Frequently Asked Questions

This document is designed to answer frequently asked questions of the editorial services I offer. The Academy of American Poets has a FAQ page about poetry in general.

What are Sean Singer Editorial Services?

I offer personalized “psychological coaching” for poetry manuscripts. I also offer copy editing and developmental editing for academic papers, dissertations, and creative nonfiction.

What type of writing do you edit?

I specialize in poetry, but also offer copyediting and developmental editing for academic papers, dissertations, and creative nonfiction.

What level of experience do I need?

I am happy to work with beginning writers who are forming their voice with the tools and techniques of writing poetry. I usually work with people who have one or multiple manuscripts they want to turn into books.

How do I know if I’ll be comfortable working with you?

I’ve been a student, teacher, scholar, and writer of poetry for 27 years. I’ve also written many book reviews and essays on the subject. One of the main differences between the experienced writer and the beginning writer is that the experienced writer has failed more times than the beginner has even tried. I assure you I’ve had my share of successes, but also rejections over many years.

How much do editorial services cost?

The price depends on a range of factors—what you want done, how much time the work entails, and how much attention you want—but typically ranges from $300-$2,000. I am committed to making my editorial services accessible to writers of all backgrounds. In general, writing teachers don’t serve the very poor, or the medium poor very well, so I offer a sliding scale for people who need help with their writing, and are unable to pay.

If you’re interested in a reduced rate, send me 2-3 short paragraphs that outline your financial needs along with a writing sample. I don’t ask for corroborating documents, but I would like to understand your situation.

What is your turnaround time?

I’m fast and efficient. I typically respond to your query within an hour, and can usually complete your project in 7-10 days.

Do you use a contract?

Yes. Once you decide to proceed, I’ll send you an industry-standard contract that outlines the scope, pricing, and schedule of the work. It also includes legal information.

Can I ask unlimited follow-up questions?

Yes, within reason. I often exchange a handful of emails with clients after I send my critique letter. Also, I can support any level of editorial service with an add-on 30-minute ($50) or 60-minute ($100) call where I can go over all your questions in depth, and discuss next steps.

How do you accept payment?

Zelle, Venmo (@Sean-Singer-9), or PayPal (sean.singer@gmail.com).

Do you accept installment payments?

Yes, I’m happy to accept 50% before and 50% after completion of the work.

I’m thinking of getting an MFA. Is this an alternative to that?

There are many reasons to do an MFA: time to dedicate to your writing, a cohort of readers to give you support, and well-known writers to guide you. There are also disadvantages to MFA programs: sometimes people find they don’t get the attention they want, or that their work is not best served by the faculty and other MFA students for any number of reasons, for example, cultural bias. MFA programs are expensive and not everyone can afford two years to devote to them.

I don’t replicate an MFA program, but I do offer sensitive, tough, accurate, and individual attention to your writing. I offer customized prices and levels of services depending on what you want to accomplish. I can help pre-MFA students prepare for and apply to MFA programs, and I can help post-MFA students turn their theses into books. To borrow a phrase from creative nonfiction, this is developmental editing for poetry manuscripts.

What is it like working with you?

Whether I’m working with you on a handful of poems, or an entire manuscript, I offer intensive, individual attention to your writing. I will read your manuscripts carefully multiple times, offer suggestions of what to read, offer strategies and techniques for revision, and help you navigate how to publish your work (if that’s one of your goals). Any piece of writing can be made better. My goal is to help you bring what’s on the page as close as possible to your intention.

What are your rates for copy editing?

I use the rates set by the Editorial Freelancers Association.

What is the difference between copy editing and line editing?

Copy editing refers to proofreading your manuscripts for issues of spelling, format, and grammar. Line editing refers to shaping the tone, voice, images, metaphors, and style.

Do your editorial services guarantee that I’ll get published/win a Pulitzer Prize/get an agent?

I find it helpful to separate the writing process from the business of publishing. Each has a value and its own set of considerations. As an editor and as a writer, I am committed to the process. It is one of the most difficult things a person can do. My job is to support the writing and the writer. I’m more than happy to suggest publishers and magazines that might be a good fit for your writing. I would love if all my clients got book deals, but I can’t guarantee they will. I do guarantee that I’ll use every skill and resource I have to give you the guidance your writing deserves.

Will you try to change my own unique voice or style?

No. I won’t impose my own aesthetics. Rather, I try to understand your intentions for your writing and then make your writing clearer, stronger, and more effective. Writing is about recognizing the intention: uncovering or recovering what was already inside you.

What about privacy and confidentiality?

Writing is personal and I think it’s an act of trust for people to share their writing with me. I will not discuss the content of your writing with anyone.

I find knowing what poetry to read overwhelming. Will you help me know what to read?

Yes. I have an encyclopedic knowledge of poetry, a massive home library, and can recommend many poems that might help you with your own writing. I post poems on Facebook and Twitter every morning.

I’m finally going to publish my first book. What now?

I offer strategies and ways of managing promotion and marketing for people publishing first books. Many poetry publishers don’t have marketing people who can help you with this, or they have limited resources. I can help you think-through ways of getting people to pay attention to your book, to get review copies to book reviewers, and to get the word to independent booksellers, and to best answer the author questionnaire from your publisher.