••• policies — editing services •••

1. we specialize in fiction, creative nonfiction, and marketing + web content up to 5,000 words.

Queer Black Editing has the most experience editing fiction, creative nonfiction, marketing copy, and web copy. (Bonus points for short stories, personal essays, social justice- and holistic-focused content, and text centered on rad-identity politics!) 

We do not edit or review any academic, legal, technical, financial, engineering, mathematical, or medical content at this time. But whenever possible, we'll gladly refer you to editors who specialize in STEMspeak.

2. we're trained in Chicago manual of style and adspeak.

Yep! We can pivot from an Oxford comma to title case in a heartbeat. 

3. please have your manuscript ready for editing.

When you contact us, your manuscript should be ready to go in a single-file MS Word doc. (Simply put, we won’t be able to help you until we have access to your full, written work.)

Your sending us the entire document allows us to better contextualize your work and price your project appropriately. Please refrain from sending us partial manuscripts, excerpts, or writing samples, which affect continuity and delay the overall editing process.

Queer Black Editing operates on a "one manuscript = one contract" basis (sorry, no retainers). Please note that we do not co-edit or co-draft manuscripts, and are not able to set up a consult without a manuscript. Only complete manuscripts ready for editing will be accepted.

4. be present.

Be ready to engage and collaborate with us through email during the entire process when you contact us.

Please note that delayed communication on your end will result in a delayed editing process (i.e., your project will move to the very end of the line despite your preferred due date, or *gasp* we may even terminate the agreement at our discretion).

5. you may opt for additional editing passes.

After the initial editing pass has been completed, you may add an additional pass as a separate contract/fee (to be scheduled after the first project is complete).

6. we fact-check as we go… if it's accessible.

If, for example, your writing project is a kick-ass, intersectional, revolutionary take-down of transgressions from the powers that be, but the information gleaned from your research is only found in texts stored behind online paywalls or library doors, sorry—that kinda fact-checking is on your own. 

We also don’t crunch any hard numbers or fact-check extensive charts, graphs, or tables, as in-depth math just ain’t our steeze; we trust that you’re the expert of the stats you’ve researched. (But we’ll totally point out any misspelled axis titles, if applicable.)

Proper nouns, terminology, and simple facts easily found in a quick, online search are fine.

7. we operate 100% electronically.* 

All manuscripts must be sent in MS Word format, in a single file, through email. For transparency, we use Track Changes for all documents unless we’ve both agreed to an alternative arrangement.

Queer Black Editing uses electronic contracts and receives electronic payment through PayPal.

*Not including initial consults, which are conducted by phone.

8. we reserve the right to refuse service.

Whether we have or have not worked together in the past, Queer Black Editing is under no obligation to render services to errrbody under the sun. Not even if we're compatible zodiac signs or whatever. 

9. we're cool with brief rush jobs.

Most of the time, we can accommodate your immediate editing needs.

All rush jobs yield a 50% (base) surcharge, due upfront. 

10. even if we know each other offline, a contract is always required.

Queer Black Editing operates on a "one manuscript = one contract" basis.

For both your and our protection, Queer Black Editing never renders services without a contract, even if we play cousins. Please review our process from start to finish.

11. our pricing will vary.

We'll price your written project according to document type, editing level, length, and the time needed to review and edit it.

Payment to Queer Black Editing must be made upfront and in full through PayPal.

12. we work with one writer/project manager at a time.

You know that adage about too many cooks in the kitchen? Yeah.

We assume that whoever contacts us shall be the point person we communicate with throughout the entire editing process.

13. anything else we haven't mentioned on here will be in the project blueprint and/or contract.

Yep—rates, timelines, this, that, and the third.

Still got questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us!

privacy policy

you know… gdpr, ccpa compliance + whatnot.