Editing FAQs

Below you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions about line editing, copyediting, and the workflow I use with indie authors. If you don’t see your question here, please email me.

What’s the difference between line editing and copyediting?

Line Editing

Improves clarity, flow, tone, and emotional resonance at the sentence and paragraph level. It strengthens your prose without changing your voice.

Copyediting

Focuses on correctness and consistency: grammar, punctuation, continuity, formatting, and light fact-checking.

If you’re unsure which you need, I can evaluate your sample and recommend the right fit.

How do you determine pricing?

Pricing is transparent and based on your manuscript’s word count:

• Line Editing: 5¢ per word
• Copyediting: 3.2¢ per word
• Short-Form Editing: Flat-rate based on scope

You’ll receive a clear quote before the project begins – no surprise fees later.

Can you help me figure out which service I need?

Yes. Send 2–5 sample pages and a short note about your goals. I’ll read the sample, identify the level of edit that best supports your work, and provide a clear quote and timeline.

What genres do you edit?

I specialize in:

• Fantasy (light and heavy)
• Romance and romance-adjacent fiction
• Science fiction and SF/F blends
• Speculative fiction
• General fiction
• Young Adult
• Narrative nonfiction

Character-driven, voice-forward manuscripts are the best fit.

Do you edit LGBTQ+ characters or queer-centric stories?

Absolutely. My practice is openly queer-friendly and inclusive.
I work with queer authors, queer stories, and diverse representation across genres.

What does your workflow look like?

My process is structured, calm, and ND-friendly:

1. Sample & Note – Send 2–5 pages + project goals
2. Quote & Recommendation – Clear pricing + timeline
3. Schedule & Confirm – We agree on scope and dates
4. Edit & Delivery – Clean file + tracked-changes file
5. Questions at Your Pace – No pressure, all asynchronous

There are no required calls unless you want one.

How long does editing take?

Turnaround varies by project size and scheduling, but typical windows are:

• Short-form editing: 2–5 days
• Novella-length editing: 2–3 weeks
• Novel-length editing: 3–5 weeks

During scheduling, I’ll give you a firm delivery date.

Do I need to clean up my manuscript before sending it?

No.
You don’t have to perfect anything before the sample review.
It’s helpful – but not required – if the manuscript:

• is in a single document
• uses standard formatting
• has clear chapter or section breaks

If you’re unsure, send it as-is. I’ll handle the rest.

How will I receive the edited document?

You’ll receive two files:

• Tracked-changes version (showing every adjustment)
• Clean version (fully incorporated, easy to read)

We can review the changes at your pace, and you can accept or reject them as needed.

What file formats do you accept?

I accept:

• .docx
• .ods
• .rtf

I return edits in the same format you send.

Quick overview:

• .docx — Best compatibility across writing software
• .ods — Fully supports tracked changes in modern LibreOffice/ODF tools
• .rtf — Depends on the editor; many apps support tracked changes, some simplify formatting

If you aren’t sure which format suits your workflow, I can recommend one.

Do you keep my files confidential?

Yes.
Your manuscript stays private. I do not share your materials, discuss them externally, or store them anywhere public.

Do you offer sample edits?

If you’d like a brief sample edit to understand my style, I can provide one based on your initial pages before you commit to a full project.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept common digital payment methods (e.g., PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, or equivalents) and issue invoices for all projects.

How do I get started?

You can begin in whichever way works best for your energy and workflow:

Start Your Edit

or

Email: inquiry@andrewlbond.com

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