What is an Editor?
An editor is a person who helps prepare an author’s manuscript (or business document) for publication. Editors usually have prior writing and editing experience, come equipped with multiple reference materials and style guides, and can work from anywhere.
Tools Your Editor Uses
10to8
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Asana
Brevo
Buffer
Calendly
Canva
Chanty
Chaty
Clockify
ConvertKit
Cost Calculator
Dashlane
Dropbox
Evernote
Flock
Freshbooks
Google Docs
Google Drive
Google Forms
Google Gmail
Google Keep
Google Meet
Google Sheets
Google Trends
Google Workspace
Grammarly
Hootsuite
HubSpot
HubSpot Meeting
Lucidchart
MadMimi
MailChimp
Microsoft 365
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Word
Monday.com
OneDrive
Scrivener
Skype
Slack
SurveyMonkey
TimeCamp
Todoist
Toggl
Trello
WordPress.org
WP to Buffer
WPForms
Wrike
Xodo
Zenkit
Zoho Docs
Zoho Meeting
Zoho Vault
Zoom
Benefits of Collaborating with an Editor
Build credible characterization
Regardless of genre, if an audience cannot identify with the characters in a story, there is less chance of the reader wanting to continue until the end. An editor helps fine-tune each individual until they are unique, and unforgettable, and capture the readers’ attention from the first word.
Create an Easy-to-Read Document
Formatting is an essential part of the editing process and helps the audience engage with the material by using design elements such as headings, titles, shorter paragraphs, and even line spacing to keep the reader’s attention.
Delete Unnecessary Details
Too much information can confuse readers or slow your story down. Dropping these elements will help create a cleaner copy and help engage your readers for longer.
Improves the development of the story
Everything in a story occurs at the precise moment it needs to. When the plot of a story is incomplete or missing vital details, an editor can help find those missing links so the story moves forward logically.
Receive valuable feedback
Authors learn where they can improve their writing skills through the information given in the style sheet by an editor. Such learning opportunities include (1) how the editor interpreted the story (or message), (2) what the editor sees as essential (or not), (3) areas where detail is lacking (or gives too much), (4) ways to tailor the message for the intended readers, and (5) the level of formality required for the material and audience.
Refines what you want to say
Updating the tone, word and style choice enables an author to express their message clearly and succinctly. An editor makes suggestions on how to do this.
Remove embarrassing writing mistakes
Readers jolted back to reality due to incorrect grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes have a challenging time enjoying the story. An editor helps remove these errors for authors.
Saves time and effort
Authors who prefer to avoid editing (or are unfamiliar with the editing process) may find delegating this task to an editor a time-saver.
Types of Editing
Manuscript Critique Services
Occasionally, authors find themselves at a loss when it comes to their manuscript. The chief questions that arise include if the project is worth their time, is there any marketability in the story, and whether they can (or should) continue. An editor answers these questions by giving a general assessment on the manuscript and guidance on where (and how) to continue.
Developmental Editing Services
Once the first draft of the manuscript is complete, a developmental editor offers guidance on the story’s big-picture elements such as the plot, character development, themes, dialogue issues, and story restructuring. Authors should prepare for significant rewrites during this stage.
Copyediting Services
Copyeditors focus on language editing, content, structure, non-text elements, and formatting of a manuscript. Copyeditors help an author prepare their manuscript for publishing by ensuring the material adheres to a specific style guide.
Business Editing Services
Each piece of written copy that leaves the company should be at its grammatical best. A business editor can help ensure your message stays consistent, adheres to document style conventions (as necessary), and enhances your company’s credibility the eyes of the public.
Must Have Information
Nonfiction Categories
An editor’s preferences typically follow their interests. Hence, the nonfiction subjects that I enjoy editing the most include the following:
Aerospace Engineering
Ancient & Medieval Philosophy
Ancient History
Applications & Software
Architecture
Artificial Intelligence
Astronomy
Baking
Business Biography
Business History
Business Life & Careers
Business Technology
Cats
Civil & Structural Engineering
Clinical Psychology
Cooking for Special Diets
Cooking Fundamentals & Reference
Cooking with Specific Ingredients
Database Management
Desserts
Dogs
Economics & Politics
Energy & Power Resources
Engineering
Engineering Technology
English Language Reference
Entertaining
European & American Philosophy
European History
Gardening
Genealogy & Family History
General References
Glass & Metal Work
Historical Biography
History – Reference & Study
Holiday & Religious Cooking
Home Computer User & Beginner
Human Resources
Industrial Engineering & Materials Science
Industries
International Business
Jewelry, Beadwork & Watch Making
Latin American History
Linguistics & Semiotics
Major Branches of Philosophical Study
Management & Leadership
Marketing & Sales
Middle Eastern History
Military Biography
Military History
Needlework & Fiber Arts
Operating Systems
Political Biography
Psychological Disorders
Psychology – Theory, History & Research
Science Reference
Small Business
Technology
True Crime
United States Politics & Government
US History
Wine & Beverages
Women in Business
Woodworking & Carving
World History
World Politics
Writing
Fiction Genres
Creative writing is always fascinating, and we, as readers, tend to narrow our focus on specific genres. I find the following genres the most interesting:
Action & Adventure
Conspiracy
Contemporary Fiction
Contemporary Romance
Cozy Mystery
Dark Fantasy
Detective Fiction
Disaster
Espionage
Gothic Horror
Gothic Romance
Hardboiled Mystery
Heroic Fantasy
High Fantasy
Historical Fantasy
Historical Mystery
Historical Romance
Historical Thriller
Howdunit
Legal Thriller
Low Fantasy
Magical Realism
Multi-Period Epics/Sagas
Mythic Fantasy
Parallel/Alternate Worlds
Paranormal Horror
Paranormal Romance
Paranormal Thriller
Psychological Horror
Psychological Thriller
Quiet Horror
Romantic Suspense
Short Story
Slasher Horror
Soft Science Fiction
Supernatural Mystery
Time Travel
Urban Fantasy
Women’s Fiction
Young Adult
Nonfiction Genres
Autobiography
Biography
Business/Company eBooks
Cookbooks
Crafts & Hobbies
DIY
Educational Guides
Health & Wellness
Historical Nonfiction
History
How-To Manuals & Guides
Humor & Commentary
Law & Criminology
Memoir
Narrative Nonfiction
Personal Essay
Philosophy & Insight
Religion & Spirituality
Science
Self-Help & Personal Development
Textbooks
True Crime
Levels of Editing
During the sample edit, a copyeditor pulls multiple sections from different areas of a manuscript to gain the best representation of how the entire document will appear. Doing so allows an editor to decide which level of editing—light, medium, or full—they should recommend to the author. The estimate reflects the price difference between each level.
Light Edit*
A light edit signifies that grammar, spelling, and punctuation are primarily correct throughout the manuscript. There are also no (or few) tables, figures, footnotes, endnotes, or bibliography present, and each appears well prepared. Also, there is no technical information. Turnaround time (which includes two passes) may be shorter than expected.
Medium Edit*
Medium editing implies substantial grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues throughout the text. Manuscripts with tables, figures, footnotes, and a complete bibliography must have a thorough cross-check (even if well-prepared). Further, if technical information is available, light fact-checking must happen.
Full Edit
A full edit indicates one of two possibilities: (1) the manuscript has many mistakes, is technical or challenging to read, or has multiple references that require rework for correct citation; or (2) it means that the author has completed the developmental and line editing phases but the manuscript still needs significant work.
*Light editing will result in a 10% discount on the entire project.
**Medium editing will result in a 5% discount on the whole project.
Style Sheets
Editors include a style sheet (or record of editorial changes) for all phases of the editing process they complete. Everyone from the author to the proofreader obtains a copy to ensure each part of the manuscript stays consistent as it nears publication.
The information found on the style sheets will differ depending on the editing your manuscript receives. Please see the individual editing pages for more details on what appears on each type of style sheet.
Style Manuals & Reference Texts
Editors use diverse reference materials (textbooks, handbooks, dictionaries, online sources, and others) to complete their editing projects. Depending on the manuscript they are editing, the material an editor uses will differ for each project.
Atwood LLC has a growing list of reference materials we use as needed. These materials include:
Style Guides
Modern Language Association Handbook (MLA) (9th ed.)
The Associated Press Stylebook (AP Stylebook) (55th ed.)
The Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.)
The Gregg Reference Manual (10th ed.)
The Yahoo! Style Guide
Dictionaries & Thesauruses
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (11th ed.)
Merriam-Webster’s Thesaurus (online)
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms
Primary Reference Guides
Business Writing Today (3rd ed.)
Dreyer’s English
Garner’s Modern English Usage (4th ed.)
The Business Style Handbook (2nd ed.)
The Copyeditor’s Handbook (4th ed.)
The Elements of Style
The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction
Essay Writing & Learning Reference Guides
A Writer’s Reference (4th ed.)
Copyediting & Proofreading for Dummies
The Concise Guide to Writing (2nd ed.)
How It Works
Frequently Asked Questions
How does billing work?
Before work begins, clients must pay a 40% deposit.
Hourly and weekly projects require full payment (Net 7) upon completion.
I bill monthly blocks and editing projects on the 10th and 20th of the month, with payment due Net 7 upon receipt.
Are there hidden costs to hiring a virtual assistant or editor?
Never. Virtual assistants only charge a client for hours worked. I track each project by minute. If a client is nearing the end of their block, I will send a proposal showing the expected hours to complete for approval. These proposals must be electronically approved and returned as soon as possible before work progresses.
I use four time-tracking applications depending on need (or the client’s preference):
- Freshbooks
- Time Toggle
- TimeCamp
- Clockify
However, if a client has another time-tracking application they prefer, I am happy to accommodate.
What kind of payments do you accept?
Click to pay email invoicing
Credit/debit cards
eCheck through bank transfer
PayPal
Stripe
Do you offer editing with your virtual assistant package?
Yes. Each package includes the cost of editing.
Do you offer business editing?
Yes. Please see the Business Editing page for more details on pricing packages.
Do my hours roll over if I do not use them all?
Yes. Unused hours for every block package automatically roll over to the next month. See packages for hour rollover minimums.
Can I combine the remaining hours from one project with a new project?
No. Block hours must be used in full by the end of the project.
Clients whose projects (may) take longer than anticipated (by both parties) can add hourly or blocks of time to their original invoice.
Hours approved and added appear on a separate invoice, with payment in full (Net 7) upon completion.
What is your policy for emergency rush jobs?
Depending on the type of task, complexity, and turnaround time asked, I add a 50% surcharge for rush jobs, with final payment due Net 7.
How is the rate per word calculated?
The Rate per Word calculation involves dividing the hourly rate by the number of total words. Due to the complexity and level of editing for diverse projects, editors typically charge different hourly rates for distinct types of editing.
Will each type of manuscript editing service appear as a line item on my proposal and invoice?
Yes. Each service carries a different rate, requiring separate line items.
Will I have a business or editing contract to sign?
Yes. Atwood LLC requires every client to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement before a project begins. Clients receive a copy for electronic approval during the onboarding process.
What is your policy on client confidentiality?
Client confidentiality is crucial for how Atwood LLC does business. I understand the importance of never sharing personal or business information with third parties under any circumstances (unless applicable by law).
Atwood LLC secures client login information with a dedicated business online password keeper (Zoho Vault), business documents within password-protected digital folders, and a locking safe for physical files.
Please read the Privacy Policy and Independent Contractor Agreement for more detailed information.
Have Questions?
