You’ve done the heavy lifting! Your manuscript is complete, and you have that satisfied feeling of reaching the end. It’s a monumental achievement and one you should be proud of.
However, before you pop the champagne, you must confront the dreaded task of editing. I know it’s daunting, but this step is necessary.
WHY DO I NEED YOUR COPY EDIT SERVICE?
A copy edit finds the inconsistencies, checks sentence structures, and factual inaccuracies. It also covers grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting.
After all, you don’t want your character leaving the scene in a Land Cruiser and arriving in a Land Rover, or worse, a Cruising Rover.
My strengths include a fresh perspective, a strong attention to detail, and a thorough approach. The copy edit I provide is a crucial step in ensuring your manuscript is as clear, concise and error-free as possible.
HOW IT WORKS
- Email me your finished manuscript in Word (.docx) format and include your genre, word count, and language (American or British English).
- I will review it, then reply with a quote and a date by which I can complete the copy edit.
- Confirm your acceptance and the currency you will pay with. We accept British pounds (GBP), US Dollars (USD), or Euros (EUR). I will send you a contract detailing the agreed terms. Once signed, I will send you an invoice.
- Pay the invoice via Bank / Wire Transfer.
- I work through your document using track changes and using Word’s “Comment” feature for additional notes. I return your completed manuscript with a “Style” sheet which covers continuity details, characters, timeline, and terms.
- I will keep your documents for one month in case of a query before archiving them.
- Note: The retention does not include making further edits.
“Tim Seabrook is my editor. The man I trust to see what is on the page, not what my eyes paint for my mind to read. I have a working relationship which stretches back to 2010, covering six books and again that word trust must be used. When we initially present our heart’s work to another, courage requires conviction that those we pass it to will be both intelligent enough to understand and impartial enough to point out misprints not perceived mistakes. The very reason Tim was, is, and will be my editor. I do recommend he be yours.” R D Lomax, author.
“I’ve used Tim several times for my non-fiction copyediting and proofreading. His work is thorough and has a quick turnaround, which is perfect for a deadline driven author like myself. I would highly recommend his services!” Katlyn Duncan, author.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Format your document
- as a standard Word (.docx) format
- chapter, subtitles and body text in 12pt
- using either Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Arial font
- single or double spaced
How long does it take?
Where your manuscript underwent an editing process, you can apply the estimated turnaround times for the word count. However, I need to review the manuscript before committing to a time frame, though I aim to remain within these ranges. In all instances, I agree on a completion date beforehand.
- Up to 20K = 3-10 days.
- Up to 50K = 7-22 days.
- Up to 80K = 20-35 days.
- Up to 100K = 30-60 days.
How much does it cost?
The starting price for a copy edit is between £14.00 to £16.00 per thousand words and depends on whether your manuscript has received any editing.
For payment in US dollars or Euros, I will check and use the stated exchange rate at the time of quoting.
The payment method is by Bank / Wire Transfer. Payments are required in full and in advance before work begins.
I need to cancel my proofreading
Both parties have the right to cancel at any time. If you experience difficult circumstances (serious illness, bereavement, etc), please let me know as soon as possible. Please note, because I schedule my time in advance, cancellation fees may apply.
If you cancel with fourteen (14) days’ or more notice of the start date, I will refund your payment in full.
If you cancel before the start date but with less than fourteen (14) days’ notice, I will deduct a thirty (30) percent cancellation fee from the refund.
If you cancel after the start date, I will deduct for the amount of work done or a thirty (30) percent cancellation fee, whichever is the greater.
I will do my best never to cancel a signed contract. However, sometimes life gets in the way. Therefore, I reserve the right to cancel the contract. If I do so, then I will refund all monies paid for the specified work within 48 hours of said cancellation.
What I won’t copy edit
I prefer fiction, mainly work with Indie authors and currently have no restricted topics. Non-fiction will depend on the subject and on how technical it is. I will decline subjects outside my scope of knowledge.
Fifth Ring Press 