Usually, the client first connects with me by submitting an enquiry form. I respond within 24 hours, and after communicating over email or phone call, the next step is to perform a free manuscript assessment or a 1,000-word sample edit, whichever is applicable. Turnaround time for the manuscript assessment is normally 2 weeks, and the sample edit is five days. Upon completion, the client and I can decide if we are a good fit. If so, I will offer a price quote. Once in agreement, I will draft the contract and the start date can be scheduled.

Once I begin the edit, I will email an update on the project’s progress once a week. Of course, the client can contact me anytime with questions. Once my work is complete, I will send the file with track changes and comments, a clean copy for ease of use, the style sheet, an editorial report, and any other pertinent elements. The client can then accept or reject suggested edits and return the document to me to refine, finalize, and ensure it’s ready for formatting (if we are at the copyediting stage). A Zoom meeting or phone call will be scheduled to address any outgoing concerns or questions.

Yes. A non-refundable down payment of 30% of the total charges is required to begin a payment plan. Payment terms can be tailored to the client but are usually paid in three installments, including the down payment. Upon completion of the work, the edited manuscript will be returned to the client after the final installment has been paid.

Turnaround time can range from two to twenty weeks.. Bundling services can increase project duration. The turnaround time is subject to word count and the degree of editing work involved. The time needed can be determined more accurately upon consultation.

Yes. These are taken case-by-case after considering all factors during consultation. I charge a higher rate for shorter-than-normal deadlines.

First and foremost, I use The Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition. I also use Webster’s Third New International Dictionary for spelling and any targeted style guides where applicable.

Memoir

Self-Help/Personal Development

Spirituality

How-To

Yes. For editing and ghostwriting, all services are rendered under the covering of a detailed contract signed by both parties.

As it is industry standard, I use MS Word. I am open to discussing other options if this does not suit the client. I want to utilize tools that work for all parties involved.

After receiving the enquiry form, I will contact the potential client by email to schedule an initial discovery call. The call will last thirty to ninety minutes. The client and I will review project details and determine the scope, schedule, and payment terms. I will draft a contract upon agreement to work together, and a series of interviews will be scheduled to kick off the outlining and writing process.

We will begin having interviews (preferably over Zoom or in person) to establish your voice and create an outline. Depending on the project, the total number of meetings we need can range from a few to a dozen. These meetings are usually scheduled twice a week in the beginning and then taper to once a week. I will send each chapter to the client for review as I write. Upon completing the book, a Zoom meeting will be scheduled to address any outgoing questions and discuss further plans. At this point, the editing schedule will be established should the client include my editing services after completion of the writing.

Memoir and Autobiography

Self Help/Personal Development

Spirituality

How-To

Business

Generally, completion takes four to eight months.

Firstly, a down payment of 30% of the invoice is required to begin a contract. After that, I offer two payment options.

Option 1: the remaining balance after the deposit can be divided into two parts, made midway through the project and at the end.

Option 2: the remaining balance after the deposit is divided into even monthly payments to be made throughout the project's duration.

The completed manuscript will be returned to the client upon final payment.

All ghostwriting projects are kept strictly confidential. I do not co-write nor share visible authorship with the client. As part of the contract, I will draft a non-disclosure agreement. Liz Richards Editorial will never use ghostwritten material in a portfolio nor display client books on the website.