FAQ

I respond to all queries via email within ten business days. Whether I’m a good match for your project or I don’t feel I’m a good fit, I will let you know. If you have not heard from me within ten business days you should re-send your query. Emails do occasionally go astray, so it’s okay to follow up with me.

Once I begin working on a project, it typically takes me about three weeks to deliver my notes. Sometimes it takes me less time, especially with a shorter manuscript. But I allow myself three weeks to leave plenty of time for reading, thinking, and drafting my notes.

My lead time varies, but I typically book projects between 4 and 6 weeks in advance of the start date. You shouldn’t expect a query to result in an immediate start date. I will do my best to accommodate your schedule whenever possible, though.

My rates vary depending on the size and scope of the work. I use an hourly rate for query work ($150/hour) and consultation work ($175/hour), and I submit an invoice when hourly work is completed. For larger projects (such as developmental editing and single-round editing), after my initial materials review, I will provide a custom quote and proposal for our work together. The quote is typically a flat fee, payable at intervals during the editing process. My rates take into consideration manuscript word count, type of editing, and publication goals. When a quote and proposal are accepted, I submit a letter of agreement, which establishes deliverables, fees, and procedures. Your slot on my calendar is reserved when the signed agreement is returned to me.

I can help you draft and edit your query letter and/or book proposal, and I can help guide you with researching which publisher or agency might be a good fit for you. I do not guarantee that I will put you in direct contact with specific agents or editors.

No. I’m strictly an editor, not a book doctor or ghost writer. I will read and critique your manuscript, analyze it, and help you consider it from a new perspective as you prepare to revise, develop, and polish your story. I do ask a lot of questions, make suggestions, and help you find your way during revisions, but I leave the writing to you.

The speed at which I complete a project almost always depends on how quickly an author revises and how deeply we’re working on a manuscript. Revision takes time. The editorial process is time-consuming and shouldn’t be hurried. I do not dictate concrete deadlines (unless an author requests one!), but prefer to use target dates that are agreeable for everyone involved.

I’m a content editor, not a copy editor. Copyediting and proofreading are essential for every manuscript, and that type of work is a specialized skill. I do my best to catch typos, grammatical errors, and punctuation problems when I’m polishing a manuscript, but a text I’ve edited is not considered copyedited.

My expertise is in children’s publishing and storytelling, but I regularly edit projects that are not geared to the children’s market. I have experience editing adult fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, from romance to thrillers to arthouse catalogs. Please feel free to ask if I might be a good fit for working on your manuscript.

Is there any sort of animal suffering in your manuscript? Please find a different editor. I’m not right for that one.

Catherine Frank Editorial Services is my full-time job and I strive to keep to standard business hours (Central time) Monday through Friday. I do make exceptions on an as-needed basis, but it’s my preference to stick to regular office hours.

ACH transfers (such as Zelle) and PayPal are available payment methods. Payment by paper check (payable to: Catherine Frank Editorial Services, LLC) is also accepted. Payment methods and fees will be agreed to prior to any transactions.