If you’re like me, trusting something you’ve worked so hard on with someone else can be immensely stressful. I hope to relieve some of that stress today by demystifying the book editing process.
Here’s a glimpse into what the book editing process looks like with us at Aha! Editorial:
Free Consultation
I always like to start with a free consultation. This helps me get a clearer picture of your project, so I can help you determine what services would be the best fit. I’ll ask you to tell me about your manuscript, particularly its:
- Topic
- Purpose
- Length
- Publishing method/platform
I’ll also ask you about the timeline you have in mind, as well as whether the manuscript has already gone through any editing. My typical turnaround time is three to four weeks.
After you’ve explained your project, I’ll tell you what services would likely be best based on your description and the price range for those services. If you want to move forward, I’ll take a look at your manuscript after our call at no cost to confirm what is needed. (You can learn more about the types of editing in this blog.)
Quote and Service Agreement
After initial review of your manuscript, I will confirm the level of editing needed to get it in the best possible shape before publishing and send you a quote. If you accept, I’ll send you a client service agreement that protects the interests of both you and Aha! Then, we’ll get started. If you do not accept, we’ll discuss other options.
Editing
In the early stages of an editing project, I am very communicative with you, the author, to ensure we are on the same page about the types of changes that are needed. I’ll tag you in the document on questions for clarification and areas I want you to read over to make sure you’re happy with.
As we continue with the project and you have expressed confidence in my changes, I typically will begin to tag you less frequently, especially if I am only copy editing, which is largely an objective type of editing. For developmental editing projects, I’ll usually still need to tag you quite a bit. With this type of editing, we’re making substantial changes, like moving sections around, and your input is incredibly important.
Ultimately, I adapt the book editing process to you, the author. Some authors like to be more hands off, while others want to work with me collaboratively. It’s up to you how we work, and you have the final say on all changes. I’ll always offer guidance and suggestions, but you never have to take them—and I won’t pressure you to. The end goal is a clear, effective book that you are proud of.
After the Project
After our project together is complete, I will check in to ask you for your feedback on what went well, as well as anything I could improve on. I greatly appreciate and value this feedback. I’ll ask you to let me know when your book is published, so I can buy a copy and celebrate its release on Aha!’s social media.
And hopefully, this will be the first of many successful projects together!
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected] or book a free consultation. I’d love to chat with you!
Owner of Aha! Editorial
Let’s talk about your writing project: https://calendly.com/ashlyn-ahaeditorial
