Prices, Passes, and Rounds, Oh my!

“Finally got it back. They said they’d do TWO passes over it, but they only edited once, said that’s what I paid for. Liar. And how can they charge so much just lookin’ over spelling and grammar? ‘Scuse me. . . . “ 

Hey authors, 

     I thought I’d sprinkle a little clarity—after overhearing someone talking over their Bluetooth (and reaching in front of me in the yogurt section) at the grocery store—in case anyone is still in need of some explanation: 

     A “Pass” = A thorough reading of a manuscript. 

     A “Round” of editing = One application of editing done on a manuscript. 

Most editors will do at LEAST two passes over a manuscript (reading it thoroughly twice). Many of us do more (or many times with sections of the manuscript) to make certain we solidly understand what we’re reading and that we’ve chosen appropriate edits and/or suggestions. Great editors strive to suggest things that would simultaneously improve a certain aspect of the story and the story as a whole. 

It’s somewhat well known that even something that seems so small—like a comma let’s say—can change the meaning of a sentence. And the meaning of a sentence has the potential to change that of the paragraph, scene, chapter, so on and so on. What do you think would happen if an editor didn’t very carefully consider their suggestions about things as big as something to do with a character? (Eek!) 

Yes, we have professional guidelines and industry standards to uphold, but with fiction, even some of those can be bent or scrapped in the name of the story’s best interest. 

My point is, as editors, we take the decisions of what to suggest very seriously. We assess, we research, we spend time considering viable alternatives to come up with the best possible suggestion. A good editor doesn’t want to destroy anything in a story. We aim to only help improve its efficacy. We want to help a story be unforgettable and life changing (or whatever the author is aiming for it to be). 

In addition, editing—whether developmental, line, or copyediting—takes time. (And proofreading . . . the most intricately precise of all the editing services. And notably underappreciated.) None of these services should, or ever will, be a “quick look” at a story. 

Professions require skills that need to be learned and honed. Being “good at spelling, grammar, and punctuation” will not be a significant enough qualification to be called a professional editor. Honestly, those are only some suggested pre-requisite interests (made popular by some trying to sell courses) to encourage people looking for new careers. There is so much more that goes into editing professions, just like there is so much more that goes into any other profession.

So authors, when you're "shopping" for an editor and are maybe feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prices of services, please keep in mind it's an investment toward the success of the creation you've already worked so dubiously on.  It deserves as much, and so do you. Just make sure to do your research on the editors you're getting a good feeling about and then talk with them before you make a decision. Get a sample edit before you decide. Do whatever you need to in order to make certain you feel confident in your choice of investment.

And please be kind, most of us are not “seriously overcharging for an easy job.” We’re all just trying to survive. We all need somewhere to live and food to eat/money for our essential expenses, etc., and we charge what our work is worth. Many of us will talk with you about payment plans if you need one. It never hurts to ask. Most of us are very understanding and honest people. 

Much love to you all!