FAQ
What's this going to cost?
My rates are consistent with industry standards. With most projects, I ask for 50% down with 50% due before I release the project, but alternative terms may usually be negotiated up front. Factors include number of pages/word count, level of editing or indexing, how much attention citations need, and density of the prose style. A page of Michel Foucault is not the same as a page of Good Housekeeping magazine.
For individual authors, I quote based on the project, not by the hour. I might be able to determine the quote during our free initial consult, but often I'll need to see the project before I can give you an answer.
For publishers, I can provide project quotes or hourly rates.
What's the process for working with you?
Most clients will benefit from a free consultation by phone, video, or chat, though sometimes email works just as well. Depending on the length of the project, I'll do a free sample edit. This helps me arrive at a quote and helps you decide if you want to work with me. If so, I'll send you a proposal (a document written in plain English) as well as a contract (the legal stuff).
I’m traditionally publishing. Can I ask my publisher to hire you to be my editor or indexer?
Can't hurt! Each press has its own practices for outsourcing labor.
My manuscript is as good as I can get it. Will you help me self-publish?
Yes! I can help you identify your options and coach you through the steps.
My manuscript is as good as I can get it. Will you help me get it traditionally published?
There are no guarantees in traditional publishing, but I can help you try. I can coach you on pitching your nonfiction proposal, querying agents with your fiction, and identifying publishers who accept un-agented manuscripts.
Can I hire you for something other than indexing, editing, and coaching?
Though my pseudonym is busy working on a novel of her own, I am open to writing assignments that pay professional rates and potentially other projects as well.
What about cover design or graphics?
Hahaha no. Do you see how text-heavy this website is? You do not want me for that.
What does freelance work entail?
In addition to the client-facing services, I handle the behind-the-scenes operations, including website management, accounting/financing/billing, marketing and publicity, and professional development. This last one covers a bit of everything: keeping up with changes in style guides and language use, reading books and book reviews for trends in publishing, learning to use new software, and making sure my website and services are accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.
Where are you located?
Established in May of 2023, Blue Legend Manuscript Services operates out of beautiful central Wisconsin, United States, on the traditional lands of the Oma͞eqnomenew-ahkew (Menominee), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) peoples. I learned this thanks to Native Land Digital: https://native-land.ca/.
Is there some reason you wouldn't work with me?
As a contract worker in the United States, and as a generally decent human being, I do not discriminate against clients based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, or genetic information (including family medical history).
However, I am selective about taking on clients based on a variety of factors, including my schedule availability, my areas of expertise, and my personal tastes. I do not take on projects unless I can enthusiastically commit to them and meet deadlines.
Who designed that sweet logo? What about your banner image?
The logo was designed by Mikhail Shadeed. Hire him at mikhailshadeed at gmail.com. The banner image comes from the collection on Unsplash and was photographed by an artist called Haidan.
My rates are consistent with industry standards. With most projects, I ask for 50% down with 50% due before I release the project, but alternative terms may usually be negotiated up front. Factors include number of pages/word count, level of editing or indexing, how much attention citations need, and density of the prose style. A page of Michel Foucault is not the same as a page of Good Housekeeping magazine.
For individual authors, I quote based on the project, not by the hour. I might be able to determine the quote during our free initial consult, but often I'll need to see the project before I can give you an answer.
For publishers, I can provide project quotes or hourly rates.
What's the process for working with you?
Most clients will benefit from a free consultation by phone, video, or chat, though sometimes email works just as well. Depending on the length of the project, I'll do a free sample edit. This helps me arrive at a quote and helps you decide if you want to work with me. If so, I'll send you a proposal (a document written in plain English) as well as a contract (the legal stuff).
I’m traditionally publishing. Can I ask my publisher to hire you to be my editor or indexer?
Can't hurt! Each press has its own practices for outsourcing labor.
My manuscript is as good as I can get it. Will you help me self-publish?
Yes! I can help you identify your options and coach you through the steps.
My manuscript is as good as I can get it. Will you help me get it traditionally published?
There are no guarantees in traditional publishing, but I can help you try. I can coach you on pitching your nonfiction proposal, querying agents with your fiction, and identifying publishers who accept un-agented manuscripts.
Can I hire you for something other than indexing, editing, and coaching?
Though my pseudonym is busy working on a novel of her own, I am open to writing assignments that pay professional rates and potentially other projects as well.
What about cover design or graphics?
Hahaha no. Do you see how text-heavy this website is? You do not want me for that.
What does freelance work entail?
In addition to the client-facing services, I handle the behind-the-scenes operations, including website management, accounting/financing/billing, marketing and publicity, and professional development. This last one covers a bit of everything: keeping up with changes in style guides and language use, reading books and book reviews for trends in publishing, learning to use new software, and making sure my website and services are accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.
Where are you located?
Established in May of 2023, Blue Legend Manuscript Services operates out of beautiful central Wisconsin, United States, on the traditional lands of the Oma͞eqnomenew-ahkew (Menominee), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) peoples. I learned this thanks to Native Land Digital: https://native-land.ca/.
Is there some reason you wouldn't work with me?
As a contract worker in the United States, and as a generally decent human being, I do not discriminate against clients based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, or genetic information (including family medical history).
However, I am selective about taking on clients based on a variety of factors, including my schedule availability, my areas of expertise, and my personal tastes. I do not take on projects unless I can enthusiastically commit to them and meet deadlines.
Who designed that sweet logo? What about your banner image?
The logo was designed by Mikhail Shadeed. Hire him at mikhailshadeed at gmail.com. The banner image comes from the collection on Unsplash and was photographed by an artist called Haidan.