Monday, September 19, 2011

Somebody Need an Editor?

So this is it! I'm doing it: starting my own (affordable) editing service for writers ready to query or wanting to self-publish.

Here's the deal. Most of you know I worked as a full-time editor before settling down in my 30s to have babies (i.e., 10+ years). I continued doing freelance work for other folks once the girls were old enough to be independent, and at the start of this year, I was doing a pretty healthy amount of business.

Source
I had a local network of folks for whom I wrote, edited, did pretty much all sorts of contract communication services, from web updates to press releases to whatever. And then we moved.

It's great to be back in the Midwest--this is not complaining! We have a great group of friends here, and I don't mind the better hair weather. But starting from scratch with the freelance gigs is slow going. And then I got this idea...

It started with my blog post about critters and betas (link). I've worked with several of our bloggy friends on polishing their manuscripts, getting them ready to query, giving feedback on areas that needed revision or development... I've helped brainstorm difficult spots and given my opinion of first chapters.

That's when I realized, I have a Paypal account, why not cut out the middle man and just offer my service from this blog?

And there you go. I'm hanging out a shingle. Editor for hire.

I've put a little widget in the right-hand column there, and since it's impossible for me to read without a pen in my hand, I'll do macro-copy editing (meaning, I'll point out the big stuff), and I'll read with an eye toward content development and (the highly objective) marketability.

Edit: (6/4) I'm going to set my flat rate at $.007 per word, add $.0035 for heavy copy editing.

I decided that makes more sense than a per-chapter fee, since chapters can be all different number of pages. And I'm still offering a break for new and unpublished authors. In other words, I'm willing to negotiate.

If times are tough, we'll see what we can both live with. Maybe I'll just help you get started, maybe we'll work out a total amount you can afford. I'm trying to supplement an income here, not get rich.

And to my personal critters and betas, you're off the hook. That's called payback.

Anyway, we'll see how it goes. If we've worked together before, leave a comment or please do recommend me to anyone you know seeking an editor.

Of course, I'm still available for smaller writing and editing jobs at my regular, hourly rate.

If you're interested, send me an email (link). We'll see if blogging wins again!

Have a great week, guys! Til Thursday~ <3

42 comments:

Laura Pauling said...

You should give your name to Elizabeth Craig and get added to her list of editors etc. Good luck!

Old Kitty said...

GOOD LUCK with this enterprise lovely LTM!!

I'll certainly keep you in mind whenever (if!) I finish my current wip. Take care
x

Stina said...

Good luck with the editing career! :D

Love the dude with the red pen.

Matthew MacNish said...

Good luck drumming up business, Leigh. You certainly have the chops to deserve it!

Unknown said...

Thank you. I'll keep you in mind when I need an editor. I think it's wonderful what you're doing.

Angela said...

This is really smart of you. Who knows, if I ever get over my phobia of having really competent writers read my manuscripts and laugh them to pieces, I might send you some of my stuff.

Yes, I know that I'm supposed to be beyond that. But I'm not. How sad is that?

Anonymous said...

Good luck to you and your venture. I'm sending big thoughts your way right now.

Shannon said...

I think this is a great idea! Best of luck with the new venture! <3

Tara said...

I'd have killed to have you go over my first chapter (coz it was killing me) - yanno, any of the 8 versions. Grr. LOL.

You are definitely in mind if I need someone for new stuff!

Good luck. :-)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Leigh .. great idea .. and good luck with it all - you never know what comes up, til you try ..

Lots of success - cheers Hilary

Myne said...

All the best LTM, I'll keep you in mind when my WIP is ready for the red pen. Cheers.

Anonymous said...

super cool!

Dawn Ius said...

Congrats on your new venture! I'll be sure to spread the word.

Carol Riggs said...

Excellent idea, Leigh! And those prices are amazingly reasonable--$20 for a chapter, nice. :) (Of course, if the chapter is 25 pages, you may want to reconsider, or have a page max!) I'll let people know if I hear of any wanting a good critique!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, little bear.

Great idea. All the best. I will certainly inform anyone of your new service who's looking for editing help.

I can relate to tough times, but let's keep on smiling. All good things are just around the next bend. Talent always wins out.

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

Awesome! And you can advertise on Kindle Boards too. :)

RaShelle Workman said...

Leigh - Fab idea. You're so talented. =D

Unknown said...

I'll take a free estimate for my YA historical. I'll email you the details.

And congrats for putting your shingle out!

Carolyn Abiad said...

Swimming in a sea of opportunity, you are. Plenty of us could use a good eye on an ms. I'd personally recommend you to anyone who needs to pink up a manuscript. <3 :)

Tracy Jo said...

What a great idea! I will keep you in mind for the future & pass your name on as well. I found you from KarenG's site and so glad I stopped by. Have a great day & good luck with this new adventure!

DEZMOND said...

good luck with the new gig, Leigh :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Great idea! And reasonable rates - I'll definitely spread the word to anyone who needs an editor :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

This is a great idea and I wish you all the best in this fantastic endeavour. :)

KM Nalle said...

OH! Fabulous. Good luck and you may be hearing from me at some point.

J.L. Campbell said...

Nothing wrong with putting the word out directly. I'll keep this in mind.

M Pax said...

I may send you an email for my next project. :)

vic caswell said...

this is a really good idea! i hope you get lots of clients, and i'll be sure to know where to refer peeps to!

walk2write said...

Well, there's one step of the publishing journey taken care of. When I'm ready to take it, at least I won't fall on my face or some other part of the anatomy at the next step--finding an agent. You've got guts, girl! I'm proud to know you.

Anonymous said...

Good luck to you! No doubt you'll be busier than a bee in no time. :)

Jennie Bailey said...

Terrific idea!! I'll be saving up - because I think $20/chapter is reasonable and don't mind paying that price when I have it!

LTM said...

@Laura--thanks, girl! I'll do that. :o)

@Stephen--Thanks, man! So far, I've had some nibbles. Good stuff~

@Hilary--Right! Might as well see what happens.

@LBD--Thanks!

@Liz--Hope so! I tried to keep the prices low for us starving artists~ :D <3

Laurel Garver said...

Great idea. Isn't this what social networking is all about? Helping each other get what we need? I'll definitely send folks your way!

Michelle Fayard said...

Leigh, I know what you mean about contacts and moving; Marcelo, a former Army grunt, and I have moved five times in the last 15 years. I wish you nothing but fantastic luck. :)

Janet Johnson said...

Go you! And Carpe Diem is right. :)

If I ever take that leap, I know where to go!

Lydia Kang said...

Great idea! Hopefully you'll get plenty of work soon. I'll keep you in mind for myself, as well as for new referrals.
:)

Talli Roland said...

That's a fantastic idea, Leigh - I'm sure you're a fabulous editor. I'll keep my ears open if I hear anyone is looking. Best of luck! xx

Michelle Merrill said...

Good luck with everything Leigh! I'm sorry you have to start over again. I totally wish I could hire you! Man, maybe a chapter or something. Hmm, I'll have to think about that. My first chapter is having some major problems :)

Anita Grace Howard said...

What a great idea! I'll try to remember to tweet this Friday. I'm on a haitus until then. Hee.

Hope you get lots of biz, girl!

LTM said...

Thanks, Anita G.--whoot! :D <3

PK HREZO said...

Awesome, Leigh! I think it's great and I may be hiring you out in the very near future!

LTM said...

@PK--that would be SUPERCOOL! :D <3

erica and christy said...

I will definitely keep you in mind.

But as for the midwest keeping your hair in check - umm, don't count on it. It's never worked for me (in 36 years). :)
erica