3 Reasons Why I Provide Sample Edits
When contracting my developmental editing services, the customer receives three extensive documents analyzing their work (find samples of these documents here):
Scene and character breakdown
Annotations in the text
An editorial letter
As well as an editor who is dedicated to the work. But there are a few steps between the inquiry and contracting of services that are essential to making this process work.
I have two main systems set up so I can feel confident in any project that I take on. The first is a short questionnaire about the book, the author’s goals, and the editing needed. The second is a sample edit of up to 3,000 words.
I once saw a Facebook comment saying that samples for developmental editing are pointless because developmental editing looks at big-picture, story-wide topics. While it’s true that developmental editing doesn’t focus on the minute details of the story, there are so many things that I can pick up from the first 3,000 words to truly understand if the book is a good match for me.
I have been doing edits of pieces that are 3,000 words for 3 years now. The main things I focus on for an edit of this length are:
The opening. Does it draw the reader in? Is it interesting? Is there enough information provided without info-dumping too much? Is it confusing?
Character. Is the character’s goal clear? Does their personality begin to shine through? Is their opening situation clear to the reader?
The world. Is the worldbuilding revealed artfully? Does the reader come away with an introduction to the details of this world?
POV. Is the choice of POV clear? Is the reader able to pick up on whose story this is without head hopping.?
Pacing. Do the opening pages drag, or do they move too fast to keep up with? How can the pace be improved to get the attention of an agent?
Action. Does something happen, or does the character just go through the motions? Is there anything to intrigue the reader and make them want to continue reading?
Questions. What questions do the first 3,000 words introduce to the reader? Are these questions captivating enough to keep reading?
The sample of 3,000 words is simply a developmental edit of the introduction. Though this length is short, there are still plenty of aspects to review and critique.
So why do I do this? Doesn’t it use my time for books I might not contract?
Yes, this is true. Samples are unpaid and are free gifts to the author. But they are essential to my work. I have 3 main reasons for providing sample edits.
I want you to find the best editor for you, one you are confident in.
Developmental editing is a luxury service, accompanied by a luxury price. I never want you to make a decision about an editor that you aren’t fully informed about. One purpose of the sample edit is to show you what you would be receiving if you choose to hire me. This way, I know you’re confident I will do the edit that is best for you.
Some stories are just not for me.
I choose projects based on writing style, editing needs, topic, and genre. Simply put, some stories are just not for me. Sometimes that means the topic isn’t interesting to me or the writing style doesn’t mesh. My goal is to choose projects that I’m excited about, that I want to dive into reading. That doesn’t mean your story has to be perfect and ready for an eager reader by the time it gets to me, but it means I have to be interested in the story and the writing in order to do my best work. In some cases, there might be a project that I feel underqualified for, in which case I would be honest with the author that they should find someone else. My goal is to provide the best editing service that I can, and sometimes that means saying no.
When I agree to take on your book, you can be rest assured that I’m excited to read it and am confident I can help improve it.
Sample edits are an investment in future customers.
Since you’re putting such significant trust in me to read your work carefully and write a thoughtful critique, the least I can do is invest in your ability to choose me as your editor. It’s important to me that my customers feel confident in the work they’re hiring me for.
I also hope that, even if you don’t go with me as your editor, the sample edits can be shared with other authors so they can consider me for themselves.
So why do I do it? There are so many reasons I offer sample edits, but what it really comes down to is providing a quality service to an author who trusts me. The sample edit is just one way to earn that trust.
Interested in developmental editing services or have a question for the blog?
Send a message and let’s chat!
