1. How can I choose an editor? Select the genre most relevant to your work from the dropdown list provided. If there are editors that specialise in this genre then they will be made available for selection. If no exact match can be found then you will see a general list of editors working in either fiction or non-fiction. To see an editor's profile, click on their image. Please select your preferred editor.
2. What documents do I need to upload after payment? Please upload your full manuscript (in accordance with the word-band you have selected at the point of payment. These are 40,000-49,999 words, 50,000-59,999 words, 60,000-69,999 words, 70,000-79,999 words, 80,000-89,999 words, 90,000-99,999 words, 100,000-109,999 words, and 110,000-119,999 words) and also a synopsis. If you would like to submit more than 120,000 words there is a charge of £17 per additional 1,000 words. If you are submitting fiction, your synopsis should be one page of A4. A synopsis is a technical document to guide an editor/agent through your book. Check out our Writing a Synopsis Guide. The service cannot begin until you have uploaded all necessary documents.
3. What if I'm writing non-fiction? If you are submitting a book of narrative non-fiction (such as memoir, biography or autobiography) then you still need to submit your manuscript (again, this must be in line with the word-band that you selected at the point of payment), and also a one-page synopsis. If you are writing more non-narrative non-fiction, however, please replace a synopsis with a chapter outline. This document should be no more than 5 pages in length. Check out our Writing a Chapter Outline Guide. The service cannot begin until you have uploaded all necessary documents.
4. What documents will I receive from the editor? Your editor will read your full manuscript and then copy-edit the first half. Your edits will be returned to you in at least two documents: a track-changes version, and then a copy of your manuscript with all changes applied by the editor. Your editor may also provide a short document containing editorial notes. All changes made by your editor are suggested, and may be discussed as part of your follow-up phone call.
5. Why does the editor only edit 50% of the manuscript? The purpose of this service is not to offer a developmental edit of a narrative, but to concentrate on addressing punctuation, grammar, spelling, and highlight errors and/or inconsistencies. This is known as copy-editing, a line-by-line approach that is a time-consuming process. The vast majority of errors and/or inconsistencies made within a manuscript, however, are often made within the first half and continue to be made throughout. The Final Polish editing service has been set up to make a writer fully aware of mistakes that have crept into their work and provide a framework in which to edit the rest of the manuscript independently. If you would like to discuss pricing for a full copy-edit of your manuscript, please contact W&A Admin.
6. I've uploaded my documents. When will I receive my edits? Your documents should be with you within up to 15 working days of the service being listed as 'In Progress' (taking into account UK holiday periods and book fairs), though if your word count is in excess of 80,000 words then your service turnaround time will be extended to 20 working days.
7. What if my edits aren't returned on time? This is unlikely to happen, but if it does, you should message your editor via the 'Services in Progress' section of your W&A dashboard. If you are still having problems making contact with the editor, then please contact W&A Admin. Please note that the estimated delivery date of your edited documents is based on when you have uploaded all necessary documents and an editor has accepted your service.
8. How will my follow-up call take place? When the editor has uploaded their editorial suggestions, you will be able to select a date and time from their availability calendar. At this point, under the 'How to call' heading you will be able to click the 'Call info' button. This will display a text box where you can enter your preferred contact details (phone number or joining instructions for video conferencing software) and your editor will use these details to contact you. It is the responsibility of the editor to contact you at the date and time you selected from their availability calendar (although please be reminded that you must also remain available at this time, too!)
9. When will the editor call me? When the editor uploads their feedback on your manuscript, you will be asked to arrange a date and time for your 30-minute follow-up call. To do this, dates and times from the editor's availability calendar will be made available for you to select. You should also use the 'Call info' button to pass your contact details on to your editor. Please note: your follow-up call must take place within two weeks of your editor uploading their editorial suggestions.
10. What if I need to change the time of my call? Please contact the editor via the 'Services in Progress' section of your W&A dashboard to rearrange your call. If you have problems rearranging your call, please contact W&A Admin.
11. What if my editor doesn't call during the time slot we agreed? This is very unlikely to happen, but if it does then first message the editor via the 'Services in Progress' section of your dashboard. If you are still having problems making contact, then please contact W&A Admin so they are able to investigate further.
12. What if my service isn't picked up? This is also very unlikely to happen. If it does, W&A Admin will contact you with an alternative solution and suggestions for how to proceed.