Pre-Edit Questionnaire | MandaWaller, Fiction Editor

Thank you for asking me to edit your manuscript. The following questions will help me to understand your expectations for your manuscript, who you envisage reading it and where you hope to take it next. Your answers will also help me to target my feedback appropriately. The more information you can give me, the better! However, just a brief answer to each question would also be very helpful.

If you’d rather send me an email instead of completing the form, then of course that’s fine! Please contact me on proof@mandawaller.co.uk.

(Please note that this questionnaire is for people who have already commissioned my services. If you haven’t yet contacted me to discuss the various editing options, prices and timescales, then please go to my Get a Quote page, and I would be delighted to help you.)

Please enter your name *

First

Last

Please enter the (working) title of your book. *

Email *

If we are already communicating via a different platform (for example, Upwork), it's really useful for me to have your email address in case communications break down!

What time zone are you in? *

This just helps me understand any time differences. I work internationally, and a time difference doesn't matter - but sometimes it means there is a slight delay in messages being received.

Who is your target audience? For example location, gender, age. Basically, describe the person you can imagine would like to read your book. *

Which version of English are you using? *

The different versions of English use different spellings (for example organize or organise), and also different punctuation conventions (for example, the Oxford Comma). Please let me know if you have questions about this, or if you are unsure which version of English you would like to use.

Is English your first language? *

What genre would you say your book falls into? Which bookshelf do you imagine it sitting on in your local bookshop? *

For example, romance, horror, science fiction, fantasy.

Do you have any specialist knowledge about this genre? And have you read any/many books of this genre? *

After the editing process is finished, and you are happy with your manuscript, what will be your next steps? *

Are you planning on self-publishing, or submitting your manuscript to a publishing agent?

Has anyone else read your manuscript? If so, what feedback did they give you? *

This might be another editor, beta readers, friends, family.

Are you a member of any writing societies, or have you taken any writing courses? *

Have you written any other books? If so, have you been through the editing process before? *

Do you have a style sheet? (It's not a problem if you don't know what this is!) *

How long have you been working on this manuscript? *

Are there any autobiographical elements in your book that I should be aware of? *

On a scale of 1 - 10 (with 10 being the happiest!), how happy are you with your manuscript? *

Is there anything in particular that you would like me to focus on in your manuscript? *

Do you have any areas that you know might need more attention?

Once your manuscript is published, would you be happy for me to promote it on my website and/or social media? *

(This may include a picture of the cover.)

Do you use a Mac or a PC? *

Will your manuscript be supplied in MS Word? (If not, please specify the format it will be supplied in.) *

Please note that MS Word is my preferred editing software, and if you provide it in a different format, it's likely that I will convert your manuscript to a MS Word document (.docx).

Are you familiar with MS Word Track Changes? *

What version of MS Word you are running? (If you have Microsoft 365, it will be the most recent version.) *

To find out what version you are running, open a blank document in MS Word, and go to File and select Account or Help. If you can't find this information, don't worry, just say that you don't know!

Are there any potential copyright issues with your manuscript? For example, have you quoted any songs or poetry? *

Anything Else?

Would you be happy to provide me with a review at the end of the editing process? *

(Please note that it will not be possible for me to provide you with a review of your book for marketing purposes. This contravenes Amazon's policies and would likely mean your book would be withdrawn from their platform.)

Are you on social media? Please confirm where you have an account - it would be lovely to connect with you. *

Please enter your website address (if you have one). *

Are you happy to receive my monthly newsletter, Wallerbytes? *

It's not salesy, and contains lots of resources for authors who are writing/editing/publishing/marketing their books.

Would you like to receive an email copy of this completed form?

No thank you
Yes please

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