Do I really need an editor?
We wish we could offer you a more definitive answer on this, but all we can say is: maybe. If you’re self-publishing, you definitely need an editor—and that’s because, unlike with traditional publishing, there will be no other industry professionals (editors, copyeditors, managing editors) looking over your work before it goes to print.
If you’re looking to publish traditionally, it’s a bit different. Many people successfully sign with an agent, and publish their books, without the help of a freelance editor. But if you’ve queried without results, if you’ve revised your manuscript on your own again and again and feel like you’ve lost objectivity, or if you’re simply looking for outside help to give you your best possible shot at publication, hiring a freelance editor can be an invaluable experience! Many of our clients have told us that hiring us not only helped them on the books they hired us to edit, but all their future books as well.
What type of edit should I get?
If you’re looking to self-publish, we recommend at least an editorial assessment, copyediting, and proofreading. For traditional publication, most people come to us for editorial assessments, developmental edits, and line edits.
Do you provide sample edits?
Some of our editors have the availability to provide sample edits of the first 2 pages of your manuscript (industry standard formatting: 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides). Others are simply too busy, and will provide a sample edit for a small fee (this fee can be applied towards a your balance if you wind up moving forward with an edit).
Can we talk on the phone or via Zoom?
Many of our editorial packages include a follow-up phone call or Zoom session between you and your editor. If you want to speak to an editor before booking your edit, that is up to each editor’s discretion. Some of our editors are available for brief, 15-minute informational calls. Most, however, have demanding schedules and would prefer to correspond via email if at all possible.
How much does editing cost?
Editorial costs vary from editor to editor and from project to project. Some editors charge per word, and some per hour—depending upon the project. Our rates tend to fall between the following ranges:
Proofreading: between $0.01 and $0.02 per word
Copyediting: between $0.025 and $0.04 per word
Line editing: between $0.025 and $0.05 per word
Editorial Assessments: between $0.017 and $0.027 per word
Developmental edits: between $0.028 and $0.05 per word
Substantive edits: between $0.04 and $0.08 per word
Revision Reviews: priced per project.
Brainstorming calls (via Zoom or phone): between $75 and $125 per hour.
If I book your services, do you guarantee I will get an agent?
Long answer short: No. Long answer long: publishing is an ever-changing business, predicated upon many factors outside our (and your) control—trends, comparative titles, market performance, and world events to name a few. And if any freelance editor ever promises you otherwise, we would be dubious of their intentions. That said, having a well-written, well-plotted, error-free manuscript puts your manuscript in a much better position to get an agent’s or editor’s attention.
Will you put me in touch with an agent if you like my work?
We are happy to provide resources for querying, but it is against policy for AE editors to put you in touch with specific agents directly. You are paying us for our services; therefore, we feel this is a conflict of interests.
Can you help me self-publish my book?
Yes! AE now has self-publishing coaching services available!