Greetings!

You and I set up a time when we can speak on the phone (or in person if you like). This initial meeting could take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. I have several standard questions I’d like to ask you. This helps me to get a good feel for what you are looking for in a copyeditor and/or proofreader, why you are writing your book, who your intended audience is, what purpose your book will serve, and many other things. Please have a list of questions that you want to ask me as well! I suggest that, before our meet and greet, you review my website at https://proof-your-point.com so that you can become a bit familiar with me ahead of time. Plus, this exercise might answer a few of your initial questions.

If you are interested in moving forward with the process, I will ask you to email me 4–5 pages from the very middle of your manuscript. I will revise your file using Word’s Track Changes feature (I only use the program Word). This way, I can see a sample of your writing. In turn, you’ll understand how I copyedit. You can determine whether or not you agree with my style (e.g., you think I revised too little or too much, etc.). I will then email you two files: 1) one in which you can view all the revisions I made and 2) one in which I’ve already accepted all the revisions I made. I ask you to open up the second file first, read through it, and determine whether or not it still sounds like “you.” Then, open up the first file to see all those fun, little red squiggly marks (ah, yes, it’s 4th-grade English all over again…). In either of these two files, you may find some “Comments” from me, asking you to verify or expand upon any text I’m uncertain of.

Please note that the industry standard for a “page” in Word is the following: 12-point font (typically Times New Roman, but not mandatory), double-spaced, approximately 250 words per page, with one-inch margins. So, it’s okay to send me a single-spaced, 11-point font, etc., file, but I will convert it to the standard formatting in order to copyedit and estimate how long it takes me to edit one page.

I will look through your file, count the number of words and pages, and draft up a Letter of Agreement that has an estimated range of costs. This is where I determine what level of copyediting and/or proofreading I think you need, as well as how many rounds of editing I suggest. If you’ve already checked out my website, you’ve found where I break down my copyediting services into three levels. My rate (and expected editing rounds) is dependent on what level I think best suits your needs. I’ll email you this agreement, which also contains information regarding your 50% deposit (for brand new clients), to me before commencing work. Sign it, send it back, and we are on our way to a successful partnership!

No need to worry — I’ll guide you through the entire copyediting and/or proofreading process, ensuring that no stone is left unturned. I look forward to working with you!