The Spa Package
Why I'm introducing monthly discounts into my editorial business
This post comes to you in three thoughts.
Thought #1
It’s early July. I’ve just finished a consultation call with an indie author, and I’m feeling triumphant. You know when brainstorming sessions are really good? When you’re exclaiming “Oh! Aha!” just as you see light bulbs go off in your creative partner’s eyes? Yeah. This was one of those kinds of sessions.
That was awesome, I think—and soon I realize something.
Interlude: What do I do when I edit for indie authors?
I mostly work with publishers—probably 80% of my work comes to me this way—but when I work with authors, I have more flexibility. Sometimes, authors already know precisely what they want, but often, I look through their manuscript and craft an editorial plan that’s catered to the needs of that specific story.
If the story could be strengthened in big-picture ways—maybe the plot or pacing isn’t quite smoothed out yet—then I offer a developmental edit. This usually involves hopping onto a video call with the author to talk about their story, their goals for publication, and the level of revision they’re open to. After that, I dig into the manuscript, reading it carefully first once, then twice (or more!), and finally writing an extensive editorial letter that gives the author a detailed overview of their book and an action plan for how to improve it. My letters range from 15–30 pages, which I’m aware is quite a bit longer than many editors’, but my letters focus on a novel’s strengths as well as areas for improvement. Afterward, we hop back onto a call together to make sure the author is ready to start the revision process.
Sometimes, I copyedit manuscripts. This is a very different skillset, and it involves looking at the small-picture elements of the book to ensure that its grammar is correct, the writing is smooth, and that minor slip-ups (e.g., characters’ eye colors inexplicably changing halfway through the novel) are corrected.
I spent years studying and working to develop these two different skillsets, and now I enjoy using them in whatever combination is needed to help authors publish great books.
Which takes me back to early July:
I’ve just completed a developmental edit consultation call, and the author is feeling good about diving into revisions for their book. I, in turn, have absorbed that positive energy. I go about the rest of the day with a goofy smile on my face. And I just suddenly realize: I love working with authors.
Editing for publishers is great—don’t get me wrong. The work is consistent and the projects are interesting. But authors bring a level of care and thoroughness to their books that can’t be matched. They care so much about their creative projects. With authors, I never have to worry about shortcuts being taken or my queries going ignored. Every author I’ve worked with has striven to brainstorm, revise, rewrite, and work as hard as they can. In my experience, if there’s a clear path to improving their novel, authors will take it every time—and I can’t tell you how inspiring I find this.
But, again. About 80% of the work I edit comes from publishers.
Thought #2
There are certain occupational hazards to being an editor. My eyes always hurt—that’s a given. My wrists and hands ache, too, along with my back and neck. Yikes!
To combat these workplace pains, I occasionally get massages at my local spa. My masseuse is an amazing woman: She owns her own business, has extensive experience (and strong hands!), and she’s traveled the world to study different kinds of massage techniques (read: she’s received massages on every continent except Antarctica).
And every month, she has a special. I love her monthly specials because they’re always creative and just what I’m in the mood for: citrus facials in August, pumpkin spice foot baths in October… I love seeing what she’s thought up each month.
Thought #3
Have you ever seen a literary agent’s manuscript wishlist? Or gone through the #MSWL hashtag on Twitter or Threads? I always find it a bit funny when agents just ask for whatever it is they happen to be in the mood to read: “I’d LOVE to see a JOKER X BATMAN romantic thriller in my inbox soon!”
I mean, good for them. They’re doing the work of finding the kinds of books they want to help put out into the world, and I always hope their wishlists find the right writers.
Put it all together, and…
♪♫♬ It’s my business, and I can have discounts if I want to~♪♫♬
1) I want to work with more amazing authors +
2) monthly specials are fun +
3) #MSWLs are also fun =
~HV Editorial Monthly Specials~
From now on, I’m going to make discount packages roughly each month for the kinds of books that I would love to work on at that moment.
Discounting as an editor is a little tricky. I’m agreeing to work at a lower hourly rate because I really want to edit specific kinds of projects—but at the same time, I’m not able to estimate how many hours a book will take to edit until I actually see the book.
Therefore, monthly specials will go like this:
If your book fits the criteria for my monthly special, feel free to reach out to me via my website’s contact form.
I will review your manuscript, determine what my typical quote would be, and apply the discount from there. The Editorial Freelancers Association has the most thorough explanation of editorial rates. I always give authors flat rate fees for projects because this prevents any unhappy surprises.
And that’s it! You’ll get a discounted rate and the knowledge that the editor taking on your book is VERY excited to read it.
My First Monthly Special
The Halloween Special
30% off copyediting package
I love Halloween. Chuck Tingles’s Camp Damascus, Agatha Christie’s Halloween Party, Ray Bradbury’s The Halloween Tree, Celestine Martin’s Witchful Thinking—the list goes on! I love stories that taste like pumpkin spice and stories that keep me up at night. If your novel has Halloween vibes, spooks, or terrors, it’s probably up my alley.
CRITERIA
The project must be:
between 20,000–80,000 words
adult, YA, or middle grade fiction
filled with autumnal spooky vibes
Pumpkin patches, haunted houses, corn mazes, monster lovers, vampires, and ghosts are welcome! My editing is always LGBTQIA+ friendly, and for romance, I’m comfortable editing all heat levels.
You can read more details here. I’ve got lots of ideas for future specials, so if this one doesn’t quite apply to your current manuscript, please keep your eye out for the next one.
Until next time,
Hannah Varacalli
Copy & Developmental Editor
www.hveditorial.com