Hello, have you finished writing your manuscript or are you nearing the end of the process? Once the first draft is ready, you’ll need to step away from your manuscript and push everything you have spent hours writing – out of your mind.
This is important. Also, I request you to read this detailed post till the end. There are articles linked here, I’d suggest you read or at least glance through them once. I’ve tried to collate as much relevant information as possible in a single post.
Stay away from your first draft for at least a week, try not to think about it. Come back to it say, a week later. While you are taking a break from your manuscript, may I suggest that you read A 5-Step Basic Guide To Editing Your Own Manuscript where I’ve explained the basics of how you need to go about this step?
A good editor is essential for transforming a manuscript from a rough draft into a polished piece of writing. Even the most skilled writers benefit from an editor’s fresh perspective. An experienced editor can identify inconsistencies, grammatical errors, and areas where the writing may be unclear. This process ensures that the final manuscript is not only free of errors but also flows smoothly and engages the reader effectively. By catching mistakes that the writer might have overlooked, an editor enhances the overall quality and readability of the work.
Having a knowledgeable editor review your manuscript gives you a significant advantage. Editors with experience understand the nuances of language and the expectations of your target audience. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions that can elevate your writing. Additionally, a professional editor ensures that your manuscript adheres to industry standards, increasing its chances of being well-received by publishers and readers alike. Ultimately, investing in a good editor can make the difference between a manuscript that is simply good and one that is truly exceptional.
Are you not sure if self-editing is for you? Well, it isn’t a matter of choice, to be honest. Self-editing is a must for every author to go through. Read through The Why & How Of The Oft Dreaded Self-Editing where I take you through step-by-step of the process.
You might be in two minds about hiring an editor. To hire, or not to hire. Is this expenditure even required? I’ve written this post just to address these concerns – 7 Reasons Why Every Manuscript Needs A Good Editor.
Before you decide whom to entrust the responsibility of editing your manuscript with, it is very important to understand exactly what it needs. Basic grammar checks? Help with the plot? A little hand-holding? Just, proofreading?
Identify that need. And also read, Things To Take Into Account When Hiring An Editor.
Sometimes a manuscript requires a beta reader more than anything and this shouldn’t ideally be done by a friend or a fellow reader/writer. Only a professional can give you the level of feedback that just a reader would never know about. Let me explain to you why at Reasons Why You Need A Professional Beta Reader For Your Manuscript.
I urge you to read the articles I have linked above for a clear understanding of your needs and how to proceed with hiring an editor. Now, tell me…
Are you an established author, or a newbie dreaming that your manuscript becomes a bestseller? Well, you are not alone and every person writing a book is ensuring that their story is the best. And when we talk about the story, it is more than just the plot. It is the style of writing, choice of words, the flow of events, and so many more things.
I understand how much you have already invested in writing a book – the dreams, the hopes, the time, the energy, and the aspirations. While you are writing the book, and before it goes to the publisher, there will be stages where you will need assistance with the manuscript. I am one of India’s top manuscript editors and have a working knowledge of more than a decade. From editing for newspapers, I have learnt on the job and my thorough knowledge of exactly how a good book should be edited is top-notch.
I don’t provide free feedback. If it is feedback or brainstorming that you desire, please opt for beta reading or any other service below that is closest to what you desire.
Here is where I can step in and these are the services which I offer:
I offer three main types of editing services: beta editing, developmental editing, and copy editing. Each type serves a unique purpose and focuses on different aspects of your manuscript.
Beta editing provides a high-level overview of your manuscript. It involves reading through your work and offering general feedback on elements like plot, pacing, and character development. This service is perfect for writers who need an outsider’s perspective to identify strengths and weaknesses. Beta editing does not include detailed grammar or spelling corrections.
With our beta reader package, you will be given feedback on the basic concept of the story, the plot, characters, loopholes, and time gaps along with suggestions, if applicable.
The suggestions provided are extensive and in-depth, with examples wherever needed.
Number of rounds: 1.
Send me an email to editor@samarpita.in with the genre of your manuscript and word count for a professional quote.
This service does not involve editing of any kind. Proofreading not included.
Developmental editing delves deeper into the structure and content of your manuscript. This type of editing focuses on the big picture, helping you refine your story, enhance character arcs, and improve the overall flow of your writing. It includes suggestions for reorganization, addition or deletion of sections, and consistency checks. Developmental editing does not focus on correcting grammar or punctuation errors.
This involves checking the accuracy of facts, consistency of the plot and characters, grammar, and sentence construction. In this, you will also be offered suggestions regarding plot changes, better characterisations, and overall feel of the story. There will be extensive editing of the manuscript over 2 rounds.
Rate: Re1.20 to Re 1.50/word (50% in advance) depending on the work required on the manuscript.
Number of rounds: 2.
Send me an email to editor@samarpita.in with the genre of your manuscript and word count for a professional quote.
This service does not involve editing of any kind. Proofreading not included.
Copy editing is all about polishing your manuscript at the sentence level. This service includes correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors. It also ensures consistency in style and formatting throughout your manuscript. Copy editing does not involve making major changes to the structure or content of your work.
This package does not involve any feedback on plot, consistency, etc. Proofreading not included.
Rate: Re 1 to Re 1.20/word (50% in advance) depending on the work required on the manuscript.
Number of rounds: 2.
Send me an email to editor@samarpita.in with the genre of your manuscript and word count for a professional quote.
This service does not involve editing of any kind. Proofreading not included.
Do Not Under Any Circumstances Send The Manuscript or Chapters Unsolicited. It’s your intellectual property and should not be shared with anybody until you have decided to work with them.
Now that you have decided which level of editing your manuscript requires, drop me an email to editor@samarpita.in for a professional quote. Don’t forget to mention genre, number of words, and the kind of editing you desire.
I understand that unless you have come through the reference of someone who knows my work, you would need some reassurance before you trust your precious manuscript with me. Few books I have edited are listed below. I have been involved with these books at different stages of writing and editing.
You are free to read any of the books I have edited. Alternatively, I can connect you with a writer or two with whom you can take a reference. You can also go through testimonials below.
Note:
- I do not provide sample edits for editing. In my firm opinion, sample edits do not throw any light on the editing capabilities of an editor. As mentioned above, you are welcome to speak to my previous clients or check out books I’ve edited in the past. If you still feel that a sample will help you decide better, I provide a sample edit of 1000 words for Rs 800/- as mentioned above.
- Please do not send a heavily formatted manuscript or with no formatting. The document needs to be with basic formatting only, the rest along with the insertion of photographs will be done after the content has been perfected. Kindly send only .doc or .docx files only.
- I do not support plagiarism of any kind. I am also quick to spot any kind of plagiarism in most cases. If I do spot, I will get back to the author pointing that out and request rewriting. If the author wants me to rewrite, charges for those will be separate since editing does not include writing or rewriting of any kind.
- Before I begin working on your project, I will need a 50% deposit for big projects, 25% more after we have finished one level of editing/half the work required, and the remaining before I send the final product to you. For projects costing less than 20K, I expect complete payment before we begin.
- I have a busy schedule and prefer spending my time working on assignments rather than haggling. The quote I give you would be the lowest possible. Please do not try to haggle on this. I value your need for good content, I expect you value my expertise in return.
- If you have certain keywords, phrases, links, or references you would like me to use in your article, blog post, email marketing, etc., please tell me before I start your project.
- Please be aware of my office hours. I am available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Monday through Friday. I am not available on email, phone, or WhatsApp outside these timings.
- You are free to email me to discuss your project at any time. I shall get back to you as soon as I am able to.
- All instructions coming from the client regarding the project need to be specified right at the beginning.
- If I am working on your manuscript, you will be on priority for me. However, I work with multiple clients during any given time, so please give me time to get back to your emails.* As per copyright laws, you will not own the copyright to any photos, illustrations, articles, etc. that I create unless I transfer my copyright to you in writing through a contract.These fees and policies are an important part of my working relationship with my clients. Please contact me only if you agree to these rates and policies.