How does the book editing process work? The book editing process at Pageant Wagon Publishing (PWP) involves four stages to review and rewrite your manuscript: Developmental, Substantive, Line, and Copy Editing:
Developmental Editing addresses the big-picture book concept, molding the first draft or loose “brain dump” of content into a focused point for non-fiction, or cohesive plot and character development for fiction. Research is reviewed to be sure the book employs accurate facts. Target market discussion helps to determine the full potential of the book. Editing decisions made about subject, scope, and sequence define the book’s compass framework for further editing levels.
Substantive Editing demands hard choices from the author. Rewrite scenes and delete redundancies and elements that do not fit the book’s framework. Rearrange chapters, pages, and paragraphs. Add material to fully flesh out the book’s concept. Maintain a logical progression of thought. Fine-tune the plot order, purpose for each scene, and the effectiveness of characters in fiction.
Line Editing narrows the lens to improve sentence and paragraph structure line by line. Give detailed attention to syntax and flow, use of language, and effective figures of speech to best communicate your story or message.
Copy Editing reviews your manuscript word by word. Each one needs to earn its keep in a book. Check for proper punctuation, spelling, and word usage. Eliminate unnecessary words or phrases, weak words (just, very, that, etc.), “ing” endings, and trim the use of adverbs in exchange for strong verbs.
How is my unique voice preserved through the editing process? There are two ways to approach the editing of your book securing your voice:
The Shepherd Edit works like a teacher/student relationship. The submitted manuscript goes through the Developmental Edit in consulting sessions between PWP and the author. Together we mold the book’s framework and agree on how to fully develop the voice and content potential of the book. PWP uses the editing suggestions tool in Google Docs and notes where Substantive and Line editing corrections need to be addressed by the author using the PWP Self-Editing Checklist. The author does the rewrite and sends it back for PWP review and copy edit polishing before sending it back to the author for approval. This process puts the lion-share of the editing and writing in the hands of the author who is challenged to grow as a writer along the way. This approach consumes more time because of the back and forth of the editing and may extend the publication timeline.
The Collaborative Edit involves direct writing and composition input by PWP after fully discussing the Developmental Edit details with the author and agreeing upon the book’s framework. PWP does the Substantive, Line, and Copy editing, maintaining the author’s voice within the context of quality technical writing. Each rewrite is fully reviewed and discussed in consulting sessions with the author for input and adjustments as necessary. This approach is designed for authors who may not have the time to dedicate to the rigors of the Shepherd Edit approach, and desire to publish their book within a shorter period of time. Collaborative writing is also referred to as ghostwriting.
Does PWP specialize in specific genres? Yes. PWP accepts submissions in Christian non-fiction, devotionals, memoirs, Bible study and homeschool curriculum, literature guides, journals, children’s picture books, children’s chapter books, family history, local history, DIY how-to, and ministry focused titles targeting women and families.
Can I hire PWP for a la carte single services? Yes. PWP offers each aspect of publishing your book separately priced as needed. For instance, you may have a manuscript that is already fully edited and only need the template layout, design formatting, and print publication services. Each of those would be charged separately according to the size of the book. Some may only desire monthly consulting sessions on a particular aspect of writing which also has separate fees. Editing fees range between .01 to .05 per word depending on editing level. Schedule a consult to receive a quote of costs and fees. Schedule a consult to receive a quote of costs and fees.
How much money should I budget for publishing my book? Depending on the scope of your book, the condition of the manuscript, and the PWP services requested, a budget of $1000 to $3000 is reasonable. Specific outsourced editing, illustration, and cover art may increase the costs. This does not include book inventory or marketing expenses. The author is solely responsible for varied marketing costs and ordering their books from the printer upon final publication.
Do you include book marketing in the price of publishing? Additional consulting services are available to tool the author with information on varied elements of marketing the book including booklaunch, social media presence, website and blog, email list, speaking and vendor events, and more. The author takes full responsibility for the ongoing marketing of their book.
Who owns the copyright to my completed book? PWP services include the set-up and acquisition of ISBN number (the universal book identification number) owned by the author or owned and managed through the imprint at PWP. Copyright and Library of Congress Number (as necessary) is always in the author's name. The author retains all copyrights to their book. They may choose to manage inventory by themselves or allow PWP to manage it.
What are my responsibilities as the author of the book? The author of the book is responsible to set aside up to two each, two-hour consulting sessions each month with PWP (via phone or in person AS NEEDED) and complete the assignment tasks between sessions. In addition, the author is responsible for their own inventory and marketing of the book to their target audience.
How often do we have consulting sessions and what is covered? During the two-hour consulting sessions up to twice a month, all aspects of the book are discussed, including editing details, technical writing skills mentoring, brainstorming ideas, marketing how-to tips, and more AS NEEDED. PWP assigns the author tasks to be completed prior to the next session. Sticking to this monthly work and discussion format according to the pre-approved project timeline in a disciplined manner gives the author the most bang for their buck, and gets their book off the press in a timely manner.
How large is the staff at PWP? Kathryn Ross is the jack-of-all-trades at Pageant Wagon Publishing: writing and project shepherd, editor, cover and interior design, formatting, template design, etc. Some graphic design and illustration work may be out-sourced depending on the scope of the job. Additional editorial assistance may be employed through PWP’s affiliation with peer professionals and a writer’s critique group. Additional fees may apply per out-sourced work. PWP publishes through both Kindel Direst Publishing and IngramSpark print publication and global distributors.
How can I secure Pageant Wagon Publishing to publish my book? There are limited openings available for book clients with Pageant Wagon Publishing. Submit your book proposal and manuscript to Kathryn Ross at [email protected]. After review and an edit of the first two/three pages submitted, you will be contacted to set up a phone consult, critique, and fee estimate to determine if PWP is the right fit for your book project.
What happens after my book is accepted? If a publishing or consultant agreement is reached, the author will be sent a contract to be returned signed and dated within two weeks with 50% of fee quoted and invoiced. No work will commence until payment is received. Payment options include credit card by phone, automated withdrawals via Square, or digital invoices and check by mail. Consulting sessions are done via phone, Skype, or in person depending upon location. The manuscript must be transferred to Google Docs for sharing and editing work. PWP will maintain a Project Worksheet with monthly tasks to be completed during the pre-approved timeline of the project by both the author and PWP.
Contact or Email Kathryn Ross at [email protected] and schedule a consult to learn if Pageant Wagon Publishing is right for you!