Frequently Asked Questions
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1. How do I know if need a manuscript assessment? Why can’t I move straight onto the editing process?
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You can move straight to the editing process if you’re confident your manuscript doesn't need additional changes and doesn’t need a test reader – manuscript assessor – first.
A manuscript assessment can be incredibly helpful for first-time and experiences authors. They provide useful feedback and help writers understand what is working and what may need tweaking in their manuscript. There may also be plot holes, voice changes in the narrator/narration or character inconsistencies that can be difficult to detect during the writing process. An editor can point these out during the editing process, but they will not provide comprehensive feedback in as much detail as a manuscript assessor.
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2. What is the difference between a manuscript assessment, the editing process and proofreading?
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A manuscript assessment provides feedback in all the different sections of a manuscript. This includes the structure and flow of the story, the characters, use of dialogue and appropriateness of the piece to your target audience. For more information on manuscript assessments, please click here.
There are many different kinds of editing services available out there. While a manuscript assessor breaks down a piece of writing, an editor is there to correct any typos, grammar and punctuation errors, fact check and point out inconsistencies with formatting, plot development and characterisation. An editor will NOT and should not rewrite your story or change the overall message and voice of a manuscript. They can provide advice and suggestions to the author, while also making sure there are no glaring errors in the manuscript. For more information on editing services, please click here.
Proofreading is the last step when managing the manuscript. The proofreader’s job is to read over the manuscript from start to finish, making sure that typos, errors and incorrect grammar and punctuation were removed during the editing process. The proofreader will NOT edit the manuscript or provide feedback on whether the story works. As this is the final process, the author/writer has finished any changes or amendments BEFORE this stage. A proofreader will confirm your manuscript is now ready to submit to a competition or traditional publisher, can now be converted into an ebook, or move onto self-publishing – whatever the end goal is for the author and their work. For more information about proofing services, please click here.
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3. Can Pen to Print just proof my manuscript without editing or doing a manuscript assessment?
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You may have already gone through the process of having a manuscript assessment and/or editing done elsewhere. Maybe you’re confident your manuscript doesn’t need improvements, and you don’t require these additional services.
We can certainly proof your manuscript, but please remember that you will not receive feedback as you would during a manuscript assessment or editing service. The manuscript will be proofed as it is received, with only glaring errors (typos, missed punctuation, etc) being corrected.
Your proofreader will NOT edit your manuscript or provide feedback on what is working and what isn’t. For more information on proofing, please click here.
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4. How long does it take to complete a manuscript assessment?
A manuscript assessment can take 2-4 weeks to complete, depending on the word count. For an average 50,000-60,000 word document, this can take up to four weeks to complete, while any length below this may be completed sooner.
Similar to the editing process, time frame and schedules are discussed and negotiated prior to signing an agreement and making first payment.
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5. How long does the editing process take?
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Typically, the editing process can take 4-6 weeks for an average 50,000-60,000 words. This includes TWO rounds of editing, with the author working closely with their editor. If your manuscript is over 60,000 words or you require a quicker editing turnaround, this can be discussed to ensure transparency for both writer/author and editor.
Before commencement of any available services (manuscript assessments, editing and proofing), time frame and schedules are discussed and negotiated prior to signing an agreement and making first payment. We understand deadlines and how crucial they can be, whether that’s for a competition, open submission by a traditional publisher, or wanting your book available to purchase during a specific event (eg. Halloween, Christmas, New Year).
If Pen to Print is unable to meet your turnaround deadline, you will be notified before any contract is signed or services – editing or otherwise – have started.
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6. How long does proofing take to complete?
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Proofing is a quicker process, as all the hard work of revising, redrafting and editing has now been completed. For an average 50,000-60,000 word document, proofing can take 1-2 weeks to complete.
Similar to the manuscript assessment and editing process, time frame and schedules are discussed and negotiated prior to signing an agreement and making first payment.
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7. How many rounds of editing do I get with Pen to Print?
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We offer TWO rounds of editing at Pen to Print. Your editor will do their initial edit within the first 1-2 weeks of receiving your manuscript. After this, they will return your document with their markups, comments and any suggestions for you to consider. This is a vital stage of the process, especially if you have decided to have a manuscript assessment done first.
You will have opportunities to take on their feedback and suggestions and apply these to your manuscript. This will be your last opportunity to make any changes to your work before sending it back to the editor for the second and final round.
Please note: deadlines for completing the editing process can be delayed if the manuscript isn’t returned to the editor after seven days from receiving the first round of edits. As this is essentially a team effort, it is crucial to keep your editor up to date on when they’ll get the manuscript back to commence the last round of editing.
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8. What happens if I want more than two rounds of editing? Is this possible?
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For each editing service contract signed, you receive two rounds of editing to be completed within a negotiated period. If you decide to make additional changes to your manuscript after the second round of editing has been completed, a new editing agreement can be made, but this must be negotiated as this WILL impact on your original time frame of completion.
Please note: if you wish to have another two rounds of editing, this will be under a new editing contract and will incur additional costs to the writer/author. As previously mentioned, this WILL impact on your original deadline, and a new timeline will need to be discussed and negotiated prior to the commencement of a second editing service. Pen to Print cannot guarantee a second editing contract will meet your original deadline, as this would have been met in the previous editing agreement.
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9. What happens if I need my manuscript or document edited quicker than the usual time frame?
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Before we get started on any service, timelines and pricing are discussed. This is to ensure complete transparency between you and Pen to Print.
If Pen to Print is unable to meet your turnaround deadline, you will be notified before any contract is signed or services – editing or otherwise – have started.
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10. What type of manuscripts or documents are accepted at Pen to Print?
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We accept manuscripts and documents ranging from fiction to nonfiction, for all genres and target age groups. This includes but is not limited to:
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children’s books (ranging from 0-12 years old)
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young adult (YA)
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science-fiction
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fantasy
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horror
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self-help
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autobiography and memoir
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biography
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cookbooks
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how-to books and guides
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history
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crime (fiction and nonfiction)
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romance
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graphic novels (text only)
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poetry
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blog posts
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articles
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website content
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advertising material.
Unfortunately, Pen to Print cannot provide services for research papers or thesis works at this present time.
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11. I’m an Australian author looking to self-publish with an American audience. Can you edit my manuscript to suit this target readership?
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Yes, we can convert your manuscript, ensuring the American vernacular is used for your target readership.
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12. Once I’ve agreed to a service from Pen to Print, what happens next?
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Before we get started on any service, timelines and pricing are discussed. This is to ensure complete transparency between you and Pen to Print. A contract outlining these conditions will be sent to you for signing. Before a service is commenced 50% of the agreed costings will be invoiced to you via email. Once this payment is received, the fun will begin!
When the service is complete, the remaining 50% of the costings will be invoiced to you. Once payment is received in full, Pen to Print will return the completed manuscript/document to you.
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13. When will Pen to Print provide editing services for businesses?
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For those of you seeking business assistance, you will find services and pricing via the Business Help page from June 2022. This will include content editing for your website, advertising and marketing material, and business newsletters for staff and clients. If you're looking to set your business apart from others, I'd love to hear from you.
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14. Is Pen to Print looking for editors or manuscript assessors to join the team?
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At the moment we are not hiring editors or manuscript assessors – but do not despair! When we are looking at hiring, this will be advertised on the main page of the website.
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15. Am I better off self-publishing or pursuing a traditional publisher for my manuscript?
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Now is a wonderful time to get your book out into the world, whether that’s through a traditional publisher or via self-publishing. Regardless of which path you choose, it is crucial you do your research to see which is the more appropriate option.
For traditional publishing, I recommend researching the leading publishers who print and sell books similar to your writing project or genre. Some publishers will not accept unsolicited manuscripts, while others may have a period during the month or year where there is a window of opportunity for open submissions without a literary agent needed.
When self-publishing, it’s worth having a look at online booksellers who cater to this style of publishing. From there, you can see how much authors are selling their books for, the kind of book covers they have used (which they’ve created themselves or outsourced), and get an idea on the processes you’ll need to get your book out there.
Before we start any work on your manuscript, we have a conversation on what it is you’d like your end goal to be: self-publish, tradition publishing, or print on demand for family and friends. If you’re not sure yet and just want to get your book content as perfect as it can be, that’s okay as well. There is nothing wrong with writing just for you.
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16. Does Pen to Print provide layout and cover design services?
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Unfortunately, we do not offer these services – yet. Please be sure to pop back to this website in the near future as Pen to Print expands on its provided services.
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17. Does Pen to Print offer one-on-one mentoring?
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Yes, we will be offering one-on-one mentoring for all genres and styles of manuscripts. This will include fiction, nonfiction, YA, romance, sci-fi, memoir/autobiography/biography, children’s writing, poetry, self-help, fantasy and many more.
Please come back to the Pen to Print website in mid-2025 when more information will be available. In the meantime, we offer manuscript assessments, editing and proofing services – including packages. For more information, please click here.
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18. Are there any books on writing worth reading to improve my craft?
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Absolutely. There is a plethora of books, courses and articles on how to improve your writing. Have a look online and at your local bookstore to see what’s available.
One that I highly recommend is On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King – yes, the Stephen King, author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, and short stories. Part memoir, part writing guide, this book has been at the Top Seller list for a reason. Stephen explains how he got into writing and shares helpful advice on how to improve your craft. You do not need to be a fan of his to read this book. It has something for everyone.
Another book I recommend is by Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird. This book is invaluable to have when it comes to improving your writing. Used as a guide in writing courses, Anne’s book is comprehensive, easy to read and contains a wealth of knowledge aimed at finding and guiding your inner writer’s voice, and having the confidence to keep going.
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19. Can Pen to Print help with self-publishing services, including print on demand services or ebooks?
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Currently, Pen to Print can provide limited resources for self-publishing and print on demand. We are not partnered with any print on demand or self-publishing services (yet), but we can point you in the direction of companies that can help.
This information is for our clients who are already undertaking our services.
By mid-2025, Pen to Print will be able to assist in converting your book into an ebook format, provided you have a cover ready to use. Please come back to our website at this time for further information.
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20. Can you help me with a story I want to submit to a competition?
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At Pen to Print, we can assist you with editing and proofing services to ensure your story is ready for the competition. We can even offer manuscript assessment services to ensure your story meets any guidelines of the competition.
Please note: Pen to Print cannot guarantee that your entry will win a competition based on using our services. What we provide are the same services used for writers and authors who wish to publish and/or self-publish their work.