Let your imagination soar!

Editing isn't just about fixing spelling and punctuation, there is so much more to it. Here are some of the extra benefits of hiring a human editor:

• Support and encouragement even after the editing has finished

• A fresh pair of eyes to catch those things that will irk your readers

• Real reader responses

• A sounding board for your ideas

• A new fan to join your readership

• And much more

There is no straightforward answer or set price. Every manuscript is different from length to genre to state of the writing and story when it reaches the editor's desk.

At RedInk Creative we tailor an estimate to your manuscript taking into account: word count, genre (for tropes and conventions), state of readiness (a first draft vs it has been self-edited multiple times and/or been through beta reading or other editing), author timeframes (are you on a deadline), and how much involvement you want (live discussions about structural/developmental suggestions, assistance with Track Changes, etc).

The estimate will constitute a fair Australian editor pay rate based on an estimated number of hours it will take to complete. For more information on fair editor pay rates in Australia see; https://www.iped-editors.org/about-editing/editors-pay-rates/

This will depend on what sort of editing you require. If you have opted for a manuscript assessment the editor will read your manuscript and then write a report about areas for improvement or further development; their response to the characters and whether they seem real and 3-dimensional or need further characterisation; how well the story is paced whether it is too fast or too slow, and whether scenes and chapters transition effectively; whether there are plot holes or dropped threads; point out any perceived sensitivity issues that need to be considered or addressed; etc.

If you have opted for developmental or copy editing this will consist of 2 to 3 rounds of editing (including one round of reading the story aloud to catch any of those sneaky "similar-looking but not the right word for the context" type words or odd-sounding phrases). At each stage you will have a chance to review suggested edits and alterations then make your revisions.

This is a strange concept that I have recently come across where writers have thought that the editor has the rights to the author's work while it is being edited. That is absolutely not the case. You, the author, retain all rights and copyright to your work until such time as you choose to assign the rights to another party such as a publisher. An editor is a professional you have hired to perform a service on your work, that is all. If in doubt, always make sure the editor has a clear agreement or contract in place that outlines yours and their roles and responsibilities.

No. No matter what people claim, no one can guarantee that you will receive a traditional publishing offer. Professional editing can help you to polish your manuscript and improve its visibility on the submissions pile, but gaining a traditional publishing deal is more about what the publisher is looking for at the time, their perceived marketability of your book (and you as a author), current market trends and their engagement in your story.