Here It Is: The Big Announcement

I told you all before the holidays that an announcement was coming, and here it is:

Holly Schindler’s Editorial Services Is Officially Open for Business

Does your current WIP make you feel like this? I can help.

I’ve been a professional writer now for more than a decade—my first novel released in ‘10—and I’ve been delighted to see my books win several accolades: Starred reviews in PW and Booklist. A silver medal in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year. A gold medal in the IPPYs. I’ve also seen my work for younger readers become a finalist or Master List nominee for several state reader awards, including my own home state of Missouri’s Mark Twain Award.

But they would never have gotten there without some great editors.

Look, I know, firsthand, what it’s like to have a manuscript you can feel just vibrates with potential…but isn’t quite there yet. I know how frustrating it can be to struggle for weeks on end, trying to come up with a solution to what’s not working. I know how hard it can sometimes be to even identify what’s not working.

I know, in short, how important an editorial eye can be.

I know what kind of guidance has helped me the most over the years—both with specific projects and in becoming a better writer overall. And I’m excited to help bring this guidance to other authors.

What I’m Offering

My specialty is developmental and line edits (rather than copyediting).

Who I’m Best Suited to Work With

In addition to my traditionally published work, I’ve also been independently publishing for several years—which means I can offer guidance to those who are looking to polish their manuscript to submit to agents, and I can also work with those who are seeking to self-publish. (Because of my experience, I can offer technical advice if the author is just beginning to self-publish, as well.)

I can work with authors of either adult or juvenile books. If your manuscript is intended for young readers, please do be aware that I specialize in works intended for the upper-level age ranges (YA or MG, rather than picture book texts or some lower-age-range chapter books). In both the adult and juvenile markets, I prefer to work on more character-driven stories, whether that story happens to be a romance (but no erotica, please), or literary fiction, or mystery, or horror. I don’t edit high fantasy or some sci-fi (space operas), though character-driven sci-fi (something along the lines of Light Years from Home by Mike Chen) would be welcome. 

Yes, I Do Sample Edits

For the sample edit, I would like to receive from you a pitch and letter of intent. We can talk about this more when you get in touch, but really, all I need is: jacket copy, your one-sentence hook or premise, and where you intend to publish (both the genre and whether you’ll be going the traditional or self-publishing route). I also want your letter to include what you hope you accomplish with this specific novel—what you want this specific book to be. That last one is of vital importance. As an editor, it’s my job to help you achieve your goal. To make your vision shine. It is not my job to tell you to turn the book inside out and put it in a different genre. That’s not to say I won’t suggest combining characters or reordering the events to heighten tension (for example). But my guidance is all about getting you and your book where you want to go. By providing me a brief authorial letter, you’ll be giving me the tool I need to make sure I’m crafting my critique to direct you toward achieving an end result that lives up to your initial ah-ha! moment of inspiration.

I also would ask you to provide the first 1,000 words from your manuscript and 1,000 words from the middle.

What Will a Sample Edit Entail?

A mini-version of a full edit. I’ll edit the first 1,000 words using track changes in the manuscript, and I’ll write an editorial letter. The 1,000 words from the middle will not be edited using track changes (like the first 1,000 words), but it will help form some of my comments in the letter.

What Will It Cost?

The sample edit is $30. If you choose to hire me, the cost of the sample edit will be applied to the cost of editing the entire manuscript.

Full Manuscript Pay Rate

I charge two cents ($0.02) a word for a full manuscript. I’d rather charge by the word than the hour; that way, you know exactly what the final cost will be the moment you hire me. No surprises or sticker shock.

Full Manuscript Pay Schedule

50% upon signing the editor contract, 50% upon completion.

Testimonial

I’ve been working with fellow authors for the last few years as a beta-reader or critique partner. Here’s what one had to say about working together:

Holly is a publishing pro! Her reviews of my novels are always timely and thoughtful, and she draws on years of experience as an award-winning author to provide insightful assessments of my work that ultimately strengthen my manuscripts. – Jen Doktorski, YA author

Get in Touch

Want to get the ball rolling on a sample edit? Want to get in touch to find out if your manuscript might be a good fit? Have a few more questions you’d like to ask?

Contact me at: hollyschindlerbooks (at) gmail (dot) com