How It All Works (Editorial Services, Processes, and Payments)
What services does Lane Editorial offer?
Lane Editorial provides a wide range of editorial services that depend on the needs of each project. These services include line editing, copyediting, proofreading, content editing, developmental editing, and more. We start at page 1 and edit through to the last page, including reference lists. (We do not provide indexing services, but can refer you to people who do.)
We edit written works of all lengths and many types: book manuscripts, sample chapters, dissertations, journal articles, educational and training materials, blog posts, website text, catalog copy, and so on. Historically, we have focused on works of nonfiction (always our first love!), but we now also welcome the opportunity to discuss your memoir, essay collection, fiction, or poetry.
We bring decades of success to every project, as well as a deep understanding of publishing as an evolving and increasingly competitive industry. Many of our clients use us for all their editing needs over many years; these clients value our editorial know-how and attention to detail as well as our willingness to share helpful observations, ask insightful questions, and conscientiously maintain every author's unique voice. Working with authors throughout their careers is both a privilege and a source of great satisfaction.
What does the editorial process look like?
Although projects vary, they all follow a five-step editorial process:
What does editing cost, and how are payments made?
As the foregoing makes clear, every project is unique, and two authors' final drafts will never arrive in the same shape or with the same needs. This makes it difficult to predict costs prior to receiving a manuscript, which in turn poses a budget-forecasting hurdle for clients. To help resolve this conundrum, we offer the following guidelines:
Lane Editorial provides a wide range of editorial services that depend on the needs of each project. These services include line editing, copyediting, proofreading, content editing, developmental editing, and more. We start at page 1 and edit through to the last page, including reference lists. (We do not provide indexing services, but can refer you to people who do.)
We edit written works of all lengths and many types: book manuscripts, sample chapters, dissertations, journal articles, educational and training materials, blog posts, website text, catalog copy, and so on. Historically, we have focused on works of nonfiction (always our first love!), but we now also welcome the opportunity to discuss your memoir, essay collection, fiction, or poetry.
We bring decades of success to every project, as well as a deep understanding of publishing as an evolving and increasingly competitive industry. Many of our clients use us for all their editing needs over many years; these clients value our editorial know-how and attention to detail as well as our willingness to share helpful observations, ask insightful questions, and conscientiously maintain every author's unique voice. Working with authors throughout their careers is both a privilege and a source of great satisfaction.
What does the editorial process look like?
Although projects vary, they all follow a five-step editorial process:
- Discuss. We begin with a discussion, generally by email, about the project (type, length, current status, purpose, likely extent of editing required, etc.) and your needs around it (deadlines, goals, vision, etc.).
- Commit. Assuming we're a good fit for each other, you will be asked to sign a simple, two-page contract. This agreement's main purposes are (1) to protect the work as your intellectual property and preclude Lane Editorial from making any claims to it, and (2) to establish clear and enforceable payment expectations for any services we provide.
- Share. You send us your manuscript, generally as a single Microsoft Word document attached to an email. (We understand sharing your work can be a vulnerable moment for authors. Please be reassured by the many reviews we get noting our kind and helpful communications!)
- Software and Editorial Style Guides. All editing is completed in Microsoft Word, using the Track Changes function. Most projects are edited according to the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS, 18th edition), but we are comfortable working in other styles, as well. Every project is edited and formatted according to the publisher's requirements and preferred style guidelines, even if those guidelines are unique.
- Return and Review. The edited manuscript is returned to you (also as a Word document attached to an email) for review and query resolution. We remain available to provide clarification, answer questions, and revisit specific passages as needed.
What does editing cost, and how are payments made?
As the foregoing makes clear, every project is unique, and two authors' final drafts will never arrive in the same shape or with the same needs. This makes it difficult to predict costs prior to receiving a manuscript, which in turn poses a budget-forecasting hurdle for clients. To help resolve this conundrum, we offer the following guidelines:
- Most often, we charge US$75.00 per hour for all editorial services. The average pace for editing a double-spaced manuscript is about six pages per hour (learn more here). We no longer use tiered rates because almost all projects require a bit of everything. We do edit some projects for a flat fee, generally for corporate clients who can only hire independent contractors on this basis. Please reach out to discuss your needs in this regard.
- Payments can be made by check or Zelle deposit. At this time, we are unable to accept payment by credit card or PayPal. Most projects are invoiced and payable in full when the edited manuscript is returned to the client. Longer-term projects are invoiced at natural "pause" points during the editing process, according to a schedule arranged in advance.
- Many new clients are unsure what to expect when hiring a professional editor. To alleviate this concern, we often begin with an editing sample. For example, we might start by editing one chapter or editing for two hours, and then pause for the client's review before proceeding with the entire manuscript. These samples are invoiced at the hourly rate specified in the contract.