What Can You Expect From Editorial Services?

As a writer, it is a wise move to approach an editor and avail of editorial services to improve your ability to write as clearly as possible. The kind of editorial service you need depends on how confident you are of your writing skills. If you think you do a good job in expressing your ideas clearly, then you can go straight to copyediting or proofreading. But if you need more guidance before you proceed to writing, you may benefit from availing of specialized services.

What to expect for your money? If you are using a copyediting or proofreading service, you are paying for a clean, error-free text. On the other hand, you pay for the talent and experience of the editor if you avail of certain services such as educative editing, line editing, or substantive editing. The amount you will be charged also depends on one of the following: rates per word or page, rates per hour, and contract prices.

Before you use the services offered by an editing firm or a freelance editor, you will need to agree on the terms. Most editors require advance payments for their services. But before you pay in advance, you must first ask for a target completion date of your order.

In addition, some editors allow an unlimited number of queries about their feedback on your work, while others charge a certain amount for every query. Be sure you know such conditions before you use the services of an editor.

To know if an editor is worth your trust, check if he offers a free sample edit. This involves having your work checked by the editor for free. Aside from gauging how well the editor improves a written material, a sample edit will also let you know the kind of working relationship you will have with the editor.

When you approach an editor for the first time, he or she will ask you several questions. It pays to anticipate the questions before consulting an editor so that you can get the best deal. Here are some of things that editors may ask you about:

• The number of writers who worked on the document

• The number of words or pages

• The purpose of the writing project

• Your expected completion date for editing

• The types of services you need (e.g. substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, etc.)

• Whether you opt for the proposed corrections be made on a hard or soft copy or made in a word processor using the Track Changes feature

• The platform and version of the software you use if you prefer the changes to be made in an electronic file

• If you prefer that the editor format the document for printing

• The graphics, charts, or spreadsheet data used in your document, if there is any

• If you expect the editor to check the statistical, financial, or mathematical figures in your document

The editor will ask you to submit a portion of your text so that he can prepare a quote for the editorial services you will use. If you think the price quote is reasonable enough, you can now reach an agreement through email.