FAQ for Editing And Services
Here, you will more details about my services. If you have any other questions, please reach out to me at CynthiaBaileyRug@aol.com
Q: What kind of editing do you do?
A: I blend line editing and proofreading. This means I not only correct spelling errors. I also smooth out awkward sentences and correct grammar/punctuation while preserving your unique voice.
Q: What kind of office suite do you use?
A: I like Libre Office, as it is very easy to use and completely free. It also has the same features as Microsoft Word, and can save the document in Word format (.doc or .docx) or .pdf format. The only downside is at this moment, it only offers a viewer for android, not a full office type suite. However, if you have Windows, Mac or Linux, it is readily available.
Q: Do you work on all genres?
A: I specialize in nonfiction, memoirs, devotionals, and self help particularly from a Biblical perspective, much like the books I write. If your project falls outside those areas, feel free to reach out anyway. I would be happy to take a look at and consider your project. If I feel I cannot do it justice or if it goes against my faith somehow (such as erotica, hate speech, etc.), I will let you know quickly so you can find another editor and/or formatter.
Q: Do you design covers?
A: I only design covers for my own books. However, there are plenty of book cover creators available for hire. You also can try your hand at your own cover creation. AI can be useful in creating specific images to match your specifications. Canva is great another resource. They offer both free and paid versions.
Q: Can I use any font I want in my book?
A: You can, however, it may not look professional. Commonly used fonts for print books include Garamond (my personal favorite), Times New Roman, and Palatino. There is more flexibility with ebook fonts. In addition to the afore mentioned fonts, you can use Arial, Veranda or Roboto. The genre of your work also can determine which font you may want to choose. A modern fiction tale would work best with a more modern font while nonfiction works best with a simpler font like Times New Roman. Whichever font you choose will be embedded in your manuscript when I return it to you, which guarantees it will look the same on every device and in print.
Q: What about ISBNs?
A: ISBNs, or International Standard Book Numbers, are necessary for anyone who is looking to sell their book in bookstores or online stores. (This excludes ebooks published through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing as they do not require ISBNs.) You can purchase your own, but it is much easier to get a free one from the publisher when you upload your book at the time of publication. At that point, it will need to be added to the front matter page after the copyright notice. You can add it yourself then save your document as a .pdf or simply send the number to me and I will add it for you then redo the .pdf so it is ready to publish. You could start the publishing process before the book is ready so you can get your book’s ISBN, then send it to me to add in while I am working on it.
Q: What size books do you format for print?
A: Trade paperback, which is 6″ x 9″, is a very popular size and my preferred size to use when I publish my own books. It also is a popular choice among my clients. I also have done US Letter size (8.5″ x 11″). Other sizes can be done too such as 5″ x8″ (Novella), 6.63″ x 10.25″ (Comic Book) or even a square book at either 7.5″ x 7.5″ or 8.5″ x 8.5″. I honestly never have tried to make a book in those sizes, but I am up for the challenge if that interests you. If you want to use a size I haven’t done before, it may take a bit longer for me to format your book. Sometimes figuring out formatting can be pretty challenging.
Q: What’s your turnaround time?
A: For editing services, most projects under 40,000 words, turnaround is 7–10 business days. Larger projects or ones with many pictures may take 2–3 weeks. For formatting services only, that can be done a bit faster, usually in about 3-4 business days. Rush service is available for an additional fee of 20% of the project’s final cost.
Q: What if I decide I want my book done sooner than we originally agreed on?
A: I have other clients and health limitations, so this is not something I can accommodate. The best I can offer in this type of situation is to return your manuscript to you with as much editing and/or formatting as I have done, and you (or someone else) can finish it. I will adjust the price accordingly. To avoid this, please plan ahead.
Q: What about my file? How do I send it to you, and how do I get the finished product?
A: I will create a folder for you on my Google Drive. You can add your file to it, then I will do the editing and formatting. Once it is finished, I will put the completed file(s) in the Google Drive folder. Once that is done, be sure to save your files! I will delete them 5 days after our project is complete.
Q: What can I expect my file to look like when you are finished formatting it?
A: Your ready to print file will look exactly like it will on the inside of the printed book – easy to read, everything evenly spaced, proper margins, etc. Your ebook file, however, will not look so neat. You may have a page with only a few words or one sentence on it before the following chapter begins. Ebook files need to contain as little formatting as possible, which means eliminating things like tabs and extra spaces, and using page breaks rather than repeatedly hitting “enter” to get you to a new page. Doing this makes it easier for your book to look good on each unique device or app your customers use. Plus, most readers change their font sizes, which also means less formatting helps it adapt to each device well. Please know that just because I return an ebook file to you that looks rather messy or disorganized, it does not mean I did not format your ebook! It will be formatted and ready to upload to the publisher of your choice, even though it may not look that way.
Q: Will you upload my files to Amazon KDP or another publisher for me?
A: No, but I do offer upload assistance for KDP for a small additional fee, meaning I will guide you through the process so you can learn do this yourself in the future. The process is really quite easy once you get used to it!
Q: I am unsure what publisher to use. Can you recommend someone?
A: I can! Amazon Kindle Direct is great for online only ebook sales on Amazon and other retailers, and they also can create print versions of your books. Their print books tend to be a bit on the expensive side though, which naturally can reduce royalties you receive. Draft2Digital.com is a good option for ebooks or print books, as their publishing process is very easy and they distribute to many, many retailers and libraries. However their drawback is if you want to make both an ebook and a print version, they do not do that, even though the site looks like they should. I was told that the reason being their distributers say they do not like “duplicates.” Lulu.com is the first publisher I went with many years ago, and I still like and use them. They can create both ebook and print versions of your books, and sell them at various online retailers and brick and mortar stores. Publishing books through all of these companies costs nothing upfront. They make their money when your book sells. The only upfront cost is when publishing print books. It is necessary to purchase at least one proof copy so you can be absolutely certain the book looks exactly as you want it to.
Q: Do you provide contracts or invoices?
A: Yes. All projects include a service agreement and invoice for your records.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: Yes. I ask for 50% payment up front, and the rest upon delivery of your files. However, I also understand times are tight. If you need assistance, I can offer 50% upfront to get started, 25% approximately halfway through, and the remaining 25% upon delivery. If you cannot afford either of these terms, let me know. We will figure out an arrangement on which we both can agree.
Q: How do I pay you?
A: I prefer CashApp, but also will accept PayPal, Venmo and money orders.
If you are interested in working with me, please feel free to reach out to me at the email below with a copy of this completed inquiry and a sample of your manuscript (no more than 2,000 words). I will get back to you quickly with a clear estimate and turnaround time. Then I will email you a services agreement. Please sign it and return it to my email. Once I receive it, I will let you know. Then I will create a Google Drive folder for you, and you can upload your full manuscript to that Google Drive folder. Then I will get to work for you as soon as possible.