Frequently Asked Questions for The Pink Pen Editing Services
Do you offer discounts?
Yes. When a client hires me for more than one service, they can make use of my loyalty discount and save 10% on all subsequent services that are of equal or lesser value. Also, members of ALLI will find a coupon code when they look me up in the partner directory. This coupon cannot be combined with the loyalty discount, but it can be used on the initial service.
Do you offer a payment plan?
Sort of. Payment for my editing services is broken into three parts (except for Beta Reading and First 25 Pages Manuscript Critique which require payment in full up front). For all other editing services, a 20% nonrefundable deposit is required in order to hold your spot on my editorial calendar. Then, one week before the start date of the editing project another 60% of the total is due. This portion becomes nonrefundable once I have begun the editing work. When the project is complete, I return the edited manuscript along with an invoice for the final 20%.
Can I trust you not to steal my book idea?
Absolutely. I have a million story ideas already and never enough time to work on them. I’m not looking for more ideas. Besides, you have the date and time stamp of the email when you send me your manuscript to show the work was already yours.
Do I have to make all the changes you suggest?
Definitely not. I’m not your English teacher grading your paper. The sole purpose of my suggestions is to make the writing stronger. I want to help you keep the reader engaged and avoid anything that pulls the reader out of the world you’ve created for them. Ultimately, you are the creative genius behind the text. You know the vision for your work better than anyone else. It’s up to you to decide which revisions you make.
Do you use AI for editing?
No. I don’t use anything that most people are thinking of when they’re talking about AI. I use basic spellcheck-type programs to begin the editing process.
What format should my manuscript be in before I send it?
For a developmental edit, manuscript critique, and line/copyedit, the manuscript should be sent to me in MS Word. For a final proofreading, the manuscript should be sent fully formatted as a PDF. (I will edit it in Adobe.) Be sure the file is named with your name as well as the title of the work.
What’s the difference between proofreading and copyediting?
Both proofreading and copyediting serve the purpose of correcting things like spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, etc… However, a copyedit is done BEFORE a manuscript is converted into its final book format. This is because making even just small changes to a fully formatted book can have a domino effect and cause formatting issues (and headaches). Proofreading is necessary AFTER a manuscript has been formatted because the conversion process can cause wonky errors such as spacing issues, missing pages or page numbers, and so on. Use a copyedit to catch as many of the errors as you can while it’s still easy to make revisions. Do a proofread after formatting to catch any remaining (or newly introduced) errors.
Ready to make your book the best it can be?
Fill out the form below, and let’s talk about how we can work together to get your manuscript into tip-top shape.