Stop Putting Off That Professional Edit

All the spaces are now filled! *hugs* Thank you, all! If you're still
interested in an edit, please visit my editorial services page and
contact me to secure a spot. :-)

Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, haaaaaaaaappy anniversary! 😛 Maybe it’s bad form to sing to myself on my own Editing Anniversary, but I’m doing it anyway.

Have you ever had a professional edit or wished you’d had one? Have you ever wondered if they’re worth it? Well, today I’m going to present you with an opportunity that miiiiight just answer those questions. This month is my 3-year freelance editing anniversary and I’ve decided to act like Sarah Crewe from The Little Princess because…

I have a gift for you!

Yes, on my own day of celebration! *pats self on back* Okay, it’s more like a discount, but that’s still awesome…right? I hope? *ahem* Back to the point, because I should probably be professional since we’re celebrating work stuff. (Wow, that sounds…fun.)

Three years ago, I started up my own editing business and you can read about how/why in the world I did that. So, since virtual cake just doesn’t seep through computer screens the way we wish it would, I’m going to celebrate 3 whole years of a job I adore with…an editing special:

What type of edit?

I’m offering the Editorial Review! This is a developmental edit. You can read the details on my editorial services page, but in an editorial review, I read your fantastic manuscript (yes, the whole thing.) and evaluate your hook, premise, character arc, craftsmanship, depth of engagement, plot, etc. I give you super thorough feedback and suggestions that will hopefully help coach you into better writing.

(Tweet about the special!)

The Editorial Review is a great place for new authors to start because it focuses mostly on the big picture before delving into the more specific “tightening” side of an edit. But even for experienced authors, the different set of professional eyes can really help solidify the story.

Confession: Whenever I have the magnificent Emperor-of-Editing, Jeff Gerke, edit my manuscripts, I hire him for an Editorial Review. So it’s seriously for every level of writer.

What do you get?

You get a 3-page write-up of super thorough and detailed notes straight from the brain of yours truly. And I guarantee the 3-pages of notes will be as thick and thorough as the Oxford English Dictionary. 100% satisfaction guarantee. 😉

What does it cost?

It is my 3-year anniversary, after all. So I’m going to play with numbers (despite being a math-deficient author.) This is for any length of manuscript yes, any length of manuscript. This costs $333.00 USD. So if you send me a 100,000 word manuscript you’re saving over 30% on the edit. O.o (Woah, wait, you are? Maybe I should re-think this.) 😉

(Tweet about the special!)

Why am I doing this?

Yeah, why would a freelance editor want to do specials? Um . . . because I LOVE AUTHORS! I also love readers. And I love my job. And I love cutting deals.

But really, there are several reasons I’m doing this:

1. It’s my 3-year editing anniversary! Why wouldn’t I do it?
2. Three is a fun number.
3. I want to help authors grow. I’m very passionate about this and if I could still manage to buy food while giving out free edits for the rest of my life, I totally would do it. Sadly . . . authors need to eat.

Timeline

First of all there are only 6 spots available. (Get it? 3+3?) I have this limit because I’m not an editing machine (despite my daily attempt to claim cyborg status.) Edits take time, and I want to make sure to do a thorough job. So, here’s how it’s set up. Each edit gets to lay claim to one week of my time. These are the weeks open for edits: (I scheduled them especially for you!)

• April 4th
• April 18th
• April 25th
• May 23rd
• June 13th
• June 20th

In order to claim your spot, you’d need to pay in full and send the manuscript by your edit date. You would receive the completed write-up one week later. Even if the spots get snatched up, you can go on the waiting list. There is always a chance that an author will step down and I will contact waiting list peeps if that happens.

(Tweet about the special!)

So how do you claim this amazingly awesome editing deal? 😉

Shoot me an e-mail, say “Yo! I want that 3rd Anniversary Editing Special!” and voila. This is on a first come, first serve basis. If you want to chat about manuscript details, we can do that too to make sure the edit is right for you.

Anticipated Questions

“Is this really a deal?” Let me put it this way. If your manuscript is 100,000 words, you are getting a 34% discount. Basically, if your manuscript is over 67,000 words, then you’re saving money. If it’s under 67,000 words then shoot me an e-mail and we can work something out. 😉

“I have a critique partner, why do I need a professional edit?” Oh boy, I could write an entire blog post on this. (Maybe I should.) Even if your critique partner is J. K. Rowling herself, a professional editor has a completely different eye for the manuscript. Every manuscript needs a professional edit and the expertise of fellow authors and reader friends. But a professional editor will catch things that no crit partner can. It’s a different experience base. (If this answer wasn’t thorough enough, send an e-mail and we’ll talk more.

“Does my manuscript have to be completed?” Not necessarily. Often times, I can pinpoint areas that need work within the first 50 pages. Feel free to send me an incomplete manuscript and, if it’s less than 60k we can work out cost details via e-mail.

“Is there an age limit?” I sense that you’re possibly a teenager asking. 😉 If you would like an edit, you’ll need parental consent. And I’m happy to work with both you and your parent/guardian to sign you up for the edit. In fact, you’re a great position to benefit since you’re perfecting your writing while you’re still young and spry and have room in your brain for learning. 😛

“Hey wait a minute! I already hired you for an Editorial Review at full price! THIS ISN’T FAIR!” If you’ve already hired me for an edit, you’ll be getting the full write up of 4-6 pages. That’s a significant difference. However, if you’d prefer to drop down to this discounted edit shoot me an e-mail and we’ll work out the details. (Trust me, I care about you. I won’t cheat you!)

“June? JUNE?! That’s like…years away! You expect me to hire you for an edit that far in advance?” Well, my friend, if you look at my Editorial Services page, I’m actually already booked through July. But I took into account this special so I made sure to block off some dates in order to complete it. There are editors out there who don’t have as long of a wait time so if you’re in a hurry, shoot me an e-mail and I’ll connect you with someone who can do a faster turnaround!

“How long are you taking openings?” You can claim a spot until all spots are claimed. It’s that simple. 😉 But I’ll probably close the doors at the start of April (if there are even openings left by then.)

Any other questions?

Have you ever had a professional edit before?