How to Get Your Book/Publishing Project Started
Send the following information to:
jaywurtswriter@comcast.net
- Your name and city.
- Your type of project and its working title.
- Manuscript information: Approximate length (in pages) and format (electronic or hard copy only?).
- Do you have an agent or a publisher? (If yes, who? Has the project been shopped?)
- Type of service you request: developmental editing, developmental writing, or coauthorship? (Important Note: I only offer a deferred fee on developmental editing projects. If you are interested in making a different arrangement, I can propose specific terms only after I have examined your material.)
- A brief paragraph about you: your background, any prior publications, your education and profession? Are you a native English speaker?
- Your goals for this project: Publish a first book? Begin a series? Launch a full-time writing career? Promote a cause or issue? Self-publish as a personal/family edition or as a commercial venture? Develop an original screenplay? Other?
- Any other information you feel will help me understand your project and objectives.
I will reply to your query via e-mail at no cost within seven business days. I will tell you whether or not I feel I can add value to your project and help you achieve your goals. One way or the other, you will receive a reply.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND SAMPLES OR MANUSCRIPT ELECTRONICALLY UNTIL I REQUEST IT!
If I Cannot Undertake Your Project...
...I will let you know why and delete your original message in confidence. Your name, e-mail address, or other information you provide will not be used by me or disclosed to any third party.
If I Agree to Undertake Your Project...
...I will reply by e-mail with a copy of my standard developmental editing agreement attached as a PDF file. Please print both pages of this form and if you agree to its terms, sign it and make a copy for your file, then mail it to the address shown on the agreement along with the initial payment (check or money order) and a copy of the materials (manuscript, book proposal, etc.) I will be working with. Do not sent originals or any material you cannot replace! If you want speedier service, you may fax the signed agreement to the number shown on the agreement and make the initial payment through PayPal, then transmit your manuscript to my e-mail address as an attachment. Please use MS Word or Rich Text Format for all electronic manuscript.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure your name and contact information is shown legibly on the title page or first page of the manuscript, and that its pages are numbered. While it helps if your manuscript is in standard format (12-point Times New Roman or similar font with 1-inch margins, loose leaf and not stapled, punched, or bound) that is not strictly necessary. Although I read all manuscripts carefully, I do not mark them as I prepare the D&P memo. If you want hard-copy material returned, you must provide self-addressed, stamped packaging.
When I have received the signed agreement, your manuscript, and have deposited your check (or verified your PayPal deposit), I will notify you by e-mail of the date on which I plan to begin work on your project. I will transmit your D&P memo as an e-mail attachment within two weeks of the actual start date. If a significant delay arises, I will inform you of the new delivery date. If you prefer to receive a hard-copy of the D&P memo, let me know and include a street address with your package.
How to Pay for Developmental Edits
The agreement shows a single, fixed fee covering the combined D&P and support phases of your project. This fee is paid in three equal installments.
The first installment is due when you return the signed agreement.
The second is due when I deliver the D&P memo to you.
The third is due when you notify me that you have signed a publisher’s contract for the work. If you inform me that you have decided against further marketing of the work, this last installment is automatically waived.
You may pay installments with a personal check, company check, or postal money order made out to “Jay Wurts, Writer & Editor” or by credit card through your PayPal account. If you do not have a PayPal account, please go to www.paypal.com and follow the instructions. Payments through PayPal should be made to jaywurtswriter@comcast.net.
If I Agree to Undertake Your Developmental Writing or Coauthorship Project
Services involving work-for-hire writing or literary collaboration are much more extensive than developmental editing, so a custom agreement is required. If I feel it is appropriate for me to undertake your project, I will reply with an e-mail requesting more information and, in most cases, propose a date and time for us to discuss your project by phone. Should we agree after this discussion to work together, I will provide an appropriate agreement for you and your advisors to review.
Jay's Privacy Policy
Thank you for visiting my web site and considering me as a potential editorial helper. I wish you the best of luck with your project and look forward to hearing from you soon!
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