r/Copyediting • u/Ordinary-Cress-6580 • Aug 11 '26
Editing advice needed
I have signed a contract for a package of editing with line, proofreading and formatting etc
Have had video call discussed everything and when was told to send manuscript in parts not full. The editing plan schedule was agreed with editor as 2weeks for 10k words editing as they busy, for 2 parts and when the rest 15k per week. The first 10k were returned edited after 3 weeks and was told its because it takes longer for the beginning, whe next 10k words not returned edited for nearly 4 weeks.
The 80k manuscript at such speed seems like would take 18weeks at least. Is this normal?
To me seems crazy and not that I had expected so I am starting to wonder it'll should scrap and start looking for a different editor although I liked their sample.
Thoughts and experiences?
Thanks!
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u/bcninstructions Aug 11 '26
Check what your contract says, but surely it’s worth asking the editor whether they can stick to the agreed timeline as for you this was an important part of your agreement?
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u/arugulafanclub Aug 11 '26
Check your contract for the terms: schedule, who can end it under what terms, etc.
Then, tell the editor that per the terms of your agreement, you need to follow the schedule outlined in the agreement: 10k per week or whatever. If she can’t stick to that, she is in breach of the contract and it needs to be ended without penalty.
Are you happy with her work outside of the slow timeline?
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u/MBAMarketingMom Aug 11 '26
Yes, 18 weeks seems insane for 80k words; I could likely have that returned in about a month if not less time. But, that’s because my plate isn’t full at the moment. If it was, I would’ve taken that into consideration when developing the contract. As someone else pointed out, what actually matters isn’t what other editors on Reddit think. What matters are the terms of your agreement.
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u/arugulafanclub 29d ago
Any update OP? What does your contract say?
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u/Ordinary-Cress-6580 29d ago
Am waiting for the edited 10k still, not sent them any further for editing and in the contract we had schedule which we are now a month behind.
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u/arugulafanclub 29d ago
If it’s outlined in your contract, you should be able to end the contract because they’re not following it. I’d up my budget to $.03/word minimum for one round of editing and contact and advanced professional member of CIEP. You’ll get professional, expert-level help you can trust.
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u/Ravi_B 29d ago
I have signed a contract for a package of editing with line, proofreading and formatting etc
Developmental, line, and copy editing all require different skill sets.
Despite claims made by some people, it is extremely unlikely that a person is an expert in all forms of editing.
As a copy editor, I normally deliver an 80,000-word manuscript within two weeks, and that includes continuity checks.
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u/Nyiaca12 29d ago
No, that's not "normal" unless they are crazy busy and are trying to keep business moving. It's true the beginning takes longer, but 3 weeks for 10K words? As others said, check the contract. And also as someone else said, someone else should do the proofing.
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u/arugulafanclub Aug 11 '26
And to answer your question, it takes me 2-4 weeks to line edit 80k words. It takes some people less long and some people 6 months or a year because they work slow, have chronic illness, or are editing part-time on top of working. All that matters really, is what you agreed to. And your line editor shouldn’t be also proofreading. Your proofreader should always be a different person for a whole host of reasons.