When choosing a copyeditor or proofreader, you will often notice that many will offer a sample edit. This may be a free or paid for service, and is exactly what it says on the tin – a sample copyedit or proofread of your work which allows the editor to better understand the needs of your project, and for you to decide if you think they are the best editor for you. What are the benefits of a sample edit, and what should you look out for once you have engaged this service as a writer? 

Quality and Style 

You may or may not have engaged the services of a copyeditor or proofreader before, so expectations of what a ‘good’ copyedit or proofread looks like will vary. A sample edit gives you the opportunity to ascertain the skill level and style of your editor. Every editor has a unique approach, and you want to ensure their style fits the tone and voice of your writing, whilst catching those pesky errors you’ve missed. 

Equally, this is an opportunity for the editor to showcase their skills, and to see if your writing is a match for them. They may think the content of your project may be better suited to someone with expertise in that area, and may refer you elsewhere. They will also use the sample edit as an opportunity to gauge the level of work required to edit the full project – is this a light proofread, or does it really need a heavier proofedit? This may impact their final cost projection. 

Clarity of feedback

Communication is a huge part of the author-editor relationship. This is an opportunity for both the editor and author to clarify their expectations, and for editors to communicate their feedback in a clear and concise way. Is their feedback constructive and easy to implement? This is crucial to ascertain before you choose an editor to work on your full project. 

A sample edit will also help to build trust between the author and editor. You need to be confident in the fact your editor will enhance your work without compromising your voice and style. You should also feel comfortable enough to query any suggestions that are unclear or that you disagree with.  

Cost and Timeline Transparency

As mentioned above, a sample edit helps a copyeditor or proofreader ascertain the level of edit required. It also helps them to determine how long the project will take, and where they can fit it in their calendar. They can then provide an accurate price and timeline for the project which the writer can consider before moving forward. This can help avoid unforeseen costs later (though sometimes these can be unavoidable). 

Ultimately, a sample edit can be beneficial for both the editor and author. It can help to minimise risk and ensure you are both making an informed decision before progressing. 

It is paramount to me that all my clients feel comfortable before engaging my services. That’s why I offer free sample edits of up to 1,500 words. To find out more about how we can work together, please get in touch today at susannahbutler.edits@gmail.com.