Query Letter Critique

First 10 Pages

First 30 Pages

Pages + Query

Full Manuscript Critique

email for pricing

 

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 *Please note that working with Lindsay does not gaurantee a contract with an agent, nor does it guarantee a publishing deal. Publishing is a very subjective business, and Lindsay is only ONE opinion.

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Please read this information carefully before submitting to Lindsay Cummings! Submission to Lindsay indicates you have read and agree with all of the terms and conditions outlined on this page. This notice is effective as of May 31, 2016.

 

STRUCTURE

Lindsay Cummings is acting as a single freelance editor, and does not fit the legal definition of a partnership, company, or corporation. Payment will be between client and individual editor. Lindsay strives to provide the best customer service at all times, but should an issue or grievance arise, it shall be between client and individual editor. 

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Please format submissions with standard margins, double-spacing, and 12 point font. (Query letter can be single-spaced). Please send as Word .doc or .docx attachments. All query/manuscript reviewing and editing is done electronically. I return notes in a Word document and use the track changes function as applicable to make additional comments. Please make sure you are comfortable using Microsoft Word before submitting, as I am unable to provide more than the most basic technical troubleshooting.

TIMEFRAME

Barring unforeseen circumstances, I will return feedback on query letters and ten-page submissions within two weeks of receipt, and feedback on longer projects within four weeks of receipt. Sometimes rush service is available. Check with Lindsay if you require a speedy turnaround.

PAYMENT

For query letters, 10-page critiques and Partial critiques, I will email my feedback upon receipt of payment. For longer critiques (Big Picture or Line Edit), I require a deposit of half the fee before I begin, and the balance upon completion of the project before I mail out my notes. I only accept payment via PayPal. I will invoice you, which means in addition to my fees you will pay a small fee to PayPal. As of January 1, 2015, the fee is 2.9%. More information is available on the PayPal website.

REFUNDS

If I have received partial payment but have not yet started a manuscript review and editing, I will happily refund your deposit at your request. If, due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to finish your manuscript in the time frame agreed upon, I will return a pro-rated portion of your money and my partial notes, at your request. Otherwise, no refunds under any circumstances. This policy is non-negotiable.

AT COMPLETION OF SERVICE

I cannot guarantee you will achieve publication or literary representation as a result of our services. My pledge is to take on the clients whose work I feel has potential to be successful in today's market and to work closely with individual writers to elevate the level of their manuscripts. Unfortunately, even the most well-written manuscripts do not always find homes at agencies or publishing houses. 

MARKETING

Feedback from Lindsay is given for the sole purpose of strengthening your manuscript. At no point may you reproduce her editorial suggestions on paper or online without her written permission. At no point may you use her feedback as marketing or blurbs for self or traditionally published novels.

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT/IDEA THEFT

All submissions received by Lindsay are automatically assumed as copyrighted to you, the author. I will never reproduce your words without your written permission. I am ethical and will not steal your ideas; if I think the subject matter of your manuscript is too close to something I am working on, I will pass on it. That said, publishing is full of trends and I cannot guarantee that if I read your book about boy wizards, I will never write a boy wizard book myself, etc. If this remains a concern, perhaps working with a freelance editor who is not also a writer might be a better fit for you.

PRIVACY

No personal information exchanged with Lindsay (name, email address, etc.) will ever be shared or sold. None of your writing will ever be reproduced online or shared without your written permission.

RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE

You are paying for a service and deserve an editor who is passionate about your work. I have a limited amount of time to devote to manuscript critiques and want to focus on the ones that speak personally to me. Every client is guaranteed feedback on query letters, 10-page submissions, and 50-page partials, but I reserve the right to politely decline to do in-depth critiques on manuscripts that are not a good fit for me.