Now that you all know my rather ambitious goal you’ll understand why I’m drooling at the thought of a professional edit, proof and cover. None of which I can currently afford thanks to a certain dog… but as the title of this post says ‘dreams are free!’ I had a bit of a nosy on Google and looked at a few edit/proofing services and then decided to send for a quote at First Editing.com
The quote that came back was the best price ($1,300.00) I’ve seen yet for my word count but of course out of reach. I was incredibly impressed however when I received the sample edit only 25 minutes later! Especially when you consider I’m in the Southern Hemisphere.
I’ve attached a section of the sample edit below so you can have a nosy *grin*. I had to e-mail the editor to let them know I’m not in a position to afford their services at the moment and I asked if they’d mind me mentioning them in a blog.
Well not only did they say yes but they also rang me and answered the following questions! So have a read and if anyone has used First Editing before I’d love to hear your review on them.
Q & A’s
What are the basic requirements for those that work as Editors for First Editing?
Three to five years of professional experience and most Editors have degrees in varying areas so we can assign someone with a relevant background to your work (i.e. if your writing is ‘historical’ we can assign an Editor with an appropriate degree).
How do the Editors keep their opinions so neutral without ‘pampering’ a writer?
We work on a neutral response that essentially prepares your work for being queried. You can actually request no sugar coating and we can be more honest (blunt). Otherwise we prefer to encourage writers in the correct direction.
There is an attitude from some writers that paying a company like First Editing is similar to paying to publish your own books. ‘Of course they say it’s good, you’re paying them too!’ How would you respond to that?
We want to help you achieve. It is our job to help show you how to improve your work to a standard where it will be at least accepted by an Editor and then hopefully read (as opposed to been thrown on the slush pile or straight out rejected).
Do you edit work for any well know published authors?
Yes. But of course their personal in-house editors have the final say.
Is there any point for a writer paying for a proof or is that part-n-parcel of a thorough edit?
It’s a good idea to talk to the Editor assigned to you first so they fully understand what you want, but proofing tends to go hand in hand with editing.
Do First Editing offer any other services apart from editing?
Book synopsis, Query letters, phone contact, Book outlines, Editorial reviews, Critique of manuscripts and all formatting.
The sample edit
SMACK! I winced as my back hit the mat. Bugger! Bruised my spine again—yippee. I ignored the ache as I grappled with Nathan. Like hell was I letting him win this one. I hooked my leg around his as he worked on getting me into a shoulder lock. Before he managed to get his arm in position, I flipped him over using his bent elbow to my advantage.
But it didn’t go as I intended. The bastard went with the roll, so we tumbled straight over with me on the bottom. Again. Feck[Editor1] .
“Awww… Is little Kitty Cat stuck?” Nathan’s obnoxious grin was in my face.
Arse-wipe. Jerking my right knee up, I snatched at his collar and wrenched, leaving my left leg limp so we rolled over. He gave a yelp of surprise as he slammed into the mat. It was a very satisfying sound[Editor2] . I moved to lock his arm, but not quickly enough. Grabbing both my arms, he pulled and I was back where I had begun—on the mat with his face in mine.
[Editor1]This isn’t a typical slang word. I’m assuming you either mean “Fuck” or “Heck” here but I’m usnure of which.
[Editor2]I’ve noted your use of sentence fragments throughout and have left many alone, as they add to the tone of the piece. Ones such as this, however, might be more effective as full sentences. As with all edits, however, these are mere suggestions and should never alter your authorial voice and vision. 🙂
And the winner of the anagram is!!!
Kerrin with Kiera R. Firenheld
I don’t know about anyone else but I think this has a definite ‘Fantasy’ sounding ring to it *grin*
I also firmly feel that Simon should rename his blog to ‘Winsome Ink’ because it is soo cute and his anagram – how cool is that!!
And the winner of the anagram is!!!
Kerrin with Kiera R. Firenheld
I don’t know about anyone else but I think this has a definite ‘Fantasy’ sounding ring to it *grin*
I also firmly feel that Simon should rename his blog to ‘Winsome Ink’ because it is soo cute and his anagram – how cool is that!!
wohoo, i won!
and wow that is some great information from the editors. How did you know what to ask them? i'd have no idea! lol
thanks for that insightful info, Nicole. Can't wait to catch up on Sunday 🙂
A professional edit IS drool-worthy. I've never looked into it, thanks for interviewing them for us!
Awwww hope Otis is ok!!
Congratulations to Kerrin!! Yay!!
And thanks for the info on editing – the sample edit made me want to have more! Take care
x
Very cool! Yeah! BTW, can I ask for extra-sugar coating at no additional charge?
Hi K 🙂 Can't wait to see you on Sunday too!! And the questions were easy as I'm super paranoid about people being 'nice' to me about my writing. I probably won't believe any 'nice' reviews when I get them at first too ;p
My pleasure Vicki – sooo crossing fingers for lotto right now *grin*
Hi Old Kitty – thanks he is doing well now 🙂 No more lump and happy as larry ;p and if you really want to read more …*grin* Well I may need fresh eyes soon!
Hi BB – Aww c'mon now, we now you like it tough ;p
Nicole, I use someone to copy edit my final manuscript, but I swear by good critique groups. Those are the people who won't pull their punches. They're not being paid by you and it's a feather in the group's cap when one of their members get published or earm some other recognition. Just saying.
Man! I'm blown away by the cost, but they really are impressive (both with what they did with the ms and the answers to your Qs). Good luck, Nicole! Glad to hear Otis is getting the help he needs. :o)
Whoa… that's expensive! But I'm impressed they took the time to answer your questions and gave you a sample edit.
Hi Shellie – I do agree with you a good critique is priceless. I'm past the critique stage and literally at the final edited stage so an edit like the above would hve been very nice 🙂
Hi Jackee & Talli – yes it looks pricy but I wasn't lying when I said it was the best price for my word count that I've found… ;p and the sample Edit was helpful and that was free 🙂
You could always join a critique group and get people to review your stuff for free (well, you review theirs in return). I belong to the SFF OWW, and have found enough betas to read through there that I'm not planning to pay for an outside editor for my ebooks. Just a thought!