What Authors Think of
Sterling R. Walker's Editing

If y'all are looking for a developmental editor, might I suggest Sterling R. Walker? She's a miracle worker. Thanks to her suggestions, I've added nearly 3,000 words to a stalled manuscript, and I'm feeling rather hopeful about it too.
-- Fiona Skye, author of the award-winning Revelations Trilogy

Q&A for Authors

Q: Is my completed manuscript ready for a development editor?
- A: Is it a rough draft or a first draft? In other words, have you done your own editing and revisions? If not, then no -- it's not ready.

- A: Has anyone except you set eyes on it? In other words, have at least two or three beta readers gone over it and you've made the revisions they recommend? If not, then no -- it's not ready.

- What's a beta reader? These are people who have read your manuscript and given you objective feedback on what you need to change to make the story work. Beta readers should ideally have a background in writing and be willing to give you honest critique. In other words, your beta readers shouldn't be your mother, spouse, or biggest fan if you want objective feedback.

Q: What can I expect from a development editor?
- A: There are two different types of editing services, line editing and development editing, and some editors offer both. A line editor (copyeditor or proofreader) is the most well-known type of editor. He or she is going to go through your manuscript and flag any typos, misspellings, and grammatical and punctuation errors. A development editor is going to examine your story or content. He or she is going to give you detailed feedback on what you need to revise to make your work shine. Your editor will look for plot holes, inconsistencies, weak characterization and dialogue, pacing issues, and anything that distracts from your story. He or she will also offer suggestions for improvements when issues are found.

Q: Will a developmental editor try to impose her 'writing style' on mine?
- A: A valid concern, but assuredly no. A good editor won't try to change your 'voice' or quibble over word choice.

Q: Does Sterling Edits offer line editing, too?
- A: I will flag any typos, etc. that I see (and I will catch many of them), but I prefer to focus my attention on your story. In my opinion, there are many good programs out there that can find the errors for you, and by the time your manuscript has gone through two rounds of beta readers, 99% of them will be found and corrected. You also have the option of hiring a line editor for your final draft.

Q: Is Sterling Edits a good fit for my needs as an author?
- A: This is where I get brutally honest. I do limit what I'm willing to edit, based on what I'm willing to read. Therefore I don't accept erotica, horror, or LGBT-themed manuscripts. Outside of those genres, if your work would garner an R rating, I'm not your editor.

Q: What do I need to do once we've agreed to work together?
- A: Once you've paid the first half of the editing fee, simply email me your file. It needs to be 12 point font, double-spaced (or line and a half spacing) with numbered pages. When I've finished editing, you'll pay the second half of the fee and get yourprinted manuscript back via snail mail.My goal is to get it back to you within two weeks, barring any unforeseen real-life emergencies. It will be marked up like your last high school English essay, with a printed summary of the editing issues. I'm available to discuss the edits via email or phone thereafter.

Sterling Edits Services Offered
- Basic Service: Full manuscript fee is $2/page -- half due before sending your manuscript, the other half due on completion of editing.

- Polishing Service: If you would like me to re-read your manuscript after Basic Service and critique your revisions, the fee is .50/page.

PayPal is my preferred method of payment. Contact me for specifics.

Services Sterling Edits Doesn't Offer
- Line editing (or copyediting). Although I will flag any typos, grammar issues, misspellings, etc., I cannot guarantee I'll catch everything. Please understand that line editing isn't what you hired me to do. I can recommend a reputable line editor, however, Laura Walker does top notch work. For the record, Laura and I are not related!

- Formatting. Sorry, even I struggle with this. Smashwords has a free guide to formatting your ebook.