How it works
Helping you to deepen your story, elevate your craft, and reach your readers.
Working with Ellie
Every manuscript is different, and so is every author-editor relationship, but our collaboration usually goes like this.
1. I ask you to complete an author questionnaire so that I can learn more about your creative goals as a writer, your publishing goals for the manuscript, and the audience you want to reach.
2. We’ll meet on Zoom or talk over the phone, whichever you prefer. We’ll get to know each other a bit and talk about the level of editing your manuscript needs, the timeline, and the cost.
3. Once we agree on the details, I’ll draft an editorial agreement for your review. The agreement puts in writing the scope of work, the timeline, and the cost, and includes legal clauses to safeguard us both. My editorial agreements are based on a template developed by Editors Canada.
4. I’ll request an initial payment, usually one-third of the cost, on acceptance of the editorial agreement. I’ll send you an invoice for your records. The final payment is due on completion of the edit.
5. Please avoid working on the manuscript while it’s in my hands. Take a break! I’ll provide you with updates during the edit, and you can contact me any time.
6. On the date we’ve agreed on, I’ll send you the editorial letter or edited manuscript, along with a cover email highlighting what I did and outlining next steps for you.
7. I’ll invite you to a follow-up phone or Zoom call, when you’re ready, to answer any questions you may have.
8. I’ll be available for questions by email as you revise.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my editor, Ellie Barton, who took my life musings and birthed a book from them. I feel like we shared the journey of my life as she edited my work. I can’t say enough about her editing skills, kindness as a person, and her attention to detail. I will never be able to say how much I appreciate you and all the love and work you put in.
Lynn M. Amaral
Before I met Ellie Barton I had only a vague idea of what editors did; that they checked spelling and grammar was about the extent of my knowledge. I could use “spellcheck” and my grammar was fine. I didn’t need an editor ... Then I explored the world of self-publishing companies and reviews by people who had used them. What stuck in my mind was Mark Levine’s advice: if you can’t afford a good editor, don’t bother spending money on publishing your book. The money will be wasted. That’s how I came to look for an editor and found Ellie Barton. She helped me to structure my memoir and figure out what I was really trying to say. If what I have written here gives the impression that I have become a fan of Ellie Barton, it would be correct. (I might well have said “huge” fan and “absolutely” correct, but Ellie says I tend to use too many adjectives!)
Malcolm Gibson
