Fees
As page and word count are used in setting fees, the industry manuscript standard is 25 double-spaced lines per page. Averaging 10 words per line, the page count is 250 words. See FAQ #1 for manuscript formatting.
The First Twenty Pages:
For a minimal fee of $25, we’ll reply with a straightforward evaluation of your work. See Contact Us.
Manuscript Critique:
$1.75 per page for a completed manuscript. This includes margin notes and a comprehensive report covering strengths, weaknesses and objective solutions. We’ll also evaluate a work in progress with a minimum of 100 pages. Should critical problems arise, we’ll stop and contact you by email or phone. You may choose to do revisions before we proceed.
Editing:
Fees start at $2.00 a page. Costs depend on the type of editing required. If your initial 20 pages show promise, we’ll reply with suggestions and fees tailored to your specific needs.
Website Design, Marketing Plans, Cover Design:
As each project is unique, fees will be set accordingly, and the contract will clearly outline objectives, design specifications, schedules and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the proper way to format a manuscript?
The industry standard is 12 point type. Although Courier is still favored by many editors, we recommend Bookman Old Style.
Margins should be 1 ¼” top and bottom, 1” left and right, (flush left, irregular right). Contact us for free manuscript layout templates. Click here for specific guidance laying out a manuscript.
With 25 double-spaced lines per page averaging 10 words per line, a page count equals 250 words.
Microsoft Word is not an ideal program for publication, but it’s the best word processor for preparing a manuscript. Once a client’s manuscript has been thoroughly edited, we’ll import the Word document into InDesign and produce a book that will meet the approval of the most demanding professional book buyer.
2. Why do you only accept electronic submissions?
As some of our staff are in different states—one is in Russia—mail submissions aren’t practical, and the time and cost of packing and mailing a manuscript is eliminated! Depending on your selected service, we may print the script, make corrections, then scan the corrected manuscript (with margin notes) for return email. Copies of your original and scanned work will be stored on a separate hard drive and will always be available.
3. Why can’t I contact you by phone?
Initially, seeing is more important that talking. Once you’ve received a written evaluation of the first 20 pages (see Contact Us) and you indicate further interest in our services, we’ll call to discuss the next step. During the editorial process, phoning may be the fastest and most effective way to discuss issues and provide guidance. For special services such as Website Design, Marketing Plans and Cover Design, telephone contact will be necessary from beginning to end.
4. How do I submit my manuscript over the internet?
Send us an email with the manuscript Word file attached. It’s as simple as that.
5. What is the difference between a synopsis and an outline?
When your manuscript is completed and is ready to be evaluated, write a brief summary of your work. This summary—or synopsis— should be no longer than two single-spaced pages.
A simple outline may better serve the author when planning a novel. A rigid synopsis or outline can inhibit a writer when scenes and characters attempt to take on a life of their own. Outlining each chapter may also tend to suppress the creative process, but will be necessary for nonfiction. An outline proposal for a nonfiction book may also secure a contract for an author with the proper credentials and writing experience.
If your novel is completed or in progress and you have a synopsis, send it to us with your initial pages. Should the work be just taking shape, an outline may be the best way to submit the first 20 pages.
6. I wrote on a typewriter. How do I send that electronically?
Copy services (such as Kinko’s) can scan your manuscript and transfer it do a CD disc. Be sure and ask for a bulk scan price. Check locally to see it there’s a service that can both scan and send the manuscript over the internet. If not, ask a friend who has a computer to send the disc copy to our designated email address.
Manuscripts must be properly formatted (see FAQ #1) and never handwritten. This is unacceptable throughout the industry.
