The Pub Pros FAQ

Why should I choose the Pub Pros over other book services companies?

The Pub Pros is run by editors and writers who have experience at big 5 houses. We know what it takes to publish great books because we’ve done the work, from acquisition to publication. We’re also known as connectors within the publishing industry. As you’ll see on our testimonial page, we’ve brought top editors, agents, and writers together for years. Our deep network and behind-the-scenes knowledge of the publishing world sets us apart from other companies. When we pair you with a Pro, we bring our direct knowledge of who’s who and what it takes to publish great books to the match.

What is the difference between copyediting, developmental editing, and ghostwriting?

Check out our services pages (editing and ghostwriting) for a breakdown of these services.

I am not sure what kind of help I need. I just know I need help writing my book! Can you help me figure out what to do next?

Yes! We consider that a big part of our job. If you have one, feel free to send us a sample of your manuscript through our contact form, and we’re happy to help you determine your next steps. If you haven’t begun your project and are looking for a ghostwriter to help you create your book from the ground up, let us know some details and we can help you get started.

How can I be sure that nobody will steal my book idea if I share my manuscript with you and any editors/writers I am considering hiring?

We are strongly committed to protecting the creative rights of those who reach out to us. All of the professionals we work with uphold our same values, and they have serious, longstanding reputations in the editorial community, as their multiple references can attest. Our contracts also protect the client’s original material and ideas.

How soon can I start working with an editor or writer?

We will only refer you to editors/writers who are currently available to take on new projects. If you decide to work with a Pro after your initial call with them, your next step is to determine a start date, which can range from a couple of weeks to a few months after finalizing your contract with the Pro. 

Can I talk to more than one editor or writer before deciding whom to work with?

Absolutely! We’ll match you with a Pro who we think will be a good fit for your project, and you and the Pro can confer by phone to determine if you think you’re compatible. After your talk, we’ll check in with you. If you’d like to meet with a different Pro, we’ll set you up with another amazing editor/writer.

How do you determine the price for a project?

Our Pros set the price for a project. They figure this out after reviewing your sample and/or during the consultation call. As is industry standard, prices vary based on the Pro’s experience and how much work needs to be done.

How does the payment system work?

For editorial services, our clients pay for a few hours of editing up front before the Pro starts the preliminary edit, the remaining 50 percent of the fee before the Pro begins on the rest of the project, and the final 50 percent within thirty days of the Pro’s delivery of the final project. For longer, more involved ghostwriting projects the payments may be split into more segments.

What is the turnaround time for having my manuscript edited?

Our Pros determine their timelines individually based on the project and their current workloads, so they’ll set up specific times when the two of you communicate on the phone or by email. Average turnaround time for manuscript critiques, copyedits, and line edits is six to eight weeks. Six to twelve weeks is average for developmental edits, and proofreads generally take three to five weeks. Ghostwriting projects vary widely in scope and time, so for those projects you’ll settle on specific dates as you discuss your project with our Pro. If you have specific time constraints, let us know so that we can bear them in mind as we find the best Pro for you.

How long will it take to have my book ghostwritten?

The timeline to ghostwrite a book depends on your needs, your book’s length, the ghostwriter’s schedule, and how much time you are able to commit to the project. Generally speaking, it is rare to be able to write a high-quality manuscript in less than six months. A more realistic timeline is nine to twelve months, again, depending on needs and schedules. See our ghostwriting page for more details on what the process entails.

Will I get to meet my editor or writer in person?

It is typically rare to meet your editor or writer in person simply due to geography. If you happen to live near one another, mutually agreed upon in-person meetings may be arranged if you both decide they are necessary. Otherwise, you will correspond with your Pro via email, phone calls, and video calls as needed. Edits and writing will be sent through word processing platforms such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word (you and your Pro will determine the platform that works best for you both when you begin working together).

How often will my editor/writer and I be in contact?

You and your Pro will come up with a mutually agreed upon schedule for being in touch. Contact will vary greatly depending on the depth of your work together. Proofreading and copyediting require the least amount of contact, and you would only be in touch to address any questions you might have about the proofreader’s or copyeditor’s work. Editing and ghostwriting involve more communication and will be determined when you set up an editorial calendar with your Pro.

How do I know I’m getting a great edit?

We know our Pros are amazing, but the best way for you to see the quality of our Pro’s work and also make sure that you’re happy with the rigor and style of the edits is our five-to-ten-page preliminary edit. In the first steps of your project, you’ll pay for a few hours of work, and the editor will send you their preliminary edit on the first portion of your manuscript so that you can see the kind of edits that your final project will entail. After the preliminary edit, if you feel like another editor would be a better fit, the editor will keep preliminary fee, and we’re happy to connect you with a different Pro. That way there won’t be any surprises, and the quality of your final project will be clear to you from the beginning.

What happens if I feel my editor or writer is not a good match for me after we start working together?

A huge part of a successful editor/writer/author relationship is feeling that you are a good match for one another. If you feel your Pro is not the right fit for your project we encourage you to discuss your concern with your project manager at the Pub Pros. We will help you troubleshoot, and if necessary, try to connect you with a different Pro depending on your needs.

Will you introduce me to literary agents?

Literary agents have set guidelines for their submissions and tend to ask writers to reach out to them directly. For that reason, we don’t offer direct introductions. However, our Pros can help you strategize your agent outreach. 

Will you help me get published?

We do not connect authors with publishers. We will work with you, though, to set you on the path toward publication. Your Pro can help identify the best publishing houses for your project, decide whether you need a literary agent, and figure out your next steps.

I want to self-publish my book. What are the pros and cons of self-publishing?

Self-publishing is a viable and preferable option for many authors. In today’s publishing landscape, self-published authors have a greater ability than ever to reach an audience directly. Self-publishing can also give you the opportunity to have control over your book throughout the process, from cover design to marketing, and more. Additionally, it means more money in the author’s hand with every sale.

Alternatively, a publishing house brings a team of professionals to help usher the book through every stage in the process. This allows the author to focus on the creative process and to partner with a built-in team for promotion when the book is released.

Can you help me self-publish my book?

We do offer book production and self-publishing services. Once your manuscript is final we can help you navigate the necessary steps to turn it into a finished book and list it for sale through online retailer sites such as Amazon.com, BN.com, and Apple Books. See our self-publishing page for more information on this option.