A-1 Editing Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you charge by the page?

Please ask for our What We Do Guide to see how we compute your fee.

What can I expect for my fee?

We read your manuscript all the way through, then do two full consecutive edits. In addition, you will receive an all-inclusive critique letter, which can range from two to twenty pages or more, recapping areas of improvement, focusing on what works and what does not, and commenting on plot and character development and mechanics (punctuation, sentence structure, redundancies, confusing or unclear language, etc.)

Are there any hidden charges?

No. The figure that will be stated in your contract is firm and final. Other than return postage and printing fees, there are no other charges.

What type of payment do you accept?

We accept money orders and personal checks, wire transfer fees or major credit cards via PayPal. Since PayPal fees can sometimes be a bit high, we encourage you to seek other forms of payment.

Can payment arrangements be made?

We normally require two payments, one when you sign and return the contract and the second just prior to completion. However, we can work up a plan of up to four payments depending on the amount of the fee, to be paid between the time you sign the editing contract and prior to completion of the editing.

Can I send some sample pages for a complimentary edit and mini-critique via the Internet?

Yes, we accept up to fifteen pages as an e-mail attachment in MSWord .doc, .rtf format (your editor in charge may request more in order to do a creditable critique). We will edit the first five pages and critique all pages submitted free of charge. The editing will be done using the MSWord tracking system that shows additions in blue, deletions in red, and comments in green or yellow depending on the version used.

Do you accept manuscripts on disk?

Yes. There is an $0.08¢ per page charge for printing your manuscript in our office.

Do you handle fiction or nonfiction?

We have done a considerable amount of editing of both fiction in all genres, as well as nonfiction manuscripts. However, our specialty is novels written by first-time and novice writers.

Do you handle movie/TV screenplays?

Yes. Two of our editors specialize in TV and screenplays.

What are your editors' qualifications, education, experience, and background?

See most of our editors' bios and pictures here. Some have chosen not to have their names or pictures appear on the web site, but we would be happy to submit their references and background if their expertise fits your manuscript.

Do you do any editing on line?

Depending on the type of editing and the length of the manuscript, as well as specific editors’ preferences, we will edit on line upon request using the MS Word tracking system as noted above.

Do you have references I can contact?

Yes, our list of references (by no means all inclusive) can be found here. They list our clients by name, e-mail address, and genre. Feel free to contact them, noting, however, that people change servers and/or e-mail addresses and we are able to update our list only if they notify us of such a change. Therefore, some addresses may no longer be correct.

What organizations do you belong to and where do you advertise?

We belong to Authorlink, a prestigious organization that list editors only after closely scrutinizing their reputation, and to PMA. We advertise extensively with on-line magazines devoted to writers.

How long will it take to edit my manuscript?

Depending on length, editor availability, and our backlog, it may take up to six weeks since we focus on accuracy rather than speed. Your editor in charge edits only one manuscript at a time. Manuscripts are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and are put on our schedule as soon as the editing contract and initial payment are received.

What is your publishing track record with authors whose manuscripts you have edited?

Please see our Gallery of Stars for authors who now have agents, have been published, or are self-publishing. See also the FLASH notice on our home page where two of our clients are listed, having been picked up by the major publishing firms of Berkley Books and Penguin/Putnam.

Do you need a synopsis with my manuscript?

A synopsis or outline is extremely helpful to the editor (especially when dealing with in fiction) in understanding the plot.

Do I need to send a synopsis for a short story?

No, only for full-length novels.

Can you help me with a submission package?

Yes, our clients often ask for this service after the editing is completed. Our charge to polish up your draft of a synopsis, author's bio, and query letter (the basic submission package) is $40 per hour.

Can you help me find an agent/publisher?

For ethical reasons, we do not endorse a specific agent/publisher. Rather, we suggest you purchase the most recent Guide to Literary Agents (for agents) or the Writer's Digest (for publishers) where agents/publishers are listed by genre and alphabetically. We will also including a series of links to both agents and publishers upon request.

Will I be published if my work is edited?

Please note that we cannot and do not guarantee that having your work edited will result in either representation by an agent or publication by a publisher. We can only assist in putting your manuscript in the best shape possible to hopefully attract an agent or publisher. If you are interested in ghostwriting services rather than editing, please contact us for more information.