Frequently Asked Questions

 

Here are some answers to questions that I am usually asked by new clients:

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Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

A: My favorite genre has changed over time, but currently it is YA/NA of all types. I get so much pleasure from the world-building and storylines. I also like sci-fi, and cozy mysteries. Also, I could never resist various types of romance (including historical), and mystery/thrillers. Oh and a good detective story!

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Q: Why is your pricing lower than the EFA average guidelines?

A: My rates are lower because I'm a newer book editor. While I am not as experienced as others, I know that publishing a book is a costly endeavor. I am uncomfortable charging an outrageous amount for a service simply because I can. My conscience does not allow me to do that. Rates may go up, but they will definitely remain lower than average. For more about my pricing and services, click here.

 

Q: Editing is costly! Do you provide payment plans?

A:  Certainly!  We can figure out a payment plan based on the timeline for your manuscript and your financial ability.

 

Q: Do you edit non-fiction, academic papers and research articles?

Yes, I do. I have worked with these types of documents for most of my adult life. I have many years of experience in the fields of agricultural planning, industrial development banking, research and sustainable development and healthcare. With regard to healthcare, I am deeply familiar with medical, surgical and epidemiology terms.

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Q: What types of book manuscripts do you edit?

A: I work all types of fiction and non-fiction manuscripts. I focus mainly on YA/NA fantasy. I also work on mystery/thriller, sci-fi and romance manuscripts. Self improvement and motivational manuscripts are also accepted. I've read countless books in these genres, so these are the ones with which I am most familiar. While attending college, I was severely challenged by my love for reading and had to make a great deal of sacrifice to stay out of Barnes & Noble during the semester.

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Q: Why did you decide to become an editor/proofreader?

A: I didn't choose editing, it chose me. Over the years, I derived a lot of satisfaction from using my skills to assist stressed college students and friends of college students, co-workers, members of my social circle and their friends and family. Recently, I had lunch with a friend that I hadn't seen in two decades (we live on different continents). My friend was flabbergasted at my admission that I had never fully utilized my editing and proofreading skills. If you are interested in knowing why, the answer is that I was busy pursuing careers that took me in other directions. But forget that, I'm a brutal editor with a perfectionist streak and if you haven't figured out the connection yet, my writing skills played a huge role in my academic success.

 

Q: Do you provide manuscript assessments?

A: Manuscript assessments are not provided as a rule of thumb. However, these can be obtained on request. Should you feel that you require some guidance on plot, setting, structure, characters, dialogue, tropes, and so on, email me at donna@smoothedits.org and provide details of what you need. Prices are set at $300 for a 60,000-word manuscript.

 

Q: What qualifies you to edit my manuscript?

A: I've been an avid reader all my life. I read anything and everything. Being an avid reader of all things written, gives me a unique point of view on editing. Besides, my grasp of grammar and English are truly superior. In addition, I am able to see words and stories from the perspective of the reader, not just as a writer.

 

Q: How do I know if your services are the right fit for me?

A: My services include a 1,000-word sample edit (or for manuscript evaluations/developmental edits, a maximum of three chapters). These two packages allow you to judge if my services are right for you and allows me to assess and understand your editing needs.

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Q: What are the most common errors you correct?

A: Unnecessary commas, sentence fragments, run-on sentences and words that are easily confused. Commas are the number one problem. I always print the manuscript and make changes with Track Changes and comments in Word or Suggestions in Google Docs. I find this approach very useful in the event that the author disagrees and wants to make additional changes without losing the context. 

 

Have more questions? Feel free to ask! Send email to donna@smoothedits.org

 

Ready to request quote for your manuscript or document?

 

To fill out Inquiry Form for book manuscript click here.

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