How much does a manuscript evaluation cost?
I charge $2 per page (1 page = 250 words). Normally, you pay 50% up front, and 50% upon completion. A manuscript evaluation is usually 12-15 pages, and includes a follow-up phone call or meeting.
How much does line editing cost?
It varies greatly depending on a manuscript's needs, from $7 - $15 per page. Generally, $12 per page is a safe bet.
How soon can I expect to hear from you after I've submitted my manuscript for evaluation or line editing?
After you've signed the client services agreement and submitted an initial deposit, turnaround time is three weeks or less.
What happens next?
Most of my clients feel they receive enough in the manuscript evaluation to revise their books on their own. However, some re-submit their revised manuscripts for a second evaluation, and some for line editing. After line editing, you will be left with a publication-quality manuscript. I always love to see the revisions clients come up with, and I'm happy to keep working with you until your book is complete.
Do you work with children's or young adult (YA) literature?
Children's, no; YA, usually not. I have edited YA novels, but the vast majority of my experience and marketing knowledge concerns adult fiction and nonfiction.
Do you work with authors who are interested in self-publishing?
Of course!
Can you provide me with examples of your editing or writing?
Absolutely. At your request I'll send you an example of a manuscript evaluation, a sample of line editing, or a sample of writing.
Can you provide me with references?
I'd be happy to. Just drop me a line and I'll connect you with former or current clients who can answer questions about my work. You can also take a look at the Testimonials page.
Can I hire you to help me find an agent?
The short answer is no. You should never pay someone to help you find an agent, and steer well clear of anyone promising to get you an agent for a fee. There are plenty of ways to find an agent for free, such as AgentQuery, QueryTracker, the yearly Writer's Market, or consult the Association of Authors' Representatives. You can also attend writing conferences to meet agents and pitch your project in person, or there are plenty of publications that can steer you in the right direction, such as Poets & Writers or Writer's Digest.
I do love to refer people to agents I know, but this is done strictly as a courtesy, and only if I believe a project merits publication and I happen to know of an agent who would be the perfect fit.
How much do writing services cost?
The cost varies widely, depending on the kind of work you need and how much research and writing it will require. Obviously, fees increase as the work does. When negotiating fees, you should keep in mind that if you're hiring a writer to produce a manuscript, you're essentially hiring someone for 6-12 months' worth of work. It's also helpful to keep in mind that in most cases, the advance you receive for a nonfiction work will substantially offset the cost of hiring a writer. Also, in many cases, the cost of writing or editing services is tax deductible. Check with your accountant to make sure.
Are you open to working for nothing up front in exchange for a 50/50 share of the profits?
Probably not. You'd have to be a major celebrity or have a truly extraordinary story that's already gained national media attention for me to consider this kind of arrangement. What you have to understand is that, taking into account the time it takes to write a book proposal, secure a contract with an agent, sell a book proposal, write the manuscript, and then complete the full production timetable, which is dictated by the publisher, it would be at least two years before either of us would see any of that "50/50."
That said, I am open to profit-sharing arrangements that allow you to have a lower up-front investment. The terms would be laid out exactly in our contract. See more on this below....
Are you flexible when it comes to payment terms?
Absolutely. During our initial consultation we'd discuss payment terms in detail; I'd then draw up a contract based upon our mutually-agreed-upon terms and deadlines. Normally, I require a 25% deposit for the Cover to Cover or Full Manuscript services, and smaller editing projects are paid on a 50% up front, 50% upon completion basis.
There's more payment flexibility with the higher-end services, and I'm perfectly willing to entertain your most creative payment-term ideas. When it comes time to research and write the manuscript, I've worked with clients who chose to pay a third up front, a third at mid-point, and a third upon completion; those who paid 25% up front and the rest in monthly installments; those who negotiated for a smaller deposit in exchange for a percentage of royalties; and even one who paid in full upon signing so she wouldn't be bothered with subsequent invoicing (though that's quite rare!). I'm willing to work with you on payment terms that make the most sense for you.
Do you require rights, royalties, or any kind of publication credit?
The short answer: No, no, and no.
The longer answer: All rights to your work are yours and yours alone. As for royalties, I do not require that you include me in the revenue stream, though some clients choose this route because it allows them to commit to a lower up-front investment. As for publication credits, I am amenable to whatever you choose. I can be a "total ghost," i.e. have no credit whatsoever, or I can be credited as a co-author (by Jane Doe and Catherine Knepper) or collaborator (by John Doe with Catherine Knepper).
Will you sign a non-disclosure agreement?
I'm more than happy to sign an agreement of confidentiality and can provide one for you. Anything you share with me, written or verbal, is 100% confidential.
What about "hidden" fees, such as printing and mailing costs?
No hidden fees. I pay for all printing and mailing costs, as well as any telephone or video conferencing charges. The only additional charges you would incur are travel fees if you would like to have an in-person consultation or do face-to-face interviews, or if research or meeting with agents or publishers requires me to travel.
How does the actual writing process work?
First, I work according to your schedule and your availability. What we'd do is discuss your ideas and marketing needs by phone and/or e-mail, and then I'd be free to start researching and writing. I will turn in chapters to you as I finish them, get your feedback, and revise accordingly. Once all chapters are complete, I'll do a global edit to make sure everything flows as it should and do a final copyedit. You can be updated on your book's progress as often (or as seldom) as you wish.
Do you ghostwrite fiction?
I'm sorry, I only collaborate on nonfiction projects. Writing fiction is a whole different animal, and I try and keep what little fiction-writing time I have to myself. I do, however, edit fiction, up to and including what has been known as "book doctoring."
How long does writing usually take?
It varies widely. I like to shoot for six to ten months for a book proposal and full manuscript, though some projects have taken as little as four, and some as many as fifteen months. It all depends on how developed your ideas are, how much research is required, and how long the book is. I would give you an estimate for completion at the outset of the project and we would agree upon deadlines at that time.
Book proposals usually take no more than two to three months, and can be completed significantly faster if you have a robust promotion plan already in progress.
More questions?
If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd love to talk with you about your project and help you bring your ideas to the publishing marketplace! E-mail me at catherine@catherineknepper.com to ask questions or to set up a phone appointment.