Why I Don’t Offer Free Samples

I’m in several writer and editor Facebook groups, and there are often authors seeking editors with editors commenting they’re happy to help and to provide a free sample.

Now, free samples are a great idea.

Just not for developmental editing.

It varies, but I’ve seen copyeditors offer free samples that range from 300 words to as much as 1500 words. It’s a way for the author to evaluate the editor’s skills and style. If you’re writing using UK English and your copyeditor is only familiar with US English, there’s going to be a disconnect and they might not be the best person for your project; a free sample is a great way to determine that. It’s also very easy to get an idea of an editor’s skill within 300 words or so.

The same is not the case for developmental editing. I typically need at least a chapter to get an idea of the character’s journey, the plot arc, and the plan for overall structure. Some chapters are 2,000 to 4,000 words. That’s a lot of work for the editor to put in!

What You Can Expect From Me

Instead of a free sample, here’s what the process I suggest (because it is very important for authors and developmental editors to have an excellent relationship):

·        Take a look at my website. My services page has got details on my services as well as price points. (At the time of writing, I’m working with my web developer to include a page that has a list of books I’ve worked on as well.) If my price points are out of your budget, even with a payment plan, then I am not the right editor for you. Would I be happy to connect you with other editors to see what they offer? You bet!

·        Book a discovery call. This free 30-minute Zoom conversation allows us to connect – you’ll tell me about your project and what you hope for it; I’ll tell you about why I love what I do, and how I think I can help to elevate your project. It will also help both of us determine if I’m the right fit for you. While an editor can be disappointed not to work on a project, trust me when I say most times editors can tell when we wouldn’t be the best fit. Please don’t feel bad for giving us the “no”. In the same vein, please don’t feel bad if we have to tell you “No”. As I mentioned in the previous bullet, a lot of us are happy to connect you with other editors, especially if we feel we wouldn’t do your manuscript justice. At the end of the day, it’s about making your manuscript the strongest it can be.

·        Optional: Connecting with past clients so they can provide their experiences. It’s like asking for references. As long as my past clients are alright with me sharing their information (and you can guarantee I ask their permission!), then I’m happy to connect.

·        Optional: Discounted price for samples. Sometimes people would still prefer to do a sample chapter or two. If that’s the case, the price point is less than a full manuscript assessment. It is $0.003/word (a manuscript assessment is $0.007).  With a sample, I provide inline comments. I do NOT change anything in your manuscript. I also do not provide a report like I do for a full assessment. If you’re happy with my work and choose to continue with a full manuscript assessment, the cost of the sample is deducted from the final cost of the assessment.

Editors Beware

Unfortunately, just as there are predatory services that prey on writers, which is why I try to be so transparent and give the information I do, there are writers who try to take advantage of an editor’s offer of a free sample to make their rounds and attempt to get their entire manuscript edited for free.

This is typically the exception, and thankfully not the rule, but just as writers need to protect themselves, so too do editors. A lot of us are freelance, and being taken advantage of means we’re taking time away from legitimate clients, and legitimate sources of income.

Writing is an investment and a job. Editing is a job. Both are important sides of the coin – we can’t have one without the other, and support for respective skills and talents is paramount for a successful book.

Do you have any more questions? Let’s connect and I’ll be happy to answer them.