Manuscript Editing & Critiquing Services Let us help you achieve your publishing dreams, regardless of whether you are a beginning writer or a published author. One price includes a professional line-by-line edit, a detailed content edit, and a thorough critique, PLUS unlimited follow-up discussions and personal, caring service. Compare our prices and compare our expertise. We are now accepting all fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, including novels, short stories, memoirs, self-help books, screen plays and more. Electronic submissions are welcome. Sandi Rog ~ ~ Wendy Chorot ~ ~ Rhonda White ~ ~ Sandy Tritt On January 22, 2008, I became a published writer for the first time. Your encouraging, thorough, and responsive edits greatly helped my growth as a writer. I found your advice to be helpful, insightful and inspiring. Your dedication to serve your clients is exceptional. You were ALWAYS available--whether I needed an early morning phone chat or a late night e-mail. Often one is disapointed when a product/service does not live up to expectations. But in your situation, you exceeded my high expectations. ~ Bob Fortune, Illinois WHAT WE WILL DO: Provide a free sample edit before any money exchanges hands. This gives you a chance to see the quality of our work and us a chance to see if we feel we can be of help to you. It's important for a writer to feel comfortable with his or her editor--and a sample edit lets you "try out" the relationship. Promptly return a line edit, content edit, and a full critique--all for one price. Teach you better writing techniques. Unlike most editors, we consider ourselves to be coaches, encouraging, teaching and correcting in equal parts. Instead of just telling you what is wrong, we explain how to correct the problem and we work with you to teach you how to write effective prose. More than 75% of Inspiration for Writers' business is repeat business, and we relish establishing long-term relationships with other writers. Treat you with respect and compassion. All criticism will be of the "constructive" sort. Our purpose is to improve your writing, not destroy your confidence. Stay in communication with you. We like to have an open dialogue with the writer during the editing process, as we view our relationship as a partnership, not a "do it my way and don't ask questions" dictatorship. We believe open and easy communication is the key to a successful writer/editor relationship. Mark your manuscript, correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation. We will also mark sentence structure, passive voice and other technique errors. We use the Chicago Style Manual for reference, but use our experience as editors and writers to override the "proper" way when appropriate. (For example, sentence fragments are not permitted according to the Chicago Style Manual. However, if used sparsely and properly, sentence fragments can be an effective way to add drama to your writing). Highlight areas that are especially well-written. Where appropriate, offer suggestions for plot development, character development or other areas that could be strengthened, and point out inconsistencies in style, facts, or plot. Return a two-to-four page written analysis of your work (for book-length manuscripts only). This will include evaluation of plot, setting, characterization, dialogue, special effects (foreshadowing, flashbacks, etc.), voice, point of view and any other areas particular to your work. If appropriate, recommend reading or resources to strengthen your areas of weakness. Answer any questions you may have via email. Provide a telephone number for a personal follow-up, if you desire. We believe that you have the right to ask questions or discuss the manuscript and its future. Use the Microsoft Word Tracking Feature on electronic submissions to make editing suggestions, and use the Insert Comment Feature to advise or to explain the suggested changes. That way, you can automatically apply (with the option to accept or reject any or all changes) the edits and save yourself the time of physically keying in every change, potentially missing one. We also will include a document explaining how to use these features, and, of course, will assist you if you need help. If I receive the blessing of getting published, it will be because of your editing. You have turned my manuscript into a readable book. Yes, you succeeded in drilling into my head how important it is to fix my transitions and characters popping up from nowhere. When I replaced dialogue tags with action verbs, the page jumped out at me. Your reasoning behind the editing and overview was so clearly explained that I have no questions! ~ Vicki H., Kansas WHEN WE WILL DO IT: As soon as possible! We know what it's like to wait for a manuscript to return. Since turnaround time can vary greatly, it is best to email first for an up-to-date estimate. I was lost before I found Inspiration for Writers. Rhonda was very helpful in locating inconsistencies, flaws, and spelling errors that I couldn't find. She answered my emails in a timely manner, made sure my book read smoothly, and was flexible in payment arrangements during these hard economic times. Now I'm happy to say my book was accepted by a publisher and is scheduled to be released this coming December. If it weren't for Rhonda's expertise, patience, and dedication, I'd still be shopping my novel. I definitely will be using Inspiration for Writers again in the near future! ~ Isaiyan Morrison, author, Macabre. WHAT WE WILL EDIT/CRITIQUE: English language only. Novels, short stories, screenplays, cover letters, query letters, synopses and non-fiction. All genres except hard-core pornography and satanism. No poetry. We reserve the right to refuse any manuscript, in which case your uncashed check or money order will be returned or your Paypal payment refused. If you have questions as to what is acceptable, email us first. It's hard to find an editor who "gets it," someone who can help you say what you mean without letting his or her own agenda interfere. Sandi Rog gets it. She's helped me cut through the clutter and see past my own enthusiasm (or anxiety) so I can communicate my ideas. If you want your work to say what it should, Sandi will be a tremendous asset. ~ Stephen W. Simpson, Ph.D., freelance psychology and religion writer and co-author of What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew about Sex. RATES: Rates are 3 cents per word and include the line-by-line edit, the detailed content edit, the overview critique report, and unlimited follow-up conversations. A $45 minimum per manuscript applies to short stories, children's stories, and articles. Additional fees apply for query letters and synopses. Contact Sandy before sending. To find your word count, open your document, go to the "TOOLS" icon (in Works and Word and most other Word Processing programs) and select "Word Count." (Vista will automatically show the word count in the lower left corner of the manuscript). Email Sandy@InspirationForWriters.com, if you have any questions. Sandy Tritt did the editing and polishing for my first book, and with her help, it has been sold. I know that without her insight and kind encouragement, I never could have made such a sale. She is a dear and kind soul sent by God to make the world a kinder place. ~ Mari Molnar, Pennsylvania, author of children's books PAYMENT OPTIONS: Check or money order (must be drawn and payable in U.S. funds) Direct fund transfer from your checking or savings account using Paypal Secure Server (use credit card icon below) Mastercard, Visa, Discovery or American Express using Paypal Secure Server (use credit card icon below) PLEASE NOTE: Paypal cannot handle the large quantities needed to bill by word count, so please divide your total word count by 100 and enter this number as your QUANTITY. Please round up or down to the nearest whole number. For example, if your manuscript has 65,585 words, enter "656." The program will then calculate your fee and display the total for your approval. If your submission is under 1500 words, please enter "15" (fifteen) for the quantity. I never send anything out without first running it by Rhonda White. Not only does she catch all the times I slip into passive voice in my novel, she helps tighten up my sentences, point out chapters that move too slowly, and keeps me motivated to see the book through to the finish. ~ Chris Kuell, Connecticut, author   HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR MANUSCRIPT ELECTRONICALLY: For best results, save your document in Microsoft Word. If you do not have Microsoft Word, save your document in RTF (Rich Text Format). Email editor@InspirationForWriters.com, ATTACHING your document as a file. DO NOT SEND AS EMAIL TEXT. In the text of the email, address any special concerns or questions. If you have any questions, email editor@InspirationForWriters.com. If you don't hear from someone within 24 hours (48 on weekends), SEND ANOTHER EMAIL. We don't read emails on Sundays. We will acknowledge receipt of your document and payment within 24 hours (48 on weekends). If you don't hear from us within this time, please email again, or telephone Sandy at: (304) 428-1218, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. PLEASE: NO PHONE CALLS AFTER 8 P.M. OR ON SUNDAYS. Finding the right editor is the most important task for any author, one they should never take lightly. Sandy Tritt was the third editor I tried, so I was a little leery at first. However, the results from her editing my manuscript were excellent. My book, in my mind, is a masterpiece. I even learned a little about turning text into a conversational style to make my book more reader-friendly. Thanks, Sandy, for a job well done. I'll be back for your services again, as soon as I write my next book. ~ Frank Chase, Alabama, author, False Roads to Manhood HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR HARD COPY VIA REGULAR MAIL: Send a clean, typed, readable COPY of your manuscript. Must be double-spaced, 12-point or greater font, 1" to 1 1/2" margins, approximately 250 words per page, printed on one side of the page only. We prefer COURIER or TIMES NEW ROMAN font, but we'll accept any clearly readable font. It isn't necessary to bind in any way (staple, paper clip, etc.). DO NOT SEND YOUR ONLY COPY OR ONE YOU DO NOT WANT MARKED. Do not send receipt-required or any way requiring a signature, as this will delay my receiving it. If requested, we will email you when your package is received. MAIL TO: Inspiration For Writers 1527 18th Street Parkersburg, WV 26101 USA WITH:  - Your manuscript.  - Any special questions or concerns.  - Your check or money order, drawn and payable in United States funds, made payable to "Inspiration for Writers" (unless you've paid electronically). Sorry, we can only accept credit card payments via Paypal.   - A return box or envelope for your manuscript with adequate postage for its return. Outside U.S., include international reply coupons or email Sandy@InspirationForWriters.com for the postage fee. For fastest service, we recommend Priority Mail. For least expensive service, use Media Mail.  - Your email address or telephone number, in case we have questions. I had been writing with mediocre skill for years until I met Sandy. She is an amazing editor, critiquer and teacher, sensitive and gentle, yet firm. I learned more from her in a few months than I had in all the years of reading books on how to write. She explains things thoroughly and is endlessly patient with persistently "stupid" writing. My writing would not be what it is without her. Thank you, Sandy. ~ Charlotte Firbank-King, South Africa, artist and author of Raging at the Wind FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Do you offer gift certifcates? YES! We have gift certificates! Who are the editors? The editors at Inspiration for Writers are all published writers who have graduated from a rigorous training program that tests knowledge about industry standards, writing craft, and grammar. Additionally, the editors have been chosen because they possess that special compassion for others and truly enjoy helping fellow writers succeed. ANYONE can claim to be an editor. Inspiration for Writers is one of the few editing firms that trains and tests editors--and only the very best of those tested are chosen to become an Inspiration for Writers editor. Learn more about the editors. Do you offer any other services? Yes. We offer proofreading at 1.2 cents per word (understand that proofreading is NOT an edit); we offer critiques at 1 cent per word (and we will apply 50% of the critique payment toward the price of a full edit, should you decide later you'd also like an edit); and we offer ghost-editing, which is the acting out of your story, for 7 cents per original word. If you are interested in any of these services, please contact Sandy@InspirationForWriters.com to discuss. Why does the yellow rose represent Inspiration for Writers? The yellow rose symbolizes joy, friendship, and the promise of a new beginning. Some sources cite the meaning of the yellow rose as "I Care." We believe that writing should bring joy. We believe the editing relationship must be friendly and should develop into a partnership and a friendship. We believe that through editing, your work takes on the promise of a new beginning--perhaps even leading to a new career. And we take more than just pride in our work. We care that our editing makes your work the best it possibly can be. I don't think I can afford to have my entire manuscript edited at one time. Is it possible to send it in pieces? Yes, we can work with you on this. Some clients send a chapter a month, some a chapter a week, some simply break it into two or more parts. Whatever works for you, we can accommodate. Do you give free sample edits? Yes. In fact, we think this is a great way to find out if we are compatible. Just send your first chapter (a minimum of ten pages) as a Word (or RTF) attachment to editor@InspirationForWriters.com. Please do not send it as text within an email. We need enough of your work to understand your author's voice so we don't trample upon it, and then we will edit the first page or two. Are there any additional fees or charges? No. Your initial payment covers the full edit and critique. Additionally, with the purchase of a full book or novel edit (60,000 words or more), we will help you with your synopsis and query letter at no additional charge. We will also remain available for questions for as long as you have them. How long does it take before I'll get my manuscript back? This depends upon the current backlog and the length of your manuscript. Email for a current estimate. Do you accept all clients? No. We only accept clients we feel we can work with. We do not accept clients whose work disagrees with our values, nor do we accept clients with whom we don't feel compatible or we don't believe we can help. How do I know if we will be compatible? The best way is to send a sample. This lets each of us know what to expect before any money changes hands. We are also available to discuss your situation by telephone. You are welcome to call Sandy at 304-428-1218 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. She can also be available during evening hours and on Saturdays, but please email first for an appointment. Please, no phone calls on Sundays. Do you have past clients who are willing to talk to me about your work? Yes. We can give you names and email addresses (or telephone numbers) upon request. Will my manuscript retain my voice? Will it still sound like my writing, or will it sound like yours? We strongly believe that a manuscript should retain the author's unique voice. This is why we won't edit a word until we've read enough of your work to understand your author's voice and we will take great care not to trample upon that. Will you help me become a better writer? One of the first questions we ask potential clients is: "What are your writing/publishing goals?" Some writers simply want to publish their memoirs for future generations, and that's fine. We'll do all we can to make that memoir the absolute best it can be. Others want to establish a career as a writer. For those, we offer extensive explanations of why we make the edits we make. The edit serves as the ultimate teaching tool. Some clients have said that working with Inspiration for Writers taught them more about writing than they learned while seeking an MFA in Creative Writing. We also offer many free writing tips and techniques through the Inspiration for Writers Home Page. Additionally, Sandy is the author of Inspiration for Writers Tips and Techniques Workbook, available as both an ebook and in hardcopy. So, yes. If you want to become a better writer, we will do everything we can to help you. Doing so is one of the greatest joys we have. I want to get a literary agent. Do you have any "ins" to help me get an agent? Can you guarantee that my work will be published after you've edited it? No. We are independent editors and do not work for nor receive kick-backs from any agents or publishers. We can guide you toward finding legitimate agents and publishers who may be interested in your work and we can help you put together a query package, but we have no "pull" with any agents or publishers. (And it should be noted that liasons between editors and agents or publishers is considered unethical). Do I retain all rights to my manuscript, even if you do substantive rewriting? Absolutely! Do you edit children's books? Yes. What about romance? Yes. Do you edit poetry or chap books? No. Do you edit screen plays or stage plays? Screen plays, yes. Stage plays, no. Will I be able to ask questions about your edits or critique? Absolutely! We believe that open communication is one of the key factors to a successful writer/editor relationship. We encourage questions not only about our edits and critiques, but also about any other concerns you may have about the writing or publishing industries. We think it is imperative that you feel comfortable talking to us--and we will do everything we can to not only reply to your questions, but to make sure you are comfortable asking them. We are available for followups by email or by telephone. No matter what, we will always treat you with respect. Sandy's critiquing is more than just a professional service. It's like having the expertise of a writing instructor and the personal assistance of a coach all at once. While a writer brings expression to words, Sandy's professional touch adds the flavor of life to expression. Thank you, Sandy, for your invaluable support and critiquing. ~ Blanca Greenberg, NY, author, Find Your Spirituality-God Will Lead the Way, The Path That Leads The Way, and Chronicles of an Internet Writer. STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Email your first chapter and we'll do a sample edit of your first page or two for free. This will let you know what to expect and let us know if we are compatible. Be sure to include at least ten or so pages, as we'll need to read enough of your work to understand your writer's voice. Send your chapter as a Word or RTF attachment, not as a part of the email text. Email editor@InspirationForWriters.com. We often answer email within an hour during weekdays. We always answer email within 24 hours, except on Sundays. If you don't hear from us within that length of time, assume that we didn't receive your email and resend it. Telephone Sandy at (304) 428-1218. She is usually available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Eastern time. She is also available many evenings and Saturdays, but prefers to schedule those times via email first. PLEASE, NO CALLS AFTER 8 P.M. OR ON SUNDAYS. She likes to be available, but please respect her family and sleep time. Sandy Tritt was heavensent. Being a first time writer, I was not sure of where to start or what to do. Sandy guided me from the initial stage of writing a query letter to finding a publisher. I am now a published author. ~ Sergeant Robert Brown, TX I have dreamed of becoming a professional writer since eighth grade. After losing my sight when I was nineteen, I thought I'd lost my dream forever. After fifteen years without vision, I received a computer with speech and began to write once again. I wrote a novel and sent it out to twenty agents and publishers. It wasn’t long before I received back twenty rejections. I realized even though I wanted to write more than anything, the desire to do so wasn’t enough. I needed help. This was when I met Sandy Tritt. Her editing has been invaluable to me. With her guidance, I learned the rules of writing. She taught me the meaning of “showing, not telling,” which is the most critical aspect of a salable story. The lady knows her stuff! My writing has improved one hundred percent since she began working with me. I encourage anyone to give her editing a chance. You won’t regret it. ~ Rebecca Conrad, West Virginia, recipient, Commission of the Arts Fellowship Questions? Comments? Email us at: editor@InspirationForWriters.com If no one responds to your question or comment within 48 hours, please email again. Custom Graphics by:

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