What is a SAMPLE EDIT?

When a new author first contacts me, pretty much the first thing I offer them is a SAMPLE EDIT. But what is a sample edit, and why is it necessary? Does it cost money? Will it benefit the author?

What is a SAMPLE EDIT?

Most copy/line editors will offer a sample edit. It’s a little harder to do this with developmental editing as this looks at the bigger picture elements and it’s difficult to get a handle on these with just a few words to look at.

Copy/line editors will normally ask for an extract of between 1,000 and 2,000 words taken from your live manuscript. I ask for this extract to be taken from the central chapters of the book (as the opening chapters tend to be re-worked multiple times and may not be representative of the whole!), and that the extract contains both narrative and dialogue.

An editor will then look at this extract, and perform a mini line/copy edit.

Is it safe to request a SAMPLE EDIT for my live manuscript?

There is absolutely no issue with sending an extract of your live manuscript – your words will be treated with respect and not shared with anyone without your explicit consent. If you are at all worried, many editors will be happy to sign an NDA.

What is the point of a SAMPLE EDIT?

The purpose of a sample edit is twofold – it helps the author, and it helps the editor.

It helps the author.

a. Seeing how an editor adjusts your text will help you to understand the type of editing they perform. The difference between a copy edit, a line edit and a proofread is not always obvious, and this is a really good way to check the editorial process is in line with your expectations! If you ask for a proofread, but an editor can see you need more than this, they will let you know.
b. Seeing how an editor feeds back their adjustments can help you to understand the type of editor they are. Are their comments helpful? Constructive? Supportive? Do they make you feel inspired? Or dejected?
You will be able to see how an editor would feed their thoughts back to you – do they explain why they are making a suggestion, and why it matters? Are they picking up on the types of issues you expected (spelling/grammar/flow, etc.) or simply picking your manuscript apart?
c. Does the editor sound like they know what they are talking about? If you are using a sample edit to compare different editors, make sure you send the same extract to all of them – this makes it easier to compare editors in terms of the types of mistakes they will catch, how they will address them, and what support they offer to help you grow your writing craft
Most importantly, do you think you could work with this editor over the course of weeks/months? Are you happy to let them loose on your entire manuscript?
d. A sample edit will help you spot any technical issues. Is there a PC/Mac conflict? Did you want your manuscript edited on paper? Most editors will edit your manuscript using MS Word Track Changes. Receiving a sample edit will help you to see how this works and give you time to learn the processes involved.

It helps the editor.

a. It’s true that not all all editors suit all manuscripts. And when an editor runs a sample edit, they get a feel for the type of writer you are, and the type of story you’re telling. They can then make an informed decision about whether they are the best person for the job. Sometimes a manuscript – even after just a thousand words – really gets under an editor’s skin, and they are excited to work on the full version. Sometimes, however, an editor and manuscript just don’t gel.
It’s also good for the editor because they can assess whether you are the type of client that they know they work well with – do you prefer to speak on the phone, or is written communication your preference? How open are you to suggestions? Do you need extra support in any particular area?
Sometimes, a manuscript isn’t actually ready for editing yet, and a sample edit will demonstrate this to the editor.
b. Running a sample edit also gives an editor an idea of the length of time it will take to edit the entire manuscript. This helps them work out whether they can fit you into their schedule. It also helps them work out how much to charge you for the work.

Are Sample Edits Free?

Some editors charge for a sample edit. After all, it takes time and therefore it has a value attached. I generally don’t charge for sample edits. I only charge for a sample edit when the extract contains a complete, standalone story. If the story is part of a bigger anthology of stories, I will still charge for the sample edit. Effectively, if the extract you have sent me could be published as it is, then the sample edit is not really a sample edit. It’s a complete edit.

In Summary

So, to summarise, a SAMPLE EDIT:

• Helps you decide which editor to pick.
• Informs you about the type of editing your manuscript may require.
• Manages your expectations so that when you come to the full-length edit, there aren’t any surprises!
• Helps an editor decide whether they are the best fit for the job.
• Helps an editor to work out how long the editing will take, and therefore how much it will cost.

Looking for a specialist romance and women’s fiction copy editor? Contact me!