1. What do you edit?
2. What do you edit with?
3. How do I know you’ll do what I want?
4. Can’t I edit my own material?
5. How important are proper spelling and grammar?
6. How much do you charge, and how do I pay?
7. I have another question.
1. What do you edit?
I edit reports, essays, articles, websites, blog posts, fiction, brochures, newsletters, theses, dissertations, presentations, leaflets, letters, advertising copy, and so on. If you’re not sure whether I’ll edit something, please get in touch.
2. What do you edit with?
Microsoft Word’s “Track Changes” feature remains popular for electronic editing, and I find it ideal for my work. OpenOffice and Google Docs are also fine. These programs ensure transparency by allowing you to see the changes made.
3. How do I know you’ll do what I want?
Before I start working on your text, you can specify what you want. Be as clear or as vague as you like, and between us we’ll decide what the text needs. I adapt to requests and requirements: some clients want a basic proofread, others a thorough rewrite. If you’re not sure, you can send me a short sample; I’ll edit it and send it back with comments, and we can take it from there.
4. Can’t I edit my own material?
Certainly, but you’re likely to miss what an experienced third party will notice. When editing our own material, it’s difficult to attain full or even satisfactory perspective. As Joseph M. Williams said: “When we read our own stuff, all we’re doing is reminding ourselves of what we wanted it to mean when we wrote it. That means that we are our own worst editors. We are constitutionally incapacitated from looking at our own writing the way others will read it.” Nor should you rely on automated grammar- and spell-checking programs – they’re notoriously unreliable.
5. How important are proper spelling and grammar?
I think they’re invaluable, but not everyone seems to agree! Proper spelling and grammar testify not only to a capable command of the English language, but also to a noticeable degree of professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for one’s clients, associates, and readers. This is reinforced by other virtues of effective prose, such as clarity, consistency, an appropriate tone, and an engaging style.
A Royal Mail survey in 2005 found that 74% of people would not trust a business that used poor spelling or grammar. This is a very costly oversight, and the problem isn’t limited to the UK or to business. Elementary mistakes are easy to make, but readers notice them and often judge your work accordingly. Your reputation depends in part upon the quality of your communication. Plain, error-free writing makes a positive impression that stays with readers, whereas careless writing is memorable for all the wrong reasons.
6. How much do you charge, and how do I pay?
That depends on the text, since every project is different and demands a tailored approach. I can give you a quote or estimate after seeing your text (or an excerpt and word count). You can pay by money order, cheque, cash, or online transfer. Some clients pay me more than I ask for, but this isn’t mandatory!
Normally I ask for a deposit before I begin, with the remainder to be paid before I return the edited text. Alternatively, you can pay the total in advance. Details are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, and tend to be more relaxed with returning clients.
7. I have another question.
I’d love to hear it.
