bother with all the grammar and punctuation rules? I just want to write stories. That is why I’m paying you to be my editor. That is your job.

The editing process is not a substitute for learning the craft of writing. The editing process is very time-consuming. My “job” as editor is not to teach you how to write. What I will do is help you polish your work and make it readable. If you are seeking publication, you should take the time and effort to learn the craft of writing. If you think you can crank off a novel to make a quick buck, my service is not for you.

I will only work with people who are serious about their writing and their goal is to get published in order to communicate their words with others.

If you just want to write and not worry about editing, I suggest you hire a ghostwriter or book doctor who will do the hard work for you.

What types of manuscripts will you work with?

I will accept short stories, novellas, and novels. I will only work with complete manuscripts. No WIPS (works in progress). Novels over 100k words will be considered on a case-by-case basis. I prefer to work on genres/subgenres that I tend to read the most. These include (in no particular order):

· Mystery/Suspense

· Thriller

· Erotica

· Erotic Romance

· Romance – if it’s not syrupy-sweet or contrived

· Historical - depending on the era and subject matter

· Literary fiction – not to be confused with “experimental literary fiction.”* Writing a novel completely in lower-case and without punctuation does not make it “literary.”  I believe there is a difference between writing style...and writing sh**.  If I cannot follow your writing, let alone your “style,” I cannot help you.

I prefer not to edit and therefore do not plan to accept:

· Vampires and shape-shifters (I read very few authors who write in this genre)

· what could be termed “chick lit”

· inspirational/spiritual/religious

· politically-charged writing

· Children/YA

· Poetry

· Experimental literary fiction* (see above)

· Nonfiction – at this time. Query first. I may accept nonfiction in the future.

But I may be able to refer you to someone who will edit these genres.

As a matter of fact, I suggest you visit my GoodReads profile where you can see some of the books I’ve read, ranked, and reviewed.

www.goodreads.com/zettab

I am also a reviewer for New York Journal of Books. You can see what books I have read and reviewed for them.

www.nyjournalofbooks.com/reviewer/zetta-brown

If you are not sure what genre your story falls under (and it can qualify for more than one) there is no harm asking me if I would be interested.

Why do you have to approve your manuscripts? Why can’t I just send it in for you to edit?

I will be spending a good deal of time over your manuscript if you opt for my developmental editing service (that includes copy/line editing). Chances are that I will be reading your manuscript more than once. It is only fair that I should like what I am reading.

Not only that, but different genres have different conventions in style, and you are best served by an editor who is familiar with those conventions.

Also, I reserve the right to refuse a manuscript if it is so poorly written and constructed that I cannot read it or follow the plot. Many people believe that just because they have finished writing a manuscript that it is ready for publication.

By the time you approach me (or any editor) to professionally edit your manuscript, I would strongly urge you to self-edit as much as you can before seeking additional help. You should not seek help after your first draft but only after you are satisfied that you have polished your manuscript to the best of your ability.

What do I get with your service?

My services and rates can be customized to suit your needs and budget. Service packages are available (see below), but generally speaking:

With developmental editing, you will get:

· a detailed report covering the points mentioned above as applicable

· copy/line editing.

· additional passes (read-throughs) after you incorporate the edits into your manuscript*

· help in editing or drafting your synopsis and blurbs (optional)

Or you can opt for the proofreading-only service.

What are your rates?

PACKAGE A – $17 per 1000 words

· developmental editing

· copy/line editing

· additional passes/read-throughs*

· synopsis editing or drafting

· promotional blurbs

PACKAGE B - $15 per 1000 words

· developmental editing

· copy/line editing

· additional passes/read-throughs*

* 3-4 passes (on average) is usually what it takes to get the manuscript ready for proofreading.

PACKAGE C - $12 per 1000 words

· copy/line editing only

PACKAGE D – $50-$150 depending on book/story length

· synopsis and promo blurbs only

PROOFREADING ONLY - $6/1000 words or any part thereof

For manuscripts over 100k words, query first for special pricing.

Aren’t your rates a bit steep?

If you think my rates are too steep, then please do shop around. I think you will find my rates are very competitive considering my education and years of experience in the field. I am not a novice who has written and published a few stories and articles and has now decided to edit for other people. Paying too little for professional editing can be just as bad as paying too much if the final result is poor.

People who engage in my service are looking for more than a casual read and a simple “I like it” response. People who choose my service should be ready to work with someone who wants to help polish their manuscript by giving them a detailed analysis and professional advice to help them improve their work.

Do you provide a sample edit?

I can provide a free sample edit of up to five consecutive pages if they are formatted as explained. The pages can come from anywhere in the manuscript and should be an honest reflection of the condition of the rest of the manuscript. There is no point in sending a sample that is free from errors.

I am interested in acquiring your services. What should I do?

Send me an email at zetta(at)jimandzetta.com with EDITING QUERY in the subject line. In your email, tell me the following about your manuscript:

· Is it genre or literary fiction and what subgenre

· Final word count (at time of submission)

· Do you have a synopsis or chapter outline?

· Do you need help editing/writing a synopsis?

· List your primary concerns with regard to your manuscript. What do you need help in improving?