When it comes to writing, it’s common for people to make mistakes. While some writers struggle with punctuation, others find it difficult to control being too “wordy.” Still, some aren’t quite sure what to include… and what to leave out.

The editing team at Midnight Publishing specializes in fixing mistakes, beautifying language, and transforming drafts into literary masterpieces. If you are looking to publish your book out into the world, readers and the industry will know instantly if your book has been edited within the first few pages.

A co-writer is given credit, and both authors work in dual time. An exchange of the idea, content, and design happens on a regular basis until the work is complete. However, a ghostwriter does most or all of the work. Even so, I ask for credit in the form of “editor” or “content services” to at least strengthen my accolades as a writer.

We like to work in the way that is most comfortable for our clients, but generally, here are the steps.

1. You submit a part of your manuscript for a sample review and complimentary edit.
2. You review the edit, then review and sign a contract with us if you wish to move forward with the editing process.
3. We plan out a timeline together, and you submit your entire manuscript to the editor.
4. We keep you up to date with weekly updates on the editing process, asking any pertinent questions or sending suggestions your way.
5. We return your edited manuscript to you with two versions: one showing track changes, comments, and input on why changes were made and how things can be taken to the next level, and one as a clean edit for you to read through.
6. You read through the edits, ask us any questions you need to, and then:
   1. Return the manuscript to us for one more clean up (negotiated in the contract)
   2. Go on about your merry way to publish!
   3. Set up a publishing consultation with Midnight Publishing to review your publishing options

Any stage of editing will include direct, line-by-line changes to your manuscript, but every edit can be reversible by the author. Using Word’s ‘Track Changes’ feature, you’ll be able to approve or reverse everything your editor has done. Your editor’s advice will be professional and they’ll always provide evidence to back it up, but in the end you’ll have the last word on any and all changes. It is your book, after all.

We understand that manuscripts are incredibly personal documents, so while our editors will always give you the complete truth about your work, their goal is always to support you in making it even better. Your editor will be selected based on their skill and enthusiasm for your genre, and will be the person we feel is most suitable to help you enhance your story.

If there’s a particular editor you’d like to work with – someone you’ve worked with before, or know from our blog – then please let us know early in the process and we’ll do our best to match you up.

By law, the moment you create your work with pen and paper or on your computer, it is copyrighted to your name. If this ever comes up,  you will easily be able to prove this. However, you can also register your copyright early on if it makes you feel more comfortable. We know copyright can be a source of stress for authors when sharing their work, but we guarantee that your editor will never share your work with a third party, and will utilize your manuscript purely for editorial purposes.

Of course, you can!

A trial edit is a great way for you to see the kind of feedback you can expect during a developmental edit. It will also help you understand what the editing process involves and how your manuscript can benefit from it. For more information, please get in touch with us.