When you’re going to work with an editor you haven’t worked with before, it’s always a good idea to get a sample edit. What’s a sample edit? Usually it is the first 1000 words of the story (not the copyright page, acknowledgements or any other front matter) so the editor can get a feel for your style and level of writing and you can see what the editor does with the work. Sample edits should be free or a nominal fee that is deducted from the total editing bill if no changes are made, and they should only be requested when you are seriously considering working with the editor.
What does a sample edit do?
A sample edit gives the editor a chance to discover a bit more about your writing before taking the job. This is important for a couple of reasons. First, if the author needs to learn more basic elements of punctuation and grammar, it might be best for the editor to pass on the manuscript and have the author polish their prose before paying for a full edit. After all, if you’re paying for the editor’s attention, you want the editor to focus as deeply as possible on the story, and that just isn’t possible if it’s riddled with obvious typos and misspellings. (For example the infamous teh instead of the)
As an author, you get a feel for the editor’s style and level of attention to the work. If its obvious the editor isn’t getting your characters or what you are doing (provided you’re not trying to write in some avant garde style) then perhaps you’re not a good match. It’s okay. It happens. And it’s better to know at the start of the project then after you get the edits back.
Why are sample edits important?
I suspect it’s already been said, but sample edits are important because there’s nothing worse than getting edits back on a story and realizing the editor totally missed the boat on your characters or storyline, or worse yet, tried to insert themselves into the story. You want what’s best for your book and you woudn’t turn it over to just anyone. A good sample edit will help you ensure that you have your story in the right hands.
What should you send?
You should send the first 1000 words of your story polished to the best of your ability. Please run it through spell-check at the very least. You’re not looking for an editor to do all the work; you want your editor to take what you’ve done to the next level. Do not include any title page, copyright page, or acknowledgements, and don’t send more than the required word count, usually 1000 words. Even if the section breaks in the middle of a scene, you can go to the end of a paragraph, but don’t send more. Chances are the editor will only edit the first 1000 words, and you’ll be branded as an author who cannot read/follow directions.
How long should a sample edit take and when should you request one?
Ideally a sample edit should only take a day or two, maybe a week at the most. After all you’re a potential client. Request the sample edit when you are done with your first draft and well on your way to polishing it. Depending on the editor’s schedule, they might be booked out and while it’s frustrating to wait for the full manuscript to be edited, you can always use that time to work on your next book. Depending on the editor, you could also use that time to take the comments from the sample edit and apply them to the rest of your manuscript, too.
I encourage authors not to be afraid to ask for a sample edit before signing on with an editor. While each editor has their own policy for sample edits, you’ll find for the most part that it is a worthy investment in time and energy.
If you’d like to check out my editing services and request a sample edit, please visit my editing page. There’s still about a week to go before my summer sale is over.