Here are a few common questions about the writing/editing process.
Q: Does my book really need editing?
A: All books benefit from some level of editing. Master authors write, rewrite, rewrite again, and at the end of the day profusely thank their editors. Even Ernest Hemingway had his Max Perkins.
Q: So what level of editing do I need?
A: That depends on several factors: your skill at word-craft, your goals, and your ability to receive help.
Q: What are the different levels of editing?
A: “Line editing” usually involves checking grammar, punctuation, word choice, conceptual redundancies, pacing, flow, and point of view. “Developmental editing,” as the term implies, usually involves a deeper restructuring and conceptualization of the entire book concept.
Q: Once I sign a contract with Soaring Sentences, how long will it take before my work will be completed?
A: Efficient service is one of my strongest priorities. When a writer writes, s/he needs a response as quickly as possible. I pride myself on fast “turn-around”--check the testimonials!
Q: English is not my native tongue; is that a problem?
A: No, it is not. I have experience editing manuscripts that were written in English by non-native English speakers. Sometimes one needs to check if a particular meaning is intended by the writer, but that is true, to some extent, in any situation.
Q: Don't publishing houses provide their own editing services?
A: Less and less. Budgets just don't allow for it much any more. In any case, a book needs to be as well-written as possible before it's sent to a literary agent or publisher. Those people receive a lot of manuscripts.
Q: How will I be able to see the revisions you suggest?
A: All suggested revisions will be easily seen on a track-change Word program. The writer will then have full discretion to accept or reject any or all of the suggested revisions. The writer will also receive a clean-copy edit so that s/he may easily see how the “flow” looks.