Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

What’s different about scriblore?

Scriblore isn’t just about getting your manuscript into shape, though diving into the nitty-gritty details of editing is an indispensable part of the overall process. But while most editors will focus exclusively on the work, Elizabeth also specializes in going beyond a specific piece of writing to focus on the writer. When you hire Elizabeth, you’re not just hiring someone to help get a particular manuscript into shape; you’re also hiring someone to take on the far more challenging and rewarding goal of discovering what helps you to thrive as a writer no matter where your current work might take you.

How much experience do I need to take advantage of your services?

It helps if you love to read and can write a complete sentence, but in truth, we’re all narrators of some kind, so if you’ve got the urge to write a book, chances are you’ve got a book in you. Yet while getting the most out of manuscript editing doesn’t take any special kind of experience, it does require a willingness to take an unflinching look at what you need to do to grow your work and become a more fulfilled writer.

Do i need to have written an entire manuscript to take advantage of your services?

Not at all. But if you’re just starting out on your project, an editorial consultation is going to serve you much better than an in-depth manuscript edit. If you’re not sure what service right for you, Elizabeth will help you to decide during your free, initial consultation.

What kind of editing do you provide?

Elizabeth specializes in developmental and content editing, simultaneously addressing the meat of the work and how the different elements (plot, character, dialogue, pacing, etc.) are coming together. While she will address issues with language that relate to the story itself (including line editing, if the manuscript requires it), she does not offer proofreading or copy-editing, which focus more on making sure the writing itself is clean and consistent. (Note: Proofreading and copy-editing usually occur after an author no longer needs to adjust the content of a manuscript.)

How doEs the process work?

The process begins with a free, 20-minute consultation either by phone or in person. During that time, you’ll give Elizabeth a brief sense of your background as a writer and where you are on your current project, and she’ll make some suggestions as to how she thinks you can best take advantage of her services. From there, you will develop a work scope and schedule together. Once the editing is complete, Elizabeth will return your material to you with comments and a detailed editorial letter. After you’ve had a chance to digest her feedback, you’ll meet with her to answer your questions, debrief, and discuss next steps.

How Long does the process take?

Depending on the amount of work to be done, the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. After taking an initial glance at the work and before diving in, Elizabeth will give you an idea of how long she expects the editing will take, and will be sure you’re on board with the proposed schedule before proceeding.

Will this get me an agent, editor, three-book contract, and/or movie deal?

Um, maybe? But if publication is your first, second, and third goal, Scriblore is probably not the right fit for you. If, however, you’d like to feel you’ve written the best possible book you can while also learning how to develop a rewarding, lifelong writing practice, you’ve come to the right place. The nice side effect of this approach is that no agent or editor will take you on unless they fall head-over-heels for your book, so it certainly helps if you have, first.

May I return for more?

Several of Elizabeth’s clients do request multiple edits of the same manuscript, so this is always an option. She will not, however, enable your procrastination by agreeing to review your work whenever you don’t want to write. She will also give you all the tough love you need to recognize when this might be the case.

Do you only work with fiction?

For the most part, yes, but works of creative nonfiction might occasionally be considered.