What services do you provide?
For individuals, there are several. Submission analysis consists of reading and guiding you toward a more successful submission package to send to an agent or editor. Your cover letter, synopsis, and first fifty pages will be read and I'll tell you the strengths I see as well as the weaknesses, and offer suggestions as to how to make the package better.

Editing begins with a reading of the manuscript and then the line by line consideration, with suggested changes and revisions. This does not mean that I will rewrite, though showing the changes involves some of that. You'll rewrite the book, as much or as little as necessary, with my guidance.

How long will this take?
There's no way to fix a time. How much work has to be done? How quickly can you rewrite, how much time will you invest in the process? Once we've begun work and seen what is involved, we may be able to set a timeframe. Keep in mind that this isn't a sprint, it's a marathon and the object is to get it right, not only get it done.

What guarantee do I have that the work we do will be successful?
None, really. What we can guarantee is that you will have learned a lot about he art and craft of writing and the business of publishing, under the tutelage of an experienced editor and writing teacher, one on one. The manuscript will be the best you can make it at the time you finish. Keep in mind that a lot of good books have taken a long while to find a publisher and that we're dealing with an always changing market. What was right today, may not be tomorrow...and vice versa.

When do we know we're finished?
When we're both satisfied with the manuscript we have in front of us. After the first line edit, you do your rewriting. You will have access to me, by phone or email, on a weekly basis. Once the rewrite is done, I'll read the ms again (in whole or in part; we'll make that call based on the work that has to be done) and offer final suggestions, again making myself available for questions. The process can work two ways: we either wait until you've received the entire, edited manuscript, or we can work on the book in sections.

What happens once we're done? Can you help me get published?
I can, possibly, offer the names of agents and/or editors I think might be interested and put you in touch with them. After that, you and your manuscript are on your own. I cannot promise that your manuscript will be represented or published; no one can do that.

How much does it cost?
Pricing is based on what's being asked for and what's required. A schedule of prices is availalbe on request.

How do I know you'll do your job?
We will have a letter of agreement that will spell out the amounts, the payment schedule and the obligations both of us are undertaking.

What other services are available for individuals?
There is the mentoring program. That includes not only the editing but a scheduled daily contact (which may have to change depending on speaking and classroom obligations); it can also include face-to-face sessions, if feasible.

What services do you provide for organizations?
Lectures and talks, workshops and one-on-ones are available to writers groups and organizations. I also edit manuscripts for publishers; that work includes copywriting and art suggestions, as necessary or required.

You're offering a lot; how do you do it all?
Carefully. I do not accept every manuscript that comes to me; the decision is based on several factors including my current schedule, my comfort level with the material (while I can edit just about anything, I don't like everything and prefer to work on manuscripts about which I feel strongest), and my sense of whether I think I can help you. If I'm too busy, if I think we're not the right combination, or if anything else serves to make me uncomfortable with accepting an assignment, I'll
turn it down and, if possible, recommend a colleague to you.

For more information contact: mseidman@mseidman.com