E.S. Editing BlogUseful tips about editing, writing, creativity, reading, and the publishing industry
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E.S. Editing BlogUseful tips about editing, writing, creativity, reading, and the publishing industry
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In the world of writing and publishing, finding the right editor for your manuscript is crucial. A sample edit is a portion of your manuscript that an editor will edit as they would the entire work. It serves as a preview of what to expect from the editor's approach, feedback, and communication style. In this blog post, I’ll delve into why it’s so important to get a sample edit, why it's essential for authors, and how it can help in making an informed decision when selecting an editor.
What Is a Sample Edit?
Sample edits look different because every editor approaches editing slightly differently. Typically it’s done on a short sample (1,000-2,000-word excerpt of your manuscript) that an editor edits for free. Some editors will ask for a sample from the middle (because the first pages are often the most polished and are not representative of the level of editing the whole book needs). Some will ask for the entire manuscript, so they can dip into bits of the beginning, middle, and end, just to get a good idea of what’s needed and provide a solid, tailored proposal. Some editors may use the opportunity to run macros to alert them of keywords and types of content they may want to avoid (in which case they would likely refer the author to other editors in their network).
Along with the sample edit, the editor will usually give the author a custom project proposal and quote. The sample edit allows us to gauge how long we think a full edit will take, and thus what sort of timeline is reasonable. Making Sure You’re a Good Fit
The primary purpose of a sample edit is to provide authors with a firsthand look at an editor's editing style, communication skills, and the level of feedback they offer. (It’s also important to note that some editors charge for a sample edit, which is not a red flag, just a different approach. Some may deduct the small cost off the total of a booked project.)
Given the significant effort authors invest in their manuscripts, it’s crucial to ensure the editor understands and aligns with your expectations. Going over a sample edit allows you to gauge the editor's communication, their approach to editing, how much they intervene, and whether you find they respect your voice and vision—it’s all about getting a taste of the overall vibe before committing to a working relationship. And it’s okay if there’s not a good fit. Before doing a sample edit for you, a savvy editor will know when it makes sense to refer you to a better-fit colleague. Maybe it’s because they don’t specialize in your genre, or maybe you actually could use a developmental or structural edit and they don’t offer that service. Or maybe you thought you were looking for “just a proofread,” but you are expecting what’s typically included in a line edit, which is a whole different service and takes substantially longer (and thus costs more). Overall, don’t feel obliged to work with an editor just because you received a sample edit and proposal. You should feel no pressure to continue if you don’t feel well-aligned. It’s fine! Say thanks and continue your search. Understanding Types of Editing
Another great thing about getting a sample edit is that it ensures both writer and editor are on the same page regarding the specific editing services to be provided. Seeing a sample helps authors understand the differences between copyediting, line editing, and proofreading, ensuring that their expectations regarding the level of intervention are met. You get a clear picture of what the editor's proposed services mean and how they will be implemented.
Read more: 3 Levels of Editing Explained
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Hi! I'm Erika.
I’m a copyeditor who helps speculative fiction authors publish amazing books. How to connect with me:
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