One thing I love about writing is its flexibility. There’s more than one way to create content, work on a manuscript, or publish your work. We have different style guides to pick from and an array of word processing programs and design software to use. And when it comes to the editing process, writers can choose which editors they want to work with and which services they want. Budgets and timelines certainly factor into those decisions, and that’s why I’m happy to offer my clients options for editing their projects. We collaborate to find what works best for you.

Editing Levels

There are four stages of editing, but did you realize there are different service levels available within those stages? Let’s look at copyediting as an example. It has three levels: heavy, medium, and light. All copyedits include mechanical editing, confirming correlating parts, and flagging any content that may need permission to be reprinted. But all three levels handle content and language editing differently. For a heavy copyedit, the editor will rewrite any wordy or tangled passages. In a medium copyedit, the editor will flag the passage and suggest revised wording. With a light copyedit, the editor may flag an egregiously wordy paragraph, but they won’t revise it.

If you’re not sure what level of editing your document needs, ask your editor or request a sample edit. Some editors will provide a sample edit that demonstrates how your content would be affected by a heavy copyedit vs. a light copyedit.

Service Options

Furthermore, authors can choose what level of service they’d like from their editors. As part of my onboarding process, I ask my clients several questions:

• How do you want to receive feedback?

Some authors prefer the sandwich method, where a piece of constructive criticism is sandwiched between two positive comments. Other writers like the “just the facts” approach, where the editor keeps comments brief and to the point.

• Do you want to know why I made a revision?

The logic behind punctuation isn’t interesting to everyone, and I get that. That’s one reason I ask my clients if they want an explanation for their revisions or if they only want the document to be revised.

• Do you want me to review the file again after you’ve addressed the initial revisions?

If an author wants only one round of editing, I provide the fully copyedited file, a customized style sheet, and an editorial report without any back-and-forth. Once the file is released to the author, they are responsible for reviewing all revisions, addressing all queries, and making any updates to the text. This results in the fastest turnaround time and the lowest price.

Another option is for the author to review the edited file and all the revisions, address all queries, make any necessary updates to the text, and then return the file to me. I’ll review the updated parts of the file in a second round of editing. Once the review is complete, the author will receive the final version of the file, a customized style sheet, and an editorial report. This option can take longer depending on how quickly the author reviews the revisions and returns the file. It also costs more since it takes more time.

• What kind of annotated files would you like to receive?

For authors who want to see each individual edit to their files, I provide a fully annotated Word document using Track Changes. Fully annotated files can be messy and overwhelming for some authors, so I also offer my clients simplified Track Changes files. All of the revisions are included, but some (like formatting and spacing) aren’t flagged for review. This cleans up the file and lets my clients focus on updates to the content.

It’s important to me for my clients to know that we’re on the same team, so having this information allows me to tailor my services to meet my clients’ needs and expectations.

Flexible Billing

Every editing project comes with a price tag. Depending on the size of the project, your editor may require installment or milestone billing, meaning you pay a deposit and then pay invoices as the project progresses. Editing can be expensive, but the cost doesn’t have to be prohibitive. If your quote comes back higher than you anticipated, but you really want to work with that editor, ask if they offer payment plans. Perhaps your project can be broken down into smaller milestones, which would spread out the cost. Another option is to push back the project start date, giving you more time to save the needed funds.

Depending on the scale of your project, you may benefit from bundled services. If you have a lengthy manuscript, you’ll need multiple rounds of editing. Ask you editor if they have any bundled services, like a manuscript evaluation and copyedit package or a copyedit and proofread package. Many editors include a discount for their bundled services. So when you sign up for a service bundle, you’ll save money and benefit from working with an editor who is already familiar with your writing style and project.

Remember that editing is more than an expense—it’s an investment that pays off. Your readers will appreciate the extra time and financial investments you made to produce high-quality content for them. As a reader and an editor, I understand that and am happy to offer my clients payment plans.

Takeaways

Every writer and project have different needs, so finding the right editor and service level is important. See what a few different editors recommend for the level of editing needed for your project. If you’re interested in multiple services from one editor, ask about bundled services. Before you sign a contract, request a sample edit for a section of your document. Remember, you’re looking for a partner for your project. Your budget and timeline matter, but also make sure the editor’s style and communication matches what you need. The right editor for your project will offer you options to make the editing process as smooth as possible for you. If you’re ready to partner with me on a project, contact me! I’d love to learn more about your project and help make your writing bulletproof.