Your Manuscript Questions Answered: A Guide to Submitting your Manuscript for Editing

Is your manuscript ready for submission? Whether you're a seasoned author, an academic, or a writer embarking on your journey for the first time, navigating the editing process can seem daunting. To help ease your concerns and streamline the process, I've compiled a comprehensive guide to address your most pressing questions before submitting your manuscript.

1. Is My Manuscript Ready for Editing?

You may wonder whether your manuscript is ready for editing, even if it's not complete. The truth is your manuscript doesn't need to be finished before seeking editorial assistance. Whether you're stuck at a certain point in your writing, or grappling with how to end your story, I can provide valuable feedback and guidance to help you move forward. Polish your manuscript in terms of grammar, spelling, and content, as much as you can before submission. This will save you time and money in the long run. 

2. What Should I Do Before Submitting My Manuscript for Editing?

Before submitting your manuscript, consider these important questions.  You may wish to include your answers with your manuscript submission. The more information I have about your project, the better I can help you. 

• What specific areas of the manuscript are you most concerned about?
• Do you have any questions or concerns regarding publishing your manuscript?
• What tone are you aiming for ( conversational, academic )?
• Are there any specific style preferences or style guides to follow?
• Who is your target audience?
• Are there any recurring issues or challenges you've encountered in your writing?
• What are your goals and expectations for the editing process?
• Are there any specific deadlines or timeline considerations?
• Do you have any reference materials or additional resources to provide?

3. What is your Editing Background and What Types of Manuscripts do you Edit?

With three decades of experience, six published novels in three countries, dozens of published short works, a Bachelor of Journalism degree and an MA in Creative Writing, I specialize in editing a diverse range of documents across various genres and subjects. These include novels, memoirs, middle grade and young adult fiction, academic MA and PhD theses, and nonfiction books such as memoirs, how-to guides, and self-help titles. 

I also taught creative writing online on the WOW-womenonwriting site for a decade. My memoir, flash fiction, and literary devices classes included participants from all over the world. As a freelancer, I edit for ENQ, (Enquiry), an open access journal for architectural research. 

I also have more than a decade of experience teaching EFL to college students at the Jerusalem College of Technology. 

Regardless of the genre or subject matter, I approach each editing project with professionalism, attention to detail, and a commitment to enhancing the quality of your writing. No editor is a specialist in every genre, write to me about yours and let's discuss. 

4. How Do I Submit My Manuscript for Editing?

Email me to discuss your project before submitting any manuscripts. Please include your wordcount, subject matter and goals (click here if you need help with which type of editing or evaluation service best suits you). I will review your message carefully and provide a personalized quote, based on your editing needs.

5. What Can I Expect from the Editing Process?

For novels/memoirs/nonfiction: During the editing process, I will work closely with you to address your specific concerns and goals for your manuscript. Depending on your preferences, I can provide feedback on plot development, character consistency, pace, grammar and punctuation, style and tone, conflict, structure, and more. I will return your edited manuscript with Track Changes enabled, allowing you to review and accept or reject edits as needed.

For academic works: During the editing process, I will work closely with you to address your specific concerns and goals for your work. I can provide feedback on structure, content, consistency, flow, grammar and punctuation, style and tone and more. I will return your edited manuscript with Track Changes enabled, allowing you to review and accept or reject edits as needed. 

6. Do you provide Contracts and NDAs?

NDA and Contract:

To ensure confidentiality and clarity in our working relationship, I offer the following options:

• Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): If you prefer to sign an NDA, please provide one for my review and signature. Each client has different needs and there is no general NDA contract. Please note, this not a requirement. 
• Contract: We can agree in writing that our final email exchange or a signed document serves as our contract, outlining responsibilities, expectations, timeframes, payment schedules, revision policies, debriefing processes, and any other pertinent information. Please let me know your preferences regarding the NDA and contract, and I'll ensure that we proceed in a manner that meets your requirements and ensures a clear and mutually beneficial working relationship.

7. Can I request a sample edit before committing to full editing services?

• I offer paid sample edits. A sample is normally in the range of 5,000 words. In addition,  I'm available for a thirty minute-zoom to discuss your project.

8. What is the expected turnaround time for editing?

Turnaround times can vary based on factors such as the length and complexity of the manuscript, as well as my workload. My average turnaround time is between 7 and 14 business days.

Ready to take the next step? Contact me!