What to Expect from Working with Me

I know that working with an editor can be just as exciting as it can be nerve-wracking. Every editor works a little differently, so I thought I’d walk you through my process step by step so you know exactly what to expect when working with me.

01 You Send an Enquiry

You can either use one of my contact forms or email me directly at simone@refinedbyheart.co.uk to get in touch. I’ll respond within two business days. If you don’t hear from me within that timeframe, make sure to check your spam folder and if there’s still nothing, please do follow up!

02 Availability & Reading Sample / Sample Edit

In my response, I’ll confirm my availability and ask for a reading sample. If you’re interested in a developmental edit, line & copy-edit, or proof-edit, I may also provide a sample edit. Depending on your initial enquiry, I may ask a few additional questions to better understand your project.

This helps me confirm:

• Whether I’m a good fit for your project

• My estimated turnaround time

• Whether your manuscript is ready for the service you’d like to book

The sample should ideally come from the middle of your draft, as this is often where manuscripts are the least polished.

Please note: because my Manuscript Critique and Manuscript Assessment services don’t include comments or changes directly on your document, I’m unable to provide a sample edit for these services.

03 Booking

If you’re happy with my availability and sample edit, I’ll prepare a contract for you. For this purpose, I’ll need your legal name. Don’t worry – all correspondence can still be under your pen name if you prefer.

We’ll both sign the contract via DocuSeal, and you’ll be able to download a PDF copy for your records afterwards. You’ll also receive an invoice, as well as a PDF copy of my privacy policy, and T&Cs. Please ensure you read through everything carefully before signing.

04 Payment

If the project fee is £300 or less, the full amount will be due upfront unless otherwise discussed. For projects over £300, 50% will be due upfront, with the remaining 50% due upon delivery of my files, unless otherwise agreed.

Payment can be made via bank transfer, Wise, or PayPal.

05 Welcome Pack & Questionnaire

Once your slot is booked, I’ll send over my welcome pack along with a questionnaire tailored to your project.

You’ll know exactly what to expect from my service, while I’ll get a better understanding of your WIP, goals, and any areas you’d particularly like feedback on.

06 Start of Project

Please send me your manuscript before the project start date. I’ll let you know when I start working on it.

07 Updates

I’ll keep you updated once per week – usually on Fridays – regarding my progress and any questions I may have while working through your manuscript.

08 End of Project

Once I’ve completed your project, I’ll send over all deliverables along with any final notes or next steps.

09 Revisions & Follow-Up Questions

For line & copy-editing projects, one round of reasonable revisions is included, as long as revisions are made using Track Changes.

For bigger-picture feedback services, I’m always happy to answer follow-up questions after delivery.

10 Feedback

I’m always happy to receive feedback. Please feel free to let me know if my service has met your expectations.

And that’s it!

Working with an editor doesn’t have to be scary. Be sure to also check out my FAQ!

If you’d like to work with me, I’d love to hear about your project.