What do I do if I haven’t heard back from you after I’ve submitted my query?
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.
How long does it take you to turn around a project?
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.
What is your lead time? Can you work on my project NOW?
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.
Can you help me query agents or publishers?
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.
Will you write or revise my manuscript for me?
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.
How quickly will our work together be completed?
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.
Will you copy edit my manuscript?
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.
Do you have flexible work hours?
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.
What is your preferred method of payment?
Payment via Venmo to @CatherineFrankEditorial is strongly preferred. Payment by check (payable to: Catherine Frank Editorial Services, LLC) is accepted. Wire transfers, Zelle, and PayPal are available payment methods. Authors are responsible for any associated fees. Please do not send cash.
Does your position with PeachAdd more contrasttree Publishing affect our work together? What about conflict of interest?
In addition to my work at Catherine Frank Editorial Services, LLC, I am Editor at Large for Peachtree Publishing, Inc., a role I currently fulfill in a part-time capacity. In my Peachtree position, I acquire and edit only in the middle grade category. If your manuscript falls outside of the middle grade category, there is no conflict. To avoid conflict of interest within the middle grade category, I do not accept unsolicited or unagented manuscripts for submission at Peachtree. In the unlikely event that an agent were to submit a manuscript to me that I have previously worked on in a freelance editorial capacity, the involved parties would mutually agree to the best path forward, including the possibility of resubmitting to a different editor of middle grade fiction at Peachtree.