Basics of a Book Editor Contract
A few tips
Tips for an Editing Contract
I’m not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice. But I’m frequently asked what a book editor contract/letter of agreement should cover, so I wanted to provide a basic overview. Your agreement/contract should include these items (there may be others you’ll want to add, based on your experiences and your lawyer’s recommendations):
The scope of the work (what you’ll be doing and what the client can expect in terms of your availability for answering questions or doing additional rounds of editing).
Deliverables (how you’ll do the work, such as sending a revision letter or making a conference call).
Deadlines for when you will do things and when the author and/or client will do things (e.g. “Author will deliver the complete manuscript by June 30, and Editor will complete her edit no later than July 21.”)
When and how payment is to be made (depending on the client and the project, I either ask for complete payment up front, or half up front and half on delivery) and how much you’ll be charging.
For indie authors who work directly with me, I also have a disclaimer stating that I have no copyright interest in the work and that the author is free to use any of my suggestions, edits, and ideas without reservation. This assures authors that their work is their work, and that I understand that and won’t be demanding a share of royalties next year when the book hits the bestseller lists.
You may also want to include some language about what happens if the client is not satisfied with your edits.
Read more editing tips on the blog.
For Members
Changes to the Membership Program
As you may have noticed, the Club Ed website has had some problems, including some downtime and other frustrations. We've traced these problems to the plugin that we've been using to run the membership program.
We have had to remove that plugin. Instead of finding another one, we're just going to simplify the process. We're making the membership program a "class" that you enroll in once a year, and you'll have all of the privileges of the annual membership, including a 10% off all classes coupon and a free self-paced class (up to $150 in value).
Once a year, you'll get a renewal notice and can choose whether you wish to continue. Unlike now, renewals will not be automatic.
I've cancelled all of your membership subscriptions so you will not continue to be charged automatically through the system. You will receive a link to purchase a new membership a few weeks before your current membership expires.
The primary elements of the program - the discount, free self-paced class, and support forums - haven’t changed and won’t change. The yearly cost is now $99.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me at ResortDirector@ClubEdFreelancers.com
The Marketing Challenge Is On!
Through July 31, 2024.
Every quarter, Club Ed runs a marketing challenge for members. During the challenge (which is usually about four weeks long), we do a marketing task each weekday (something like interacting on social media, updating a business profile, writing a blog post). Then we report on the forums what we did. We also discuss stumbling blocks and ask each other questions.
This is a great way to get into a daily marketing habit. Small, persistent efforts are a more effective way to spread the word about your work than dramatic, exhausting pushes that last three days.
At the end of the challenge, the Resort Director randomly chooses a participant to receive a $25 Club Ed gift card.
You'll see the marketing challenge forum (where we report our daily efforts) in your Dashboard. If you have any questions, please drop me a line at ResortDirector@ClubEdFreelancers.com
Other Member News
Club Ed Conversations: TODAY! On July 16, 2024, from 11 a.m. to noon Pacific time, we’ll be talking with Brittany Dowdle and Linda Ruggeri about the importance of networking for editors (and how to do it!). Visit the Membership classroom page to find out how to register for this free Q&A.
Enjoy a replay of last month’s talk with Erica Ellis about line editing, now available in the Membership classroom.
Becoming a Member
You can find out more about becoming a member here.
Upcoming Classes
Fall classes:
NEW! Fall Study: Editing Narrative Nonfiction, starts Sep 3, 2024
Beginning Developmental Editing for Fiction, starts Sep 4, 2024.
Editorial Toolkit: Coaching Writers, starts Sep 9, 2024
About the Resort Director
I help editors figure out what the hell they're doing.
If you're an aspiring, new, or established book editor or story coach, I can probably help you learn how to do the work better and more profitably.
Through Club Ed, I offer developmental editing classes, a freelance editor membership program/support group, and a slightly bony shoulder to cry on.
I've worked as an editor for more than twenty years. I learned how to edit in the trenches of traditional publishing with its insane deadlines, pitiless competition, and crushing bureaucracy. To that I added a Ph.D in English literature with a specialization in medieval literature because of a long story.
Editorial clients have included Simon & Schuster, Girl Friday Productions, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, Barnes and Noble Custom Publishing, and others, along with many independent authors.
For fiction self-paced classes, click here.
For fiction instructor-led classes, click here