Will you accept my manuscript?
Emma’s Edit specialises in fiction, and most of our long-term clients are fantasy authors. However, we accept all genres and media and have worked on a wide range of projects, from academic papers to memoirs. If you are unsure about whether we will accept your manuscript, please don’t hesitate to ask.
How far in advance should I book my project with you?
We tend to book up pretty far in advance! Generally, you can expect a lead time of around two months minimum from when you first reach out. Occasionally we do end up with more immediate time slots, so it’s always worth asking, but as many authors plan months or even years ahead, our calendars tend to fill up quickly.
What kind of turnaround time can I expect?
This varies according to who you’re working with, what the project is, and a few other factors in play. Timeframe can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a full copy edit on a 50-80K manuscript taking 6-8 weeks, and 80-100K 8-10. We strongly urge you to plan plenty of wriggle room into your schedule for querying or publication if at all possible – not just to allow for our work, but also for a myriad of other things that may end up slowing you down. We’ve seen too many authors rushing to finish a manuscript due to a fixed publication date that they’re afraid to change but no longer works as well. Don’t back yourself into a corner if you don’t have to!
Do you use US/UK English?
We are comfortable in both US and UK English, and are privileged to work with writers all over the world. Please let us know your preference, and we will edit accordingly.
Can I change my manuscript after it’s been signed off?
Of course you can – but please be aware that if you do, you may end up introducing errors. We can’t be responsible for any changes you make after the process unless we’ve signed them off ourselves.
Why should I choose you?
We hope that our testimonials speak for themselves, but we have a few points of pride to offer:
- Nitpicking! We care deeply about the rules of writing: how to use them, how they make our writing better, and how they can sometimes be broken for stylistic effect. If your editor doesn’t know that a sentence structure or form of punctuation is wrong, they can’t help you fix it. We may not know everything there is to know about grammar and linguistic conventions (which are growing and changing all the time), but we do know more than just the basics.
- Flexibility. Sometimes rigidity is the enemy of creativity; sometimes life just happens, and the manuscript you thought you’d finish by the end of the month isn’t quite there yet. Here at Emma’s Edit, where we work part-time around other jobs like writing our own books or raising children, we’ll always be understanding if you need to adjust your schedule – sometimes we might need to as well. It may mean compromising or working out something new, but we’ll do everything we can to ensure you still get what you need. We’re big advocates of self-care and mental health, so if you’re anxious, needing a break, or experiencing any kind of difficulty, don’t be afraid to tell us as much as you feel comfortable sharing.
- Tone. What authors tend to appreciate about us is that we won’t just make corrections or critiques. We love to get to know you as people, offer insights and personal touches, and always aim to be warm and positive (even when we’re being brutally honest, if that’s something you value!).
We hope you choose us for your project, but we also understand that everybody has different needs and priorities. If for any reason you feel Emma’s Edit isn’t a good fit for you, we’ll never be offended or ask you to explain yourself – we wish you all the best in all your endeavours!