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Submitting Your Manuscript

Are you ready to discuss submissions to start the onboarding process? Here are a few details that I require before you put your submissions in. Please read carefully so you know exactly what I need from you.

In order for me to do the best job on your manuscript, I need you to have it ready for editing. The following are my requirements regarding the document you send:

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  1. Serif fonts like Times New Roman, Georgia, Garamond, etc., make it easier for me to read and edit. Non-serif fonts (Arial, Helvetica, other 'straight' fonts) are a no-no. Have word size around 11 to 12 point. If you send a document with anything else, I will have to change them. That can throw off your manuscript chapters related to page numbers. 

  2. ​If you send a formatted manuscript, it is your responsibility to request that editing be completed without making changes.

  3. I require a detailed synopsis included with the manuscript when submitted  It allows me to have a guide for clarity of the story.  It's less time-consuming if I have a synopsis to reference before and during editing. The Synopsis should include names and details of characters, correct spelling of names along with any special spellings I need to know about.

  4. MS Word document (.doc or .docx).

  5. Manuscript must be double-spaced.

  6. No extra returns between paragraphs, unless for a scene break. Be sure to mark scene breaks accordingly using asterisks ***.

  7. Single spaces at the end of sentences. Double spaces are old-fashioned and no longer in practice.

  8. Chapter headings must be clearly marked.

  9. NO Bold or Underlining in your manuscript. No exceptions.

Nondisclosure Statement

Confidentiality is the utmost importance for me. Therefore, here are the terms I would offer to you:

  • ​​A nondisclosure agreement will be made between all clients who contract with Leigh Boyett at The Book Owl.

  • I agree and confirm that all work submitted to me is your copyrighted material. What you submit for editing under this agreement isn't considered purchased property

  • I agree that under no circumstances will your manuscript be redistributed, copied, shared, or made public in any way possible, electronically nor physically. This includes but is not limited to piracy, duplicating the manuscript in any faction of size or quantity, including the title of work presented to any third party outside of this Agreement.

  • ​​​This will be in effect until I receive a purchased or gifted copy of the published material.

  • ​I agree that all emails and messages will be read thoroughly, and make edits as deemed necessary. The author has the right to use my suggestions as they'd like. 

  • I understand that you may give me acknowledgment of my work in your material, but I am not entitled to any royalties after editing has been completed.

A Note...

Some editors might try to guarantee a perfect manuscript. Unfortunately, that's not possible. No one is 100% effective. My job is to provide accurate services as humanly possible, but I can't guarantee an error-free manuscript. Even the most incredible and successful books--which have passed the eyes of many professionals--have errors. However, I will do my best to make sure your manuscript is as clean as possible.

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I reserve the right to refuse manuscripts for any reason. That said, I welcome people from all walks of life, regardless of religion, origin, orientation, etcetera.

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Statement of Service

*This is only a portion of my Service Agreement. To see the contract in full, send me an email.

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1. ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE AGREEMENT

  • By contracting the services of THE BOOK OWL, CLIENT accepts and acknowledges all terms detailed in the Service Agreement.


2. CONFIDENTIALITY & PUBLISHING RIGHTS 

  • The copyright, together with all publishing rights to any manuscript submitted, are property of CLIENT. THE BOOK OWL retains no rights to the work hired to accomplish edit, formatting, or another service under this agreement.


3. MANUSCRIPT DELIVERY

  • CLIENT will deliver Manuscript as a .doc or .docx via email to leighthebookowl@gmail.com. Editing will then be completed via MS Word track changes.


4. PAYMENTS & REFUNDS

  • THE BOOK OWL will provide invoices via PayPal, Payoneer, or Stripe. All fees will be invoiced in three payments unless other arrangements are made in advance. A non-refundable deposit is due when scheduled, and 50% of the balance due at start of edits. The remaining balance is due upon completion and prior to the final edits returned to CLIENT.

  • All payments made by CLIENT are non-refundable. A minimum of 50% cancellation fee will be retained. Once the editing process begins, payments are non-refundable. (If a refund is necessary, allow thirty days for refund to be issued.)

  • A late fee of 20% per month will be charged for any and all payments not made within five (5) days of invoice due date unless arrangements are made in writing via email.

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  • IMPORTANT NOTE: If you make reservations with any freelancer for services needed to publish, please keep in mind that we rely on our clients to be timely and communicative should issues arise. We live off the services we provide, and our budgets depend on work we schedule.

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