Frequently Asked Questions
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO EDIT A BOOK? / HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROOFREAD A BOOK?
For the copy-editing or proofreading service, the turnaround time to edit a book or proofread a book depends on the word count, subject matter, how many corrections are required, if there are words/phrases in a foreign language (as I double check that these are spelt correctly), any facts that need checking, and if the formatting service is required so it is ready for a submission or to be published on a self-publishing platform. There are no set time frames as every job is different and the requirements for each customer can vary.
I advise how long the work will take when I provide a quote once I have seen a sample/the complete manuscript, so customers always know prior to placing an order.
Contact me to request a quote, to discuss your book editorial requirements or to check availability.
CAN YOU CREATE A PAPERBACK VERSION OF MY BOOK?
I can format the layout of your book so it's to publisher standard, free from formatting inconsistencies and errors, and ready to self-publish on Amazon Kindle, for example, but I don't create or format paperback books.
It is advised to create a paperback version of your book using the Amazon paperback templates, so you can then sell via the print-on-demand option on Amazon KDP (previously CreateSpace), Lulu, Ingram Spark or if sending to a print-on-demand printing company, for example.
- If you would like to format your book yourself to sell via Amazon, you can find out more here on getting started with Kindle Direct Publishing and how to prepare and format your ebook and paperback.
Alternatively, once you have your finalised manuscript and front cover, you can create a free paperback format through Draft2Digital.
- You can find out more about Draft2Digital on my Ebook Formatting Service page.
WHICH DOCUMENT FORMATS DO YOU WORK WITH?
I work on Microsoft Word documents to carry out my proofreading service or copy-editing service. This also applies when amending the layout on my book layout formatting service.
To find out more, check my Book Proofreading Process, Copy-editing Process or Ebook Formatting Process to see how I work.
CAN YOU RECOMMEND A BOOK COVER DESIGNER?
I have a list of book cover designers that I've either had contact with myself or have been recommended by clients on my article 15 Top Book Cover Designers for Hire which cover various genres and different price points.
DO YOU CREATE AUTHOR WEBSITES?
I created this website, www.bookeditingservices.co.uk., but I don’t build websites as part of my book editorial services.
This site was built using Weebly which has a free plan option (you will need to buy your own domain name if you would like a .com or .co.uk extension).
The free option will have Weebly branding, or you can upgrade to remove ads and use more features. You can see the difference between all the plans available here at websitetooltester.com. Other website builders include Wix and Wordpress, amongst many others.
A domain name can sometimes be purchased (or they can be free for the first year) through the company you use to build your website. Or you can buy through a domain registrar such as GoDaddy, NameCheap or 123-reg. Again, there are many others available.
To see examples of other author (and unpublished author) websites and what to include on yours, go to Bryn Donovan’s website to find out more.
HOW DO I MAKE PAYMENT?
I accept payment by PayPal, debit card, credit card and bank transfer (BACS). I send details how to make payment once an order has been placed.
A deposit of 25% is required to secure my services if booked in advance (minimum £50).
Payment is required in advance of the work starting and within 48 hours of receiving the payment request or invoice.
Please see my Terms and Conditions for more information.
WHICH GENRES DO YOU SPECIALISE IN?
I work on all genres: from romance to thrillers; epic/fantasy novels; children’s books and young adult fiction; memoirs; non-fiction books covering various subjects; collections of short stories; self-help books; and poetry.
In the last few months, I have worked on a full-length children’s book, a fiction novel inspired by real events, an epic fantasy novel, various fiction books, a book on agriculture and farming, and a self-help book.
To see my testimonials and a selection of books I have worked on, please see my Client Testimonials page.
HOW MANY REVISIONS DO YOU CARRY OUT?
After editing or proofreading the manuscript, I reread it all again to double check everything before sending back the edited versions (a tracked changes version, and a final version with all the amendments incorporated and comments removed).
If there are aspects for me to check as I’m editing, I ask the client for clarification when I provide weekly updates.
If the client makes any further changes after I return the edited versions that aren’t related to the work I have carried out, I charge a nominal fee to work through/amend these changes.
My aim is to make each book the best it can be and return an edited manuscript that is ready for publication.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS BEFORE SENDING YOU MY DOCUMENT TO EDIT?
1) If the font is not Times New Roman or Garamond for clients who have written their book using a paperback template, I will probably change this. Some fonts don’t show up rogue apostrophes (facing the wrong way) and other anomalies, for example.
If the client sends a children’s book where the font has been chosen specifically for that genre, I will change the font to Times New Roman to edit/proofread it and then change it back before returning the manuscript to the client.
2) I always check the margin layout, and whether tabs have been used or multiple spacing to indent margins; so it’s not imperative that these are removed.
As long as the client sends a Microsoft Word document that is coherent so I can work out where a new sentence/paragraph is supposed to start, where the scene breaks occur, which character is saying which line and the manuscript is separated into chapters, then I can help you.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like a no-obligation quote or to discuss your book editorial requirements further.
WHICH FORMAT DOES AN EBOOK NEED TO BE IN WHEN SELF-PUBLISHING?
There are different file types (ebook file formats) required depending on which self-publishing platform you are using to sell your book, which are then read on various e-readers and other devices. The ebook file type ensures compatibility to be read on specific devices.
The format an ebook needs to be in is MOBI to publish on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – Amazon automatically converts EPUBs to MOBI files. EPUB file for Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble (Nook), Kobo Writing Life, and Google Play. Microsoft Word for Smashwords (EPUB for complex interior).
If you'd like an in-depth review of the different ebook file formats available, EPUB, MOBI and also when a PDF may be your best option, check out the article EPUB vs. MOBI vs. PDF: Which Book Format Should You Use? from Kindlepreneur.com for a full breakdown.
Contact Book Editing Services
If you would like to get in touch, let me know about your book and which service you're interested in by using the secure Contact Form. You can also use the form to discuss your editorial requirements, request a no-obligation quote or check availability.
Please read my Terms and Conditions if you would like to use my editorial services so you are familiar with how I work and the requirements of both parties. I look forward to hearing from you.
Please read my Terms and Conditions if you would like to use my editorial services so you are familiar with how I work and the requirements of both parties. I look forward to hearing from you.
