Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Children! Children! Wow did I put a stick in un nid de guêpe as the locals say around here. 1066 was a bit disappointing I will admit, but remember that the kings of France had much the same problems with Normandy. France is a very young country when compared with the oldest function parliamentary democracy. Jay shame on you not knowing that chitterlings are the old French dish of andouille and also most snails are now produced in the UK since Chernobyl. But enough! I am going to read the above and I will be back.

Amanda I understood it was the Americans who couldn't forgive the 'cheese eating surrender monkeys' during the war they entered half way through when everyone else was dying……………anyway please be heartened that the French are currently reliving agonies about half of their nation collaborating, it is only just becoming acceptable to talk about it. Just thought you would be interested.

Douglas wrote: "Children! Children! Wow did I put a stick in un nid de guêpe as the locals say around here. 1066 was a bit disappointing I will admit, but remember that the kings of France had much the same proble..."

I think most of those snails have migrated to all the little hidey-holes in my shed and garden, ready to forage their way through my new seedlings come the spring...

andouille, eh? there's my new thing for the day learned :)

I've often pondered about how different our history would have been if it weren't for the simple fact that we are an island nation. I'm certainly proud of the way we've always been open to absorbing people from around the world into our population. We enjoy jokes against other nations, as they do about us, but it's all done in fun. We don't have a problem with laughing at ourselves either. Sometimes the English sense of humour is misunderstood, as you well know, but we generally manage to repair any cracks so caused. It tends to spoil the joke when you have to explain it though...

Hmm.... And here was me thinking this was a discussion about editors and people who need one.

I'm available for editing work in the UK, and have a slant toward science fiction writing. Please get in touch if your manuscript needs some work.

Thanks!

--Todd

Todd wrote: "Hmm.... And here was me thinking this was a discussion about editors and people who need one."

I'm sure it was supposed to be, at one time...

Should we edit our posts?

Jay,
I have long since given up explaining British joke to the French. On the other side of the euro though, I can make the most terrible errors in French and they laugh their socks off and say 'Ah I just love ze English humour!' I take my pleasures where I find them:)
Tod,
I have some science fiction that I have never sat down to work through properly. If I get the time would you have a look and see if it would be your line?

I'm an experienced developmental editor and I work closely with a talented and experienced copy and developmental editor. We can be contacted via our website

Editors - will you work for love and a cheap meal at a local restaurant? If so list your services and wildly inexpensive rate (suggested retail value $25 per manuscript or more if you can get it) on the BetaReader Bulletin Board (www.betareader.us)

Look at it this way. There are a lot of struggling writers out there who cannot afford but desperately need your help.

I do comprehensive editing and copy editing. I recently helped edit a fantastic book written by another editor.

I've been fortunate lately to edit books by experienced writers. But I am happy to work with newer writers, too.

It is my opinion that one gets what one pays for, which includes editing services.

Dickinson Copy Editing

Jeffrey wrote: "Editors - will you work for love and a cheap meal at a local restaurant? If so list your services and wildly inexpensive rate (suggested retail value $25 per manuscript or more if you can get it)...Look at it this way. There are a lot of struggling writers out there who cannot afford but desperately need your help.
"

Jeffrey, I don't know how many others I speak for, but as for me, I find it difficult to find enough hours in the day as it is for the work I do that's compensated, so it's hard to agree to help out for free, even if my heart's in the right place.

I do understand that there are writers who genuinely struggle for money, but so do editors. I love what I do, but one of the reasons I edit is because I am trying to add to the household income. It is pleasurable, yes, but it's my job. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I'm going to hazard a guess that most self-publishing authors hold a regular job while writing in their spare time, and would not do that job for no pay.

One person feels poor with only $1000 in the bank while another can live off that same amount for weeks. Much of it is habit and perspective. What one person thinks is "reasonable" for an editor or cover designer may seem like an outrageous sum of money to someone else.

I spend 40-70 hours on the first round of edits for an average-length novel, depending on the skill of the writer, and to do those edits for free still takes up the same amount of hours. Because the attention to detail is essential (and because life goes on around me), I can't edit eight hours per day, so a book would most likely take me two weeks to finish. Two weeks where I'm unable to do other work that will bring in money. That's half a month's worth of income.

Okay, so that probably sounds like whine, whine, whine, right? It really isn't. As I said, I love what I do. But when writers say they can't afford an editor, I always wonder if they realize the kind of time commitment they're asking for. Many editors simply can't afford to offer free services unless they're already doing it as a hobby only, and have a lot of time on their hands. I have done free edits a couple times, and they were not easy to squeeze in while trying to keep the paying jobs flowing in a timely manner.

Evaluations and sample edits are free, and can possibly help writers with examples they can use during their fourth, eighth, or twentieth drafts.

I do wish you luck, and many good responses. But please encourage your writers to understand if there aren't many who are able to help.

Lynda wrote: "Jeffrey wrote: "Editors - will you work for love and a cheap meal at a local restaurant? If so list your services and wildly inexpensive rate (suggested retail value $25 per manuscript or more if y..."

Ahh, it'd be a real nice meal. Denny's or Abblebys (sic). ;o]

Actually, I agree with you. Authors want to be paid, it stands to reason editors do too.

Jeffrey wrote: "Editors - will you work for love and a cheap meal at a local restaurant? If so list your services and wildly inexpensive rate (suggested retail value $25 per manuscript or more if you can get it) o..."

I've visited that site and signed up, but while exploring it, I did not see any evidence that there were a lot of editors volunteering to edit.

Yes, wanting to isn't this issue. Being able to is more the thing.

Happy Valentine's Day! Need some one to love your book as much as you do? Talented and experienced editor in search of talented authors for long-term relationships. Willing to administer tough love as needed, but quick and dirty is okay, too!
http://www.villagegreenpressllc.com/

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for an editor/proofreader to help me with my already published novel that needs a little more polishing, particularly in the grammar section. It was proofed and edited by someone I knew who had a strong background in this kind of work but he wasn't a professional so I'm not surprised my readers have found more mistakes even though we were sure we had gotten them all at the time of publishing.

I'm hoping to find someone affordable (hard for me since my novel is an epic length) who also would be able to just do basic editing (no creative fixes, plot hole searching, and the works). Because I like consistency, the person I choose will probably also be called upon again for future books. A reply to this thread post or a PM from anyone interested would be greatly appreciated.

shoot me an email [email protected]
check out my website http://villagegreenpressLLC.com
there's just no substitute for a pro and I'm happy to help. Lots of testimonials on the About us page, too!

Teresa wrote: "shoot me an email [email protected]
check out my website http://villagegreenpressLLC.com
there's just no substitute for a pro ..."

Amen to that! I asked a few friends to edit, but when it came down to it, I hired an editor.

Hi Shannon,

I offer copyediting and proofreading (which sounds more like what you're looking for). You can learn more about my services at www.bookflydesign.com/editing, or send me an e-mail at [email protected].

Thanks!

Kira R.
Bookfly Design

Hi, Shannon,

As Kira said, it seems a proofreader is what you are seeking. I am one (an editor, too), and I can do any sort of work you would like. To get a feel for my skillset and experience, please inspect my Elance profile at: https://www.elance.com/s/edit/bretjam...

I have done a number of jobs for Goodreads authors. I can work on the Elance platform or off it. You can contact me on the Elance site if you have an account, or you can contact me on Goodreads via e-mail, and I will cheerfully provide a quote. Epic length is no problem.

Good luck finding the right editor,

Bret

Thanks everyone for the interest. I have chosen an editor at this point. I was a bit overwhelmed by the numbers but grateful this group helps with finding these services.

You're welcome. I look forward to seeing your book published!

Bret James Stewart

Tista wrote: "R.L. wrote: "Hi Everyone

I am looking for details of a UK editor with an interest in Self Pubs/Indies. I will happily consider start ups/newbies and those looking to build experience.

Ideally I ..."

Hi Tista

Yes I am, are you a UK editor?

Shannon wrote: "Thanks everyone for the interest. I have chosen an editor at this point. I was a bit overwhelmed by the numbers but grateful this group helps with finding these services."

I think it's fun when I see so many encouraging comments on this board. Yes, we're editors and we enjoy getting new clients, but ultimately, we're just happy when someone chooses to USE an editor because it shows commitment to quality. There are plenty of books out there to keep us all busy.

Hi,
I am looking to become a proofreader/copy-editor. However, I'm not sure where to start. At the moment I do not have any experience in the field. I just love to read, and I read pretty quickly. I have an eye for detail, and I'm always noticing mistakes others don't notice. So I believe that I could really enjoy being a copy-editor. If someone could point me in the right direction to get started that would be great. I am currently a college student majoring in Liberal Arts and will be taking several English courses this next semester to help further me new career goal. I would appreciate any advice one might have to offer.
Thanks.

Leslie wrote: "Hi,
I am looking to become a proofreader/copy-editor. However, I'm not sure where to start. At the moment I do not have any experience in the field. I just love to read, and I read pretty quickly...."

I wish I could give you some definitive help, but as far as I can tell, becoming a copy editor is largely a matter of luck and who you know. That said, the two areas of study most likely to help you get that job are English (if you live in an English speaking country) and advertising.

Emerson College does have a copy editing certification program. I don't have any knowledge of how good it is, or how legitimate it is.

http://www.emerson.edu/academics/prof...

Leslie wrote: "Hi,
I am looking to become a proofreader/copy-editor. However, I'm not sure where to start. At the moment I do not have any experience in the field. I just love to read, and I read pretty quickly...."

One more thing. I wonder if doing some work for authors, at a very low cost, in return for them adding your name below theirs on the title page, as having edited the book, would be worthwhile.

I'm looking for editors to interview on my blog. PM me here or email libraryoferanaATgmaildotcom and put editor interview in the subbject line.
Thanks
A.L

I have openings for new clients! My author advice column is http://beinganauthor.wordpress.com/. I've been in the business as a writer, editor and instructor for 10 years. For price sheet, contact me by private mail.

Hello, writers!

If you're looking for a copy editor/proofreader for your book, my company is running a special this week that you won't want to miss!

Quickproofers.com is offering 50% (yep, 50%) off the price of copy editing for your entire novel in exchange for permission to use up to three pages as a sample for potential clients.

You retain all rights to your work. You simply grant us permission to to use samples of your work (credited or uncredited - it's up to you) on our website to show exactly what we do.

Don't miss out! Once we have enough authors signed up this deal will no longer be available.

Check out quickproofers.com or email us at [email protected] for more information.

(Psst... we work on all types of literature but we LOVE fantasy fiction.)

Would love recommendations for a good editor for line and copy not too expensive. Want to release first chick lit novella this year followed by two more each are about 30000 words.
Thanks guys

Hi, Sarah,

I am an editor, and have edited four published chick lit books, so I think I am a good fit for you. I do a lot of my work on Elance. You can see my profile here: https://www.elance.com/s/edit/bretjam... to get a feel for my skill set and experience. I have edited Goodreads authors. Please message me and give me a feel for the editing needed for your manuscript, and I would be pleased to give you a quote to make it the best novella it can be.

Sincerely,

Bret James Stewart

Hi Sarah,

Congratulations on your novella! I offer copyediting and proofreading and can provide a sample edit to help you decide if my style works for you.

You can learn more about my services (we also offer book cover design) at www.bookflydesign.com/editing.

Thanks!

-Kira R.
Bookfly Design

Hello Editors,
I am getting ready to publish my 3rd book which is a book of poetry. While I have gone over it numerous times for spelling and grammar isn't as important since it's poetry I am looking for someone to just go over it for me just to be sure it's sufficient enough.

It's 50 pages, ideal with rhyme and prose poetry. If anyone would be interested in going over it for me, please send me a message here on GR.

Thanks,
Justin

Justin wrote: "Hello Editors,
I am getting ready to publish my 3rd book which is a book of poetry. While I have gone over it numerous times for spelling and grammar isn't as important since it's poetry I am looki..."

Check out the bulletin board @ www.betareader.us

Mercia wrote: "Courtney, I suggest that you revisit your website's home page and make the red marks there that you normally make over other's work. As an editor, I am sure that you will spot the errors, without r..."

Mercia, I am an author that uses the services of Courtney Umphress. I find her work to be impeccable! I hold a master degree in English and honestly, I went to her website and I do not see what you are talking about. It is perfectly grammatically correct. I did, however, find many mistakes on your page. I was wondering, since you are from the UK and the grammar rules are somewhat different between the Chicago Style we use here and the Oxford Style of the UK,that maybe what you are seeing doesn't apply in the US? I would hate to think that you are trying to deflect prospective customers from such an incredible editor. What are you seeing that you believe is wrong. I am curious. Mark E Tyson M.A.

Mercia,

Okay, I was just curious. I still do not see a problem with her "about me" section grammatically or stylistically and I do teach grammar under a teaching certification. Perhaps such comments are better discussed in private rather than on public forums including your original comment as to avoid confusion. Especially since the error(s) you are allegedly seeing appear to be so minor. I do not think it reflects on the fine work that Mrs. Umphress does for authors. Thank you for your civility, Mark E Tyson

I suggest that no matter how great are your skills or education it goes to show that if you really want something to be typo, malapropistic, and grammatically correct it pays to have your work read by independent eyes. I find that if I use 2-3 beta readers (www.betareader.us) each eyes catch otherwise unnoticed errors and each has a different take on sentence structure. The task of the author at that point is to know what to protect to preserve her voice and style.

Good evening, everyone!

Dropping in to say hello and wish everyone well with their upcoming ventures.

I'm the co-owner of Finish The Story (www.finish-the-story.com) a full service editing house modeled after traditional publishing editorial approaches. We employ three full-time editors and offer services in all fiction genres as well as a variety of editing options. From a la carte needs to full packages covering developmental/line edits, copyediting, and proofreading, there's something available for everyone. We do handle some non-fiction but primarily on the basis of whether the topic interests us. We work with debut authors to NYT and USA Today bestsellers and strive to help you launch a book that can stand, competitively, against Big 5 releases.

If you're looking for editors, please take a few minutes to check us out. We'd love to hear from you if you have questions as well!

Claire

Claire wrote: "Good evening, everyone!

Dropping in to say hello and wish everyone well with their upcoming ventures.

I'm the co-owner of Finish The Story (www.finish-the-story.com) a full service editing house ..."

Hello Claire,

I just visited your website and sent a request to you. I'm looking for final proofreading and book formatting of my 32,300 Christian/Inspirational Fantasy novel. I'm planning to self-publish this novel in late May.

However, I'm wondering is this a genre you or your other editors have worked with?

Thanks,
Marion

Marion, I can absolutely do the proofread and formatting on it. That would be error checking for the most part. If you were inquiring about developmental work, however, I would recommend Bryan, my business partner. The fantasy part I do regularly, but inspirational isn't my forte.

I've sent you a private email here via Goodreads.

XterraWeb offers a quality combination proofreading and copy-editing service to e-book authors at an affordable rate (keeping self-publishers in mind) of $1.20 per page (250 words).

Some sample prices are:
Short Stories 10,000 - 20,000 words: $48.00 - $96.00
Novellas 30,000 - 50,000 words: $144.00 - $240.00
Novels 60,000 - 80,000 words: $288.00 - $384.00

To request a quote or order editing services, please message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/XterraWeb or fill out our order/contact form at http://editing.xterraweb.com/contact-2

i need an editor and someone who knows how to navigate goodreads. it's taken me 30 minutes to figure out how to make a post here. the "new post" button is at the top, the place to type shows up at the bottom, i don't know if i'm responding to a thread or making a new post... looks like i'm responding to something from 2010. i'm a programmer by trade and this site is confusing still. anyway, this year i'm writing 52 books, 1 for each week, but i only need one proofread and edited for clarity. it will only be 50 pages but it is highly stylized, a cross between Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss, perhaps. The editing won't start for a month or two. Until then, I just need somebody to update my books on this site for me. It's 100% frustrating.

Jeff wrote: "i need an editor and someone who knows how to navigate goodreads. it's taken me 30 minutes to figure out how to make a post here. the "new post" button is at the top, the place to type shows up a..."

no sh__

Far too many ebooks are being self published without adequate copy editing, resulting in bad reviews. Bad reviews hurt sales and cost you money! My copy editing services can catch small and large errors that your buddy proofreaders may miss.
40% Discount for the first author responding to this post!

Hello Everyone - I'm brand new to the site and picking up A LOT of information. I'm still trying to find my way through most of it. I was wondering if anyone is or knows of an editor that specializes in coming of age stories? I am nearly done with my MS and I think it's time to start looking for that editor/author relationship if I want to publish sooner rather than later. Any advice is always welcome.

Hi, Lloyd,

I am an editor with a great track record, although I do not specialize in coming of age stories. If you would like to see my profile on Elance, here is the link: https://www.elance.com/s/edit/bretjam...

If you want a specialized editor, I would recommend using Elance. I use Elance myself for freelancers. Good luck with your project, whoever you use.

Sincerely,

Bret Stewart

Thanks for all the links guys!

I'm currently an author working on a new book, so I'll be needing some editorial services in the future :)

-Nihar
www.niharsuthar.com
@NiharSuthar

I have been surprised by the amount of free and from my experience qualified help you can get in the various beta reader groups around the net. When I worked with three excellent readers on my latest Hippies in the Andes/Freedom Pure Freedom Hippies in the Andes/Freedom Pure Freedom (found on www.betareader.us) – I felt cheap for only paying them $20 for a full read (and lots of corrections) for a full manuscript. When I expressed this sentiment in various forums I found that most beta readers do it for free. I assume at some point if you want a professional editing job or even a good clean manuscript one would have to pay something. Still curious at the distinction between free beta reading and editing.

Hello! I'm Cheryl. I'm an aspiring editor currently trying to build up my own resume and reputation of sorts. I am thorough in my work and a stickler for everything english.

Genre: YA & NA Romance, Erotica, GLBT

I charge $0.5 per 100 words (though it varies, depending on the amount of work I have to do). However, I am willing to work around your budget as well. I will also provide a free sample edit to those interested. So if you need an editor, please drop me a message or email and we'll see how things go.

email me at snowywings_cheryl[at]hotmail.com