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| So is the Iowa Wordwrights a one-man shop like most of the editors I’ve seen out there, or are you a big corporation? We’re neither. We’re an association of talented editors and writers. Most of us are graduates of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and published authors. Many of us are tenure-track faculty members at renowned creative writing programs around the country. Unlike one-man freelance shops, we almost certainly have someone on staff who is both interested in and experienced with your type of writing, be it literary fiction, genre fiction, memoir, biography or anything else. And unlike a subsidiary of a big company, we’re focused solely on improving our clients’ work; we’re not going to try to sell you publishing services or take a commission when referring you to a publisher or agent. (back to top) | | |
Why should I use the Iowa Wordwrights instead of someone else? If you’ve spent any time at all searching for an independent editor, you’ve probably discovered they’re not difficult to find. The challenge is knowing whether or not you’ve found the right one. The best way to do that is through a strong recommendation from a writer you know and whose opinion you trust—someone who has used that editor’s services and been satisfied. Ideally, that’s the way you’ve landed on our website.
But how do you find a reputable, talented editor who understands your work without that personal referral? That’s the situation many writers find themselves in, and that’s the primary reason to choose to work with the Iowa Wordwrights. When you select the Iowa Wordwrights as your editor, there are no surprises, no uncertainty, no sleepless nights wondering if you’ve given your manuscript to the right editor. Our clients go into the engagement confident and well-informed, and they emerge from it better writers with stronger manuscripts.
At the Iowa Wordwrights, we’re not just committed to our clients' projects. We're committed to our clients' success. And that is perhaps the best reason of all to choose the Iowa Wordwrights. (back to top) | | |
Do your editors come from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop? Are you officially affiliated with the Workshop? Yes, most of us are graduates of the Workshop. No, we’re not affiliated with or endorsed by the Workshop.
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop has been recognized as the top creative writing program in the country for decades. Our founders met while we were students there, and our plan is to continue to expand our editing staff, as needed, by recruiting members from the Workshop. (We also recruit some of our non-fiction staff from outside the Workshop.) This strategy gives us access to some of the most talented and, more importantly, incisive writers in the country, and it helps us ensure that we can maintain the highest quality standards for Iowa Wordwrights services. (back to top) | | |
I’ve seen ads for editors, book doctors, manuscript coaches and a few other things I can’t even remember. Which are you? People in our field go by different names, but as far as we can tell, it’s mostly a matter of semantics. At the Iowa Wordwrights, we do manuscript critiquing and analysis, in-text editing and revision, and a variety of other things, all of which we discuss under Services.
We call ourselves editors; you’re welcome to call us whatever you like. (back to top) | | |
| Do I get to work with an individual editor whom I can talk to and ask questions of? Absolutely. We handle agreements and invoicing through our main office, but beyond that, you’ll be working directly with your editor. And all of our manuscript services include a follow-up consultation at no additional cost. (back to top) | | |
What, exactly, should I expect from your initial analysis of my work? The initial analysis focuses on a manuscript’s primary strengths and weaknesses. An editor experienced in your genre will read your manuscript twice to develop a clear sense of what you’re trying to accomplish with the work and how successful you’ve been so far. The editor will then provide specific feedback on what’s working and what’s not.
For manuscripts which are close to publication quality, the editor will normally offer recommendations to enhance the book’s literary appeal and its marketability.
For earlier-stage manuscripts, the analysis will focus on broader issues and will generally include recommendations for significant changes in structure or style. The recommendations will offer strategies for bettering the manuscript such as enhancing character development, re-working plot structure, improving dialogue, altering narrative voice, and addressing stylistic issues.
And although it doesn’t happen often, in the event that the editor considers the manuscript unlikely to evolve into a work with a reasonable likelihood of being published even with additional editing services, he or she will say so and will address the manuscript’s weaknesses in detail.
The initial analysis includes a follow-up phone conversation with the editor at which time he or she will be happy to discuss specific elements of the analysis with you as well as recommendations, revision strategies, and, where appropriate, additional editing services.
If you would like to see a typical sample of our initial analysis, feel free to contact Brian Richman in our office. (back to top) | | |
I’ve seen other editors who do their initial analysis for free. Why should I pay the Iowa Wordwrights for it? Good question. First, you get what you pay for. Our clients have shown us complimentary critiques they received from other editors that looked like they were pulled right out of a how-to-write-fiction book. (In one case, it apparently wasn’t even a good book.)
Second, and more importantly, offering free work up-front creates too much of an incentive for some editors to recommend expensive follow-up services to a client even when none are warranted. Sometimes a manuscript is in great shape and only needs some light copy editing. Occasionally, the opposite is true: we may conclude from our initial analysis that a manuscript simply isn’t likely to be publishable even with additional editorial services.
In either case, we tell you exactly what we think your manuscript needs and provide a generous explanation for our opinion. We don’t try to convince you to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on higher-level critiques and editing unless those services are really going to improve your manuscript. We think our business model better serves our clients and our business. (back to top) | | |
| Can the Iowa Wordwrights help me find a literary agent for my work? Perhaps. We have an agent referral service, and the roster of agents with whom we work is continuing to expand. When and if a client’s project reaches the point where we are confident in its commercial potential, we are happy to provide assistance in securing representation. We do not charge for this service. (back to top) | | |
| What happens if you deem a manuscript unpublishable? We tell you so. If the conclusion of our initial analysis is that additional editing services are unlikely to materially improve a manuscript’s chances of publication, we’ll let you know, and we’ll provide you with a detailed explanation of our opinion as well as any suggestions we may have for re-thinking the project. (back to top) | | |
It's difficult to believe you would actually turn away clients. What's your incentive not to take a project on for work past the initial analysis? I’m going to give a personal answer to this question because I think it gets to the heart of our business philosophy. A few years back, when I was an investment banker in San Francisco, I was giving a presentation to the city council of a city which I was hoping would hire my firm to refinance the mortgage on their city hall. It was a small city that didn’t have much experience with bonds, and one of the council members asked me, “How do we know you’ll give us a good price on our bonds?” I’ve always believed that successful businesses are built on long-term relationships, and that’s what I told them—that if I didn’t get them a good price on their bonds, they weren’t likely to work with me again in the future, and they weren’t likely to recommend me to other clients.
That’s the same answer I’ll offer today as president of the Iowa Wordwrights. My colleagues and I are in this business for the long haul, and our long-term interests are never going to be well-served by trying to sell clients services they don’t need.
And I’ll add one other quick note. We’re all writers here at the Iowa Wordwrights; the greatest satisfaction we get out of this business comes from helping our clients turn good work into great work. We take enormous pride in the success of our clients just as we do when one of our fellow Workshop graduates succeeds at getting a book published. (back to top) | | |
| Will I be working with one of the editors shown on the website? Maybe. All of our senior editors are actively involved in client services. In addition, we have a large team of talented editors, all graduates of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, available to work with new clients. (back to top) | | |
| Can I request a specific editor? Because many of our editors also teach and write, the timing for a client’s incoming project does not always mesh with a specific editor’s schedule. Moreover, our experience has been that choosing the right editor for a particular client’s work— and ensuring that the project can be completed on schedule—provides the best overall experience for our clients. If you’ve worked with a specific Iowa Wordwrights editor on a previous project, however, and would like to work with him or her again, we will do our utmost to accommodate your request. (back to top) | | |
| I know what the problem is with my manuscript. Can I skip the initial analysis and go directly to one of your services that specifically addresses the issue I’m struggling with? If your agent has told you specifically what he/she thinks your manuscript needs, that may be a reasonable approach. Contact us by phone or e-mail, and we’ll be happy to discuss the situation with you. (back to top) | | |
What if I disagree with your evaluation of my work? Truthfully, we have not yet had a situation where a client has expressed substantive disagreements with our analysis. We focus our analyses as much as possible on the craft of writing—character development, plot development, dialogue, and so forth—rather than on matters of taste. We always support our criticisms with specific examples from the text, and we endeavor to separate problems from recommended solutions so that authors can devise their own solution as an alternative to those offered up by the editor. As a result, our clients generally recognize the objective value of our recommendations.
Also, our editors are always available to discuss specific issues in the follow-up consultation included with our manuscript services. In the unlikely event that a client still has a concern, the best course of action is to contact our office to discuss it. (back to top) | | |
| Do you publish books? No. (back to top) | | |
Do you sponsor writing contests? No, we don’t. Editors who run writing contests usually use them as a marketing tool. In exchange for a shot at a prize, they get names and contact information from dozens or even hundreds of writers. If they get even one new client out of it, the contest pays for itself. And believe it or not, that $1,000 prize is a lot cheaper than running a small ad in Writer’s Digest.
We prefer to reach potential clients through more traditional means: word-of-mouth referrals and advertising. It’s honest, it’s straightforward, and you (the writer) don’t get a lot of unwanted solicitations.
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| Do you do screenplays? We’re in the process now of recruiting editors with Hollywood experience. Once we find the right people, we plan to begin providing services to screenwriters. We expect that will be sometime in 2006. (back to top) | | |
Other editing firms have two or three people review my book. Why should I use the Iowa Wordwrights when you only give my manuscript to one editor? There’s a difference between saying your book will be analyzed by multiple editors and actually doing that. If a firm told you your book was reviewed by two editors but you only received one “consolidated” report, call up the firm, ask for copies of the individual reports, and listen for the hesitation.
More importantly, we select an appropriate editor with the experience and perspective to critique your work and to assess its commercial and literary potential. If a manuscript turns out to be something that we feel really needs multiple opinions—a very experimental piece of fiction, for example—we’ll let you know, and we’ll do it at our cost. Alternatively, if a client simply wants multiple opinions, we’ll provide a second reading and analysis for a reduced cost. (back to top) | | |
| What range of writing skills and experience do your clients have? They run the gamut from beginners who have written a few short stories to experienced writers with several published books of fiction or non-fiction to their name. In general, though, most of our clients who come to us for manuscript services come with a complete draft which they have taken through at least a first revision. Also, we’ve found from experience that writers who have taken at least one class in creative writing or who have studied their craft independently tend to be better equipped to implement our recommendations and therefore benefit the most from our manuscript services. (back to top) | | |
| I'm just a beginner who needs some feedback. Can you help? We can. If you only want us to review a couple of stories or an article, an hourly consultation with one of our editors will probably be more cost-effective than a manuscript analysis. If you haven’t already taken one, we may also refer you to a creative writing class in your area. Many universities, community colleges and other institutions offer them, and they can help you develop a vocabulary to talk about writing and a basic understanding of the craft, which will help you get much more out of your engagement with us. Just call or e-mail, and we’ll be happy to discuss the best approach with you. (back to top) | | |
| I'm a published writer, but I'm trying to break into a new genre. Can you help? Yes. We have several editors on staff who have made similar transitions: from journalist to novelist or from copywriter to fiction writer. They can provide manuscript critiques and editing as well as practical professional advice on making a successful transition. (back to top) | | |
Do you offer your services to authors who are planning to go the self-publishing route? Sure. All of our editing services are suitable for both authors who are hoping to sell their book to a traditional publisher as well as those planning on self-publishing. The goal is the same either way: to make sure your book is as well-written, engaging and marketable as it can be.
We also offer some additional services to self-publishing authors in areas where we believe we can add value, including copywriting for book jackets and drafting of publicity materials. (back to top) | | |
I'm just writing a family history to pass down to my kids or grandchildren. What would be the value in having it professionally edited? You’ve undoubtedly read a poorly written or edited book. More likely, you read the first chapter of that book and then put it on the bookshelf in the basement and never picked it up again.
That’s not what most people want to become of their writings. You’re writing down stories you want to share: a lifetime of experiences, a spiritual journey, a multi-generational history. Maybe you’re writing them down to guide your children. Maybe to preserve important memories. Whatever the reason, you want those remembrances to be read.
Whether you’re planning to share your stories with a broad audience or just a few family members, making sure that they are engaging and readable will help ensure that they’re read and remembered and treasured. That is the value in having your work professionally edited, and that is why we love working on this type of project. (back to top) | | |
I’m a little uncomfortable with sending my manuscript to someone I’ve never met. We understand. Engaging someone you’ve never met to provide professional services can be a bit discomforting. We’ve taken a couple of steps to help alleviate those concerns. First, all of our work is performed under a written agreement. You’ll have a binding copy of our agreement—signed by us and by you—in-hand before sending us your work or making any payments.
Second, we have a strong confidentiality policy written in plain English posted on our website. The policy spells out clearly how we treat your manuscript during and after our engagement with you.
Finally, unlike most editing firms or freelance editors, we put our names and faces right out there on our website. That’s because we believe in our work, and we know you will too.
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What is the total cost likely to run for editing my manuscript to completion? It’s difficult to generalize an answer to this question. It depends, first and foremost, on what shape the manuscript is in. Some manuscripts may need only light copy editing before they’re ready to be sent to an agent or publisher. Others may have great potential but require significantly more developmental work and revision.
Another factor is the time commitment the writer is willing to make to revising his or her manuscript. Many writers will use our analysis to revise a manuscript on their own and then have us look at the next draft. Other writers want their Iowa Wordwrights editor to implement the substantive recommendations from our analysis, which could be done as part of a line editing engagement.
The initial analysis allows us to provide you with a clear assessment of the necessary work, the options available to you, and the cost for each. Indicative costs for our various services are included on the Services page.
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| What are your payment terms? We bill half in advance, half upon completion. (back to top) | | |
| What forms of payment do you accept? We accept checks drawn on any U.S. bank, and we take Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express, which we process through PayPal. (back to top) | | |
| Does working with the Iowa Wordwrights guarantee representation or publication? Unfortunately, no. Writing may be an art, but publishing is a business. And sadly, it’s a business that is subject to the same whims that the fashion, video game, television, automobile, carpeting and frozen food industries are subject to: consumer tastes, budgets, economics, personal relationships. What we can guarantee is clear, professional advice that will allow you to improve your manuscript and enhance your chances of finding a publisher for it. (back to top) | | |
| If you help me get published, do I have to credit you as co-author or editor, share my copyright with you, or give you a cut of the advance or royalties? No. We’d very much like to hear from you about your success, but even that’s optional. We can always read about it in the New York Times Book Review. (back to top) | | |
Do you have a cure for writer's block? A few years back, most of our senior staff were in a novel workshop with a wonderful visiting faculty member at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Her response to the question was both simple and profound: “The primary cause of not writing is not writing.” Often, it is a matter of just sitting down and doing the work. Write even when the writing doesn’t want to come.
That said, it’s been our experience that a developmental problem—a difficulty with a particular character, a dropped plot line—sometimes prevents writers from being able to advance their stories. If that’s the case, we may be able to help.
Beyond that, there are a million bits of advice out there about how to deal with writer’s block and only one universal truth: there is no single cure that works for everybody. With that said, we’ll stick with the advice we were offered: keep writing.
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|  I used to think that in mysteries or thrillers the action and intrigue were important and not the characters. The truth is that the action and intrigue don’t count for anything unless the reader cares about and likes the characters. So in a suspense novel, the most important thing—the first consideration—is that the characterization has to be good.
- Ken Follett |
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