Everyone has a story.
Let's write yours.
1. So....what exactly DOES your company offer?
Why, thank you for asking!
We offer a wide variety of personalized services for every stage of the writing process for prose writers, from developing a story concept to querying an agent to creating and developing author platform. It is all based on the needs of the client.
2. I have a great idea for a novel, but don't actually have anything written yet. Is it too early to contact you?
No, absolutely not! It's one of the best times to contact us actually! In the developmental stage of a project, the most important thing we offer clients is a well-trained ear to hear the idea for their story and, more importantly, listen to their concerns that come with writing. Writing can be a truly solitary experience, but we like to tell our clients they are not alone anymore! So, as a professional creative/developmental story editor on the novel side, I can send you templates and charts and outlines to help get your project in order and ready to write a first draft! And as an unbiased, third party professional, I WILL give you honest feedback as to which areas need work and which areas of the story are strong. And remember, a story is not until it's done! It is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. (please see consulting for more information)
If you are further along and already have a first draft/rough draft of your project complete, we offer a full range of editing services from a basic grammar/copy edit, to an intense line edit to a full developmental edit (please see services for more information). In terms of HOW we edit, please see question 6 below! We can go through as many edits as necessary in order for the client to feel secure in their project. Generally, based on which editing package a client picks, we read through the manuscript twice, send the manuscript back with notes, and let the client look things over. Then we schedule a phone call to discuss and brainstorm and then the client gets to work. As mentioned, we can repeat this process as many times as needed.
If you have already had your project edited before, but were unhappy with the results, we can help! Come to us with your concerns and we will be more than happy assist you in achieving your desire goal. We pride ourselves on having a very keen eye for where a story needs help, and are confident we can help solve the mystery of your story's nagging issue!
And finally, if your book is in it's final stages and you are ready to put it out into the world, we can guide you through the overwhelming process of getting your project out to query, whether it be a non-fiction work, novel. We offer services for query letters, synopsis's, and agent research.
3. I write non-fiction. Like self-help books and stuff. Can you help me, too?
Absolutely. Even a non-fiction work can use organizational/developmental assistance. You want to make sure it is organized in such a way that your audience finds it helpful and easy to read! I can edit it and help you make sure that your message is getting across in the manner that you desire. Additionally, the querying process is slightly different for non-fiction works, and I am happy to guide you through that process.
4. Why should I hire you? Can't I just have a friend read it and give my novel/screenplay, etc. the once over?
Well, let me be honest. You CAN have a friend read it and give you feedback. But, pick wisely. Will your mom/sister/best friend/matron of honor/fishing buddy etc. be willing to give you honest, critical feedback? Are they an avid reader? Are they familiar with the genre/topic of what you are writing? Are they knowledgable of the current market for said genre/topic? Do they have any training? There are many things to consider when asking a friend/family member to read your work, and at the end of the day, not all feedback is equal. Now, with that being said, yes, let anyone read it who is willing! Just know that their feedback may not be as valuable as you need it to be, especially if you are considering traditional route of getting representation, an option for a screenplay, book deal, etc.
So, why hire Whitney Davis Literary? First and foremost, I am a detailed professional with a keen eye for story and a penchant for finding the issues hiding in your project that you may not have even known were there! :) Secondly, I am an avid reader and constant student of the world of story. I have attended and continue to attend the leading conferences for authors and screenwriters in an effort to bring my clients the most current information in terms of what literary agents/studio executives/producers, etc. are looking for. Thirdly, I have a passion for my clients. I have a true belief that there is no such thing as a bad story. It is only bad when it is not executed well. And that is where I come in. I am passionate and committed to helping my writers achieve their creative goals! Let me assist you in making your dreams a reality.
5. Why is writing so hard?
I get asked this every day by every client.
And I say this: "If writing a book/screenplay/memoir/etc. was easy, every one would do it. WELCOME TO THE CLUB!" :-)
6. How do you work your magic? What's your method?
So, when it comes to editing, I have a pretty particular method. I am a true believer in printing a manuscript out into a hard copy that I can hold with my hands. That's right...I'm talking about paper!!! Why? Why do I do this, you may be asking. There are two reasons.
NUMBER ONE: Because writing can seem like (and let's be real, often is) such a fluid, unending process, I encourage my clients to come to a point where they simply print it out, and call it a draft. It helps, I promise. Your sanity will thank me.
NUMBER TWO: In this age of technology, our eyes are trained to scan quickly on our devices. When the project is printed, my eyes, your eyes, EVERYONE's eyes catch things they don't catch on a computer screen...period. I believe printing out your project allows me to give you the BEST QUALITY EDIT AND FEEDBACK POSSIBLE!
So when I receive your project over email, what do I do? I print it out, bind that sucker up and I mark up your manuscript. And I mean...I mark it up. I have a color coded system, in fact....with HIGHLIGHTERS. And yes, you read correctly. I mark grammar/typos and such in yellow, suggested wording changes/fluidity issues in blue, questions/concerns/plot inconsistencies in green, characters/character descriptions in orange, plot issues in purple and my favorite sections in PINK!
This way, when you get the manuscript back in the MAIL, if you want to tackle all your grammar issues first, you flip through and find the yellow! And so on and so on. It makes it very easy.
7. What if I don't want a hard copy and I prefer to receive my edits digitally?
Your wish is my command. I can make the edits in track changes! But again, I don't suggest this for a first edit.
The one caveat is this--if we are on, let's say, the third round of edits, and I have already read your novel/screenplay three or four times, and it is close to being finished, I feel confident doing a final edit in track changes.
8. Once I send you something, when can I expect to get it back?
I take editing projects in the order received.
For a novel and/or non-fiction manuscript, expect the turn around to be around 6-8 weeks from when I begin.
For query letters, synopsis's and such, the turnaround can be as little as a few days, depending what else I am working on.
9. What are your prices and how do you determine them?
My prices vary depending on what type of project you are sending me and what stage of development it is in. I charge more for an early draft {as it will take longer to edit} and less for an advanced draft {meaning, it has already received feedback and edited a few times}. In terms of longer projects, such as novels and books, I charge by the word. For all coaching and consulting services, I simply charge an hourly fee. My rates are competitive. Please contact me for a quote.
10. Can you get me a literary agent, get me a book deal?
While I would love to promise everybody the moon, I unfortunately can not do such a thing! So, no, I can not guarantee any of the above, but I can say I will get you as prepared as possible and can coach you on the steps necessary to make such a dream a reality!
11. What are your office hours? Do you answer phone calls/e-mails on the weekends?
Our office hours are generally 9 am to 5 pm PST Monday thru Friday, though often I am out having client meetings and the like. Please feel free to call me and/or e-mail me. My goal is to return your call or e-mail within 2 business days. As for the weekends, you are welcome to call and leave a message or email, but please understand I don't answer my business e-mail or phone calls on the weekend unless it is a previously scheduled thing. Thank you!
Why, thank you for asking!
We offer a wide variety of personalized services for every stage of the writing process for prose writers, from developing a story concept to querying an agent to creating and developing author platform. It is all based on the needs of the client.
2. I have a great idea for a novel, but don't actually have anything written yet. Is it too early to contact you?
No, absolutely not! It's one of the best times to contact us actually! In the developmental stage of a project, the most important thing we offer clients is a well-trained ear to hear the idea for their story and, more importantly, listen to their concerns that come with writing. Writing can be a truly solitary experience, but we like to tell our clients they are not alone anymore! So, as a professional creative/developmental story editor on the novel side, I can send you templates and charts and outlines to help get your project in order and ready to write a first draft! And as an unbiased, third party professional, I WILL give you honest feedback as to which areas need work and which areas of the story are strong. And remember, a story is not until it's done! It is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. (please see consulting for more information)
If you are further along and already have a first draft/rough draft of your project complete, we offer a full range of editing services from a basic grammar/copy edit, to an intense line edit to a full developmental edit (please see services for more information). In terms of HOW we edit, please see question 6 below! We can go through as many edits as necessary in order for the client to feel secure in their project. Generally, based on which editing package a client picks, we read through the manuscript twice, send the manuscript back with notes, and let the client look things over. Then we schedule a phone call to discuss and brainstorm and then the client gets to work. As mentioned, we can repeat this process as many times as needed.
If you have already had your project edited before, but were unhappy with the results, we can help! Come to us with your concerns and we will be more than happy assist you in achieving your desire goal. We pride ourselves on having a very keen eye for where a story needs help, and are confident we can help solve the mystery of your story's nagging issue!
And finally, if your book is in it's final stages and you are ready to put it out into the world, we can guide you through the overwhelming process of getting your project out to query, whether it be a non-fiction work, novel. We offer services for query letters, synopsis's, and agent research.
3. I write non-fiction. Like self-help books and stuff. Can you help me, too?
Absolutely. Even a non-fiction work can use organizational/developmental assistance. You want to make sure it is organized in such a way that your audience finds it helpful and easy to read! I can edit it and help you make sure that your message is getting across in the manner that you desire. Additionally, the querying process is slightly different for non-fiction works, and I am happy to guide you through that process.
4. Why should I hire you? Can't I just have a friend read it and give my novel/screenplay, etc. the once over?
Well, let me be honest. You CAN have a friend read it and give you feedback. But, pick wisely. Will your mom/sister/best friend/matron of honor/fishing buddy etc. be willing to give you honest, critical feedback? Are they an avid reader? Are they familiar with the genre/topic of what you are writing? Are they knowledgable of the current market for said genre/topic? Do they have any training? There are many things to consider when asking a friend/family member to read your work, and at the end of the day, not all feedback is equal. Now, with that being said, yes, let anyone read it who is willing! Just know that their feedback may not be as valuable as you need it to be, especially if you are considering traditional route of getting representation, an option for a screenplay, book deal, etc.
So, why hire Whitney Davis Literary? First and foremost, I am a detailed professional with a keen eye for story and a penchant for finding the issues hiding in your project that you may not have even known were there! :) Secondly, I am an avid reader and constant student of the world of story. I have attended and continue to attend the leading conferences for authors and screenwriters in an effort to bring my clients the most current information in terms of what literary agents/studio executives/producers, etc. are looking for. Thirdly, I have a passion for my clients. I have a true belief that there is no such thing as a bad story. It is only bad when it is not executed well. And that is where I come in. I am passionate and committed to helping my writers achieve their creative goals! Let me assist you in making your dreams a reality.
5. Why is writing so hard?
I get asked this every day by every client.
And I say this: "If writing a book/screenplay/memoir/etc. was easy, every one would do it. WELCOME TO THE CLUB!" :-)
6. How do you work your magic? What's your method?
So, when it comes to editing, I have a pretty particular method. I am a true believer in printing a manuscript out into a hard copy that I can hold with my hands. That's right...I'm talking about paper!!! Why? Why do I do this, you may be asking. There are two reasons.
NUMBER ONE: Because writing can seem like (and let's be real, often is) such a fluid, unending process, I encourage my clients to come to a point where they simply print it out, and call it a draft. It helps, I promise. Your sanity will thank me.
NUMBER TWO: In this age of technology, our eyes are trained to scan quickly on our devices. When the project is printed, my eyes, your eyes, EVERYONE's eyes catch things they don't catch on a computer screen...period. I believe printing out your project allows me to give you the BEST QUALITY EDIT AND FEEDBACK POSSIBLE!
So when I receive your project over email, what do I do? I print it out, bind that sucker up and I mark up your manuscript. And I mean...I mark it up. I have a color coded system, in fact....with HIGHLIGHTERS. And yes, you read correctly. I mark grammar/typos and such in yellow, suggested wording changes/fluidity issues in blue, questions/concerns/plot inconsistencies in green, characters/character descriptions in orange, plot issues in purple and my favorite sections in PINK!
This way, when you get the manuscript back in the MAIL, if you want to tackle all your grammar issues first, you flip through and find the yellow! And so on and so on. It makes it very easy.
7. What if I don't want a hard copy and I prefer to receive my edits digitally?
Your wish is my command. I can make the edits in track changes! But again, I don't suggest this for a first edit.
The one caveat is this--if we are on, let's say, the third round of edits, and I have already read your novel/screenplay three or four times, and it is close to being finished, I feel confident doing a final edit in track changes.
8. Once I send you something, when can I expect to get it back?
I take editing projects in the order received.
For a novel and/or non-fiction manuscript, expect the turn around to be around 6-8 weeks from when I begin.
For query letters, synopsis's and such, the turnaround can be as little as a few days, depending what else I am working on.
9. What are your prices and how do you determine them?
My prices vary depending on what type of project you are sending me and what stage of development it is in. I charge more for an early draft {as it will take longer to edit} and less for an advanced draft {meaning, it has already received feedback and edited a few times}. In terms of longer projects, such as novels and books, I charge by the word. For all coaching and consulting services, I simply charge an hourly fee. My rates are competitive. Please contact me for a quote.
10. Can you get me a literary agent, get me a book deal?
While I would love to promise everybody the moon, I unfortunately can not do such a thing! So, no, I can not guarantee any of the above, but I can say I will get you as prepared as possible and can coach you on the steps necessary to make such a dream a reality!
11. What are your office hours? Do you answer phone calls/e-mails on the weekends?
Our office hours are generally 9 am to 5 pm PST Monday thru Friday, though often I am out having client meetings and the like. Please feel free to call me and/or e-mail me. My goal is to return your call or e-mail within 2 business days. As for the weekends, you are welcome to call and leave a message or email, but please understand I don't answer my business e-mail or phone calls on the weekend unless it is a previously scheduled thing. Thank you!
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