WHAT, EXACTLY, IS A FREELANCE EDITOR?
Great question. A freelance editor is hired by an author to improve his or her work. You might hire a freelancer for a variety of reasons: you plan to self-publish, you have been unsuccessful in securing an agent, English isn't your first language, your work isn't intended for publication but you'd like someone to look it over, you have writer's block, or you have a fabulous book idea and don't have time to write it yourself.
HOW DOES A FREELANCER FIT INTO THE PUBLISHING PROCESS?
Freelancers usually come before your work is picked up by an agent or purchased by a publishing house. Agents and acquiring editors don't always have time to do the extensive editing your manuscript may require, so one or the other might bring in a freelancer to do the major reworking. After you're satisfied with the edits, freelancers are finished with the project.
Please note: Knippenberg Literary is not associated with agents or houses and cannot guarantee that Niki's assistance will result in the publication of your work.
Please note: Knippenberg Literary is not associated with agents or houses and cannot guarantee that Niki's assistance will result in the publication of your work.
HOW MUCH DO YOUR SERVICES COST?
That depends on what you give Niki to work with and what your goals are for the project. Obviously, copy editing a five page essay will be priced significantly lower than a substantive edit of a 150 page novel. The best way to determine a fair price is to send a quote request.
If you meet all of the requirements (see section below), Niki will reply to your quote request within 72 hours. Her reply will include a price, a preliminary manuscript evaluation, and a sample edit. Should you choose to accept the editorial plan, she will draft a contract that will include deadlines and payment terms.
If you require a different kind of service, like platform establishment or ghostwriting, you should also send a quote request and include as many details as possible about your project and needs.
If you meet all of the requirements (see section below), Niki will reply to your quote request within 72 hours. Her reply will include a price, a preliminary manuscript evaluation, and a sample edit. Should you choose to accept the editorial plan, she will draft a contract that will include deadlines and payment terms.
If you require a different kind of service, like platform establishment or ghostwriting, you should also send a quote request and include as many details as possible about your project and needs.
WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY QUOTE REQUEST?
Send an email to [email protected] and include:
- A description of your work (including type, purpose, and page count)
- Which services you think you'll require
- The date by which you need the final edits in your hands
- Your goals for the piece
- The best way to contact you
- If applicable, include the writing prompt, job description, or any other item that may be useful
- Kindly ATTACH your writing to the email in a MICROSOFT WORD document. If you're unsure how to do this, watch this short how-to video.
WHAT DO YOUR SERVICES ENTAIL?
Niki's process is collaborative, and her work depends entirely on your needs and your manuscript.
- Publishing Consultation: Answers to publishing questions are free and answered within 72 hours.
- Manuscript Evaluation: You will receive an honest, detailed editorial plan and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of your work.
- Platform Establishment: This will be a discussion. Should you be on Twitter, Facebook, Vine, Goodreads, or Instagram? Should you be blogging? Is anyone on Google+ besides Google's employees? Should you make a website? If you should, how do you manage all your social media and still find time to write? You and Niki will come up with a social media plan that fits your personality and serves your work.
- Copy & Substantive Editing: Niki will return your manuscript with her edits and queries in Microsoft Word track changes by the agreed upon deadline. You will have the opportunity to accept and reject those edits and ask Niki any questions. After you are satisfied, Niki will clear the track changes.
- Ghostwriting: This, again, depends on your goals and needs. It often means that Niki writes your book (in your voice and with your guidance) from your detailed outline--it's a kind of role reversal. You retain all authorial rights, and confidentiality can be written into your contract.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BE READING?
Surprise! Publishing is a business. That's right; there is money and there are deadlines. You, as an author, are joining the business, so it's wise that you understand the world you are stepping into. Below are some of the must-reads and a few handy resource texts to help you in your self-editing.
INDUSTRY NEWS |
WRITER'S RESOURCES |
LITERARY JOURNALS |
WHAT'S NEXT?
Unsure which type of service you need? Have more questions? Ready for a quote?
Check the ABOUT page for more details, ask a quick question HERE, or send Niki a quote request at [email protected].
Check the ABOUT page for more details, ask a quick question HERE, or send Niki a quote request at [email protected].