#13 in "Letters from Winnie" Series

In no particular order – the 13th of many pieces of correspondence-advice reflecting responses to potential book/writing-related clients over the years.

(I have reproduced no clients' emails to?me?– and have removed all identifying factors from my own letters to them; also, some letters are composites.)

??2020 Letter from Winnie

• "Hi_______________
• "Yes, it can be a bit of a challenge finding the right editor for your book project.?The relationship between author and editor is a bit like a marriage – the fit and compatibility have to be right!
• There are of course lots of places to look online, but I think you're smart posting on LinkedIn – as you can easily see people's identities/complete profiles, also their connections, etc. – and really, one's professional reputation is at stake here.
• I see the role of an author's editor as two-fold (but related) – to work with that unbiased 'outside' professional eye – and to also put oneself into the mind of the general reader.
• I.e., does the book keep my interest, and keep me turning pages/scrolling down? That really is what it comes down to.
• ??????
• I feel a good editor should be a very dedicated insider-outsider – thoroughly immersed and involved in the book, yet able to move outside it and approach it objectively.
• In the past few decades, I've worked with myriad?new authors, and really enjoy it. And, as I have a lot of inter-related skills, I can help them with just about anything to do with a book!?
• There also are times when I or they may realize I'm not the right person for the job.
• In that case, I've often been able to find other options, online or through my personal network (e.g., one of my colleagues is better able to handle properties like academic books and film scripts than I am).
• I also recently found some top corporate-biz ghostwriters/editor for a client who I felt needed more of a Fortune 500 assistant!
• ??????
• The way I usually start with an author is to do a bit of back-and-forth, to first understand what the book is about, and how much work the author has done on it.
• I like to see some of the manuscript – a few or several pages, along with a brief outline, will give me a good idea of what kind of editing might be right for it.
• That could range from simple copyediting (typos, grammar, minor structure etc.) to extensive structural/content editing (often more like rewriting!) to something in between.
• If we seem to be in agreement on what the book needs, I'll do a good sample edit. Then, if the light's green, and we've filled in our contract (with a deposit of payment), I'll begin working, generally with a specific timeline in mind.
• I usually work with the Microsoft Track Changes program, in Word or similar document format. I supplement this with additional comments, either in the book manuscript, or separately by email.
• We can also establish whether the book might have a second round of writing/editing - as sometimes, with the passage of time, both author and editor feel it could benefit from a new direction or tweak, etc.
• Whatever fee we agree upon, it's generally paid in installments (typically half to one-quarter etc.), with a deposit. A friendly, simple contract/letter of agreement is a good idea, too.
• (As for figures - I've edited books for fees ranging from $______(for a very short book) to $______ (a long book!). Many projects have involved fees of around _______ – while more extensive editing/rewriting could involve higher fees, etc.
• ??????
• Some of the 'extras' I may bring to the job as an editor (or separately) are things like: coming up with many different potential strong book/chapter titles, slogans and soundbites: pre- and post-publication promo plans – and certainly advising?on publishing-related options – i.e., traditional publishing, self-publishing, etc.
• FYI, a traditional publishing contract is very difficult to get unless you have a high profile, presence, followers, some kind of fame and marketability, etc.
• Most major publishers will look only at agented material – though some smaller/specialty publishers are open to submissions. It's important to really research publishers and get to 'understand' them.
• As for the time factor...it can take a few months for a publisher to respond to a simple query letter, and a few more months to respond to a proposal package.
• In any case, I can help put together an initial query letter/pitch and a strong proposal package for submission to a?traditional publisher?or agent. (And I do some great research to find what I/we feel is a really appropriate publisher to send to.
• This involves looking at their website, the books they've done and have upcoming, their social media and news items etc. – and generally getting a feel for whether they'd be a good fit.
• The proposal package could contain: a few sample chapters of the book (but entire manuscript for fiction), table-of-contents, summary, author bio/platform/presence, supporting articles and online content, competitive analysis (comparing similar books on market and how yours is different/better), market report and marketability of book – and publicity/ promo plans.
• Now, not every publisher might require this, but it's good to do it anyway – to help define and 'prepare' your book. It will all prove to be very useful!
• Also keep in mind – even if a?traditional publisher?did accept your manuscript, there might be more rewriting/editing work to be done at their request, plus they also control how the book looks – its format, design, cover, etc.
• And there's that time-frame again...the publishing schedule and pipeline, with all its stages, might result in a further year or more before your book is actually out!
• Self-publishing, on the other hand, gives you control of your book project, and allows you to get it out sooner rather than later. Of course there are various expenses involved, and a huge range – but also ways to really minimize and maximize the process.
• Also, you can do it on your own (with hiring your own professional help – formatter, artist/designer etc.), through Amazon etc. – or hire a book-services company to do all the steps for you. I can advise on all of this.
• And you might choose to begin with doing an e-book (the quickest, cheapest, easiest way to do it – though it still should be done professionally!) – and then get into doing a hard-copy book.
• You may be able to persuade local indie bookstores to carry your self-published book – and along with that, you can contact your community newspaper – the kind of publication always hungry for good stories about local residents.
• ??????
• The really wonderful thing today is that there are so many publishing options and ways to bring a great book to the world.
• Lots more I could say about these options (and promo/publicity, another specialty of mine!) – but first things first (i.e., if you'd like to tell me) – a description of your book; its subject; length; what motivated you to write it; what you'd like to do with it, etc.
• Hope I'll have the opp to help in one way or another!"

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