PO Box 29061, London, Ontario Canada N6K 4L9

info@TamelyndaLux.com | www.TamelyndaLux.com/Editing

(519) 670-5219

Style & Influence

To help me get a feel for your creative influences, please list up to three books you admire or that have inspired you—as a writer or in your field. These can be favorites in your genre, books you've learned from, or authors you return to often.

Please include:

• Book title and author
• A short note on what you like about each

This helps ensure that our editing process is aligned with your creative goals from the start.

Define your goal. Be clear in your mind about what you want me to do.
What are you expecting from me?
What deadline are you working toward?

If you wish developmental editing, that is a different project than described above or in this email. I am offering combined Line and Copy editing. An infographic of the editing process is available here: https://tamelyndalux.com/editing

Fee Method - Hourly:

Copy/Line Editing: $40.00 US per hour (this is a discounted rate special for authors from Richard Nongard’s group; Tamelynda's regular rate is $65.00 US /hour as of today’s date).

Developmental Editing: $60.00 US per hour (this is a discounted rate special for authors from Richard Nongard's group; Tamelynda's regular is $97.50 US /hour).

Proofreading or Formatting support or Review of formatted manuscript is generally speaking the copy/line editing rate but *may* include a discount.

Project to commence with a deposit of

$200.00 US (5 hours) for copy/line editing.

$300.00 US (5 hours) for content/development editing.

*Note: this fee is valid for this specific project or until three (3) months from the date this form was originally sent to the client. DO NOT PAY IMMEDIATELY. Tamelynda may still need to assess the document and this responses on this intake form, and speak with you (the author). Once approved, she will invoice you.

Project delay by author: If the project becomes stalled by the author, the fee may change and notice in writing about the fee change will be given.

Prepayment and Credit Policy: Account credits are active for six (6) months from the date of payment or most recent service delivery. Credits unused within this timeframe will be forfeited. However, clients may request a one-time extension of up to 30 days by contacting us before the expiration date. Extensions are granted at the editor's discretion based on scheduling availability. No refunds will be issued for expired credits.

The author hereby specifically acknowledges this disclaimer: The editor, acting in good faith, shall not be held liable for any inadvertent oversight or failure to recognize or address:

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(A) ACCURACY of quotations from the Bible, whatever version, or source being quoted. The author, not the editor, is responsible for reproducing all quotations in wording, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation exactly as they appear in the original sources. It is encouraged that the author does not force the style of a quoted passage to conform to the style of the book in which it will be used (the author's book). Idiosyncrasies of spelling and capitalization in older works, for example, should be preserved; the word "sic," enclosed in brackets, may be used after an obvious misspelling but should be used sparingly. In the case of works in the public domain, outdated spelling and punctuation may be modernized for the sake of clarity, though a note (usually on the copyright page) should inform the reader that this has been done.

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(B) COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT. The author, not the editor, is responsible for ensuring they have not quoted so much from a single source as to infringe upon that work's legal copyright protection unless they are prepared to write for permission and possibly pay a fee. The fair use defense can only be invoked when the total number of words of all the quotations from a single source falls within the guidelines. For instance, if you quote a source ten times, the total number of words of those quotes may well exceed the commonly accepted limit even if no single quote exceeds it.

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The author specifically acknowledges this disclaimer by signature here:

 

Please note:

I complete all editing in Microsoft Word (.docx format) on a Windows PC.

Some features—such as Track Changes, comments, footnotes, and endnotes—may not appear correctly if the file is opened on a Mac using Preview or Pages, as these programs cannot display Word edits properly.

To ensure everything shows up exactly as intended, please open your edited document directly in Microsoft Word on your Mac or PC. If you’re using a Mac, you may need to right-click the file and choose Open With → Microsoft Word.

If you are using a Mac:
Please ensure all manuscript files are opened and saved directly in Microsoft Word (.docx). Opening, editing, or exporting through Pages, Google Docs, or other apps can remove Track Changes, comments, and footnotes, and may cause formatting errors when the file is returned to my Windows system.

Using other technologies or apps (such as Google Docs, Pages, OpenOffice, WPS, mobile apps, or browser-based viewers) is not recommended, as these programs often strip out or alter key formatting, remove footnotes/endnotes, or fail to display Track Changes accurately. This can result in missing edits, corrupted formatting, or incorrect page layout.

CMoS (Chicago Manual of Style) ONLY ... Numbering Styles

1. Humanities (or Trade) Style:

• Spell out: zero through ninety-nine (0-99)
• Use numerals: 100 and above
• Used for: General trade books, literary works, biography, memoir, most nonfiction
• Examples: "five participants," "ten years," "twenty-five trials," "100 samples"

2. Journalistic Style:

• Spell out: one through nine (1-9)
• Use numerals: 10 and above
• Used for: Newspapers, magazines, news articles, journalism
• Examples: "one person," "nine attempts," "10 years," "15 people"

3. Scientific Style:

• Spell out: zero through nine (0-9)
• Use numerals: 10 and above
• Used for: Scientific papers, technical writing, medical texts, research studies, psychology
• Examples: "5 participants," "10 years," "25 trials," "100 samples"

Critical Rule:

One style only - must be consistent throughout entire manuscript. No mixing styles.

Provide an AUTHOR style sheet, if you have one. This is a mini-dictionary created specifically for your book. For example, what exceptions to spellings and definitions do you have for your manuscript?

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An author's style sheet, also known as a style guide or style manual, is a document that provides guidelines and instructions for maintaining consistency and coherence throughout a manuscript. It serves as a reference tool for authors, editors, and proofreaders to ensure that the text follows a specific set of stylistic choices, rules, and formatting conventions.

Here are some elements typically found in an author's style sheet:

1. Spelling and punctuation: Specifies the preferred spelling and punctuation conventions to be followed. This includes rules for hyphenation, capitalization, abbreviations, and handling of specific words or phrases.

2. Grammar and syntax: Provides guidelines for grammatical rules, sentence structure, and syntax preferences. It may include instructions on the use of active or passive voice, verb tenses, pronoun usage, and more.

3. Formatting and typography: Outlines the preferred formatting choices for headings, subheadings, paragraph indentation, font styles, font sizes, line spacing, and other typographical elements.

4. Citation and reference style: Specifies the preferred citation style for referencing sources and provides instructions on how to format citations and bibliographic entries. This could be a specific style like APA, MLA, Chicago, or a custom style created by the author or publisher.

5. Consistency in terminology: Defines preferred terminology and establishes guidelines for the consistent use of certain words, phrases, or technical terms throughout the manuscript.

6. Character and plot details: Includes a list of important character names, their attributes, and details of the plot or storyline. This helps maintain consistency in descriptions, names, and attributes of characters and prevents inconsistencies or errors.

7. Usage preferences: Covers preferences regarding specific words, phrases, or expressions that the author wants to use or avoid. It may include preferences for colloquial language, jargon, slang, or regional variations.

8. Special instructions: Provides any additional instructions or preferences the author has for the manuscript, such as formatting of dialogues, handling of foreign words, handling of footnotes or endnotes, or any other specific requirements.

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An author's style sheet helps ensure that the manuscript maintains a consistent and coherent voice, tone, and style. It serves as a useful reference tool for all parties involved in the editing process and helps create a polished and professional final product.

Acknowledgment about the Project — The Client acknowledges that s/he is aware that Tamelynda is also an author and is currently working on her own books. The Client acknowledges there is no conflict of interest in having Tamelynda working on the Client's current book project as defined above.

Expectations

Editor: Tamelynda will work based on the agreement made with the Client:

1. Type of support: editing or proofreading manuscript or reviewing professionally formatted work (just before publishing)
2. Fee method: hourly

Client: Agrees to submit the document to info@TamelyndaLux.com in one MS Word file and with any additional information requested by Tamelynda Lux

Changes and Additions — Any additions or changes to the project will modify the original Statement of Work, may change the due date, and may be billed as additional work. Changes made to material that has already been submitted to the Editor for editing may be considered additional work. The Editor will keep the Client informed of additional work that is required or recommended and request the Client’s approval for any additional work and associated expenses.

Use of Copyrighted Work — The Editor will endeavor to flag elements of a work that may require copyright permissions; it is up to the Client to obtain the necessary permissions. The Client accepts sole responsibility for complying with copyright laws and obtaining the necessary permission to use any elements of provided text, graphics, photos, music and song lyrics, designs, trademarks, or other created work to be included in the final product.

Author Responsibility for Content — The Editor provides editorial support for clarity, structure, and readability only and does not offer legal review or advice. The Author retains full responsibility for all content, including any statements that may be considered defamatory, libelous, or otherwise legally actionable. The Editor shall not be held liable for any claims arising from the published material. Authors are encouraged to seek independent legal counsel where appropriate.

Warranties — Editing is a process of offering advice and suggestions to the Client. While the Editor will make every effort to identify and bring questionable material to the Client’s attention, it is impossible to guarantee error-free content. The Editor’s responsibility is limited to notifying the Client of any suspected or unresolved issues within the edited work. The Client is responsible for accepting (or rejecting) the Editor’s suggestions and resolving any issues identified by the Editor (e.g., suspected plagiarism). Rejecting or disliking the Editor’s suggestions is not a basis for a refund of fees.

Proofreading — I know you are eager to get your work published; however, I caution you to PROOFREAD before you send it to the formatter. This is for anything, i.e., corrected changes, typos, punctuation, etc. Proofread again after receiving the formatted document and before publishing it to Amazon or anywhere. Proofreading at this point is for minor typos and visual format issues like line and page breaks, fonts, etc. While Editor is not the best person to edit something they have edited, Editor can assign it to a proofreading colleague. This is a separate assignment from editing.

Formatting — Books are best delivered by having them professionally edited by a book formatter/designer. The document needs to be visually reviewed for a number of issues that may crop up during the formatting process (for example, improper line breaks, inconsistent title fonts or paragraph indents). While Editor does not professionally format books, the Editor may agree to visually review (not read or proofread) the formatted version of the document. This is a separate assignment from editing.

Indemnity and Liability — The Editor will comply with all applicable laws in the course of performing the services. The Client is responsible for the ultimate content of the manuscript. Client assumes any and all responsibility for breaches of copyright and/or plagiarism. The Client agrees to indemnify the Editor from any and all claims or demands, including legal fees, that arise out of any alleged libel, copyright infringement, or other legal or contractual issues created by the Client in writing, revising, publishing, or otherwise using the work.

Author Responsibility for Manuscript Content

The Author acknowledges that they are solely responsible for the accuracy, legality, and content of their manuscript, including all names, descriptions, opinions, personal accounts, allegations, dialogue, events, and representations of individuals or organizations. The Editor provides editorial services only and does not independently verify facts, investigate claims, provide legal advice, or guarantee that the manuscript is free from legal risk. The Author accepts full responsibility for any legal claims arising from publication, including but not limited to defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright infringement, or other related matters.

If the manuscript contains identifiable individuals, sensitive personal or family matters, allegations of misconduct, medical or mental health information, criminal activity, financial or business disputes, or other potentially controversial material, the Editor strongly recommends that the Author obtain an independent legal review before publication. The Author agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Editor from any claims, damages, legal fees, or liabilities arising from the manuscript or its publication.

Failure to Perform — If the Editor cannot perform the duties outlined in this Agreement for reasons beyond the Client’s or Editor’s control, the Editor will refund any amount paid by the Client for services not delivered. The Client will not have any further liability with respect to the Agreement. The Editor will not be liable for any amount in excess of the fees due under the Agreement. This limitation on liability also applies if information or materials are damaged or lost without fault on the part of the Editor.

Acknowledgments – Please note: You may verbally recognize me as editor of your book, and I will appreciate that acknowledgment; however, please do NOT include acknowledgment of me as editor in either your print, digital or audio version or when uploading to Amazon or IngramSpark (or others, etc.) in their back-end form about author/s, etc.; this is a standard request on my part. My request not to have acknowledgment is mostly due to the fact that I do not typically get to see the final formatted book and, therefore, another proofread. Thank you for understanding. If the Editor for some reason agrees to be cited in the published work, it will be with prior written / emailed permission, and after seeing the final version of the project/book and the planned acknowledgment. Any publication of the book with unauthorized acknowledgment through the prior written permission from the Editor may require the Author to re-publish, at the author’s expense, as determined solely by the Editor.

Applicable Law — This Agreement will be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Canada and the province/territory of Ontario. Any deadlines will be in Eastern Time Zone (EST). If any part of this Agreement is found to be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, it will be considered separate from this Agreement and will not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining Agreement. If either the Client or the Editor waives a breach or default under this Agreement, it must be done so in writing and acknowledged by both parties, and the waiver will not apply to a repeat of the same breach or to a breach or default of another clause in the Agreement.

Invoice — An invoice for work to be done will be sent via Square, and the Client is responsible for paying that invoice to commence the editing or proofreading process. The deposit works like a credit on the Client's account, and Tamelynda works towards the funds on account. Tamelynda will not start or continue any work on a project without funds on account. Tamelynda does not invoice after a project. When Tamelynda reaches the hours covered by the funds on the account, she’ll advise by email what progress has been made with the project and can also provide the edited work completed to that point to the Client, if desired. Another invoice for another deposit will be provided to continue the editing process. If the project takes less time and, therefore, funds than the deposit, the difference will be refunded. There is no refund, however, if the Client doesn’t agree with the edits, like the suggestions, or doesn’t agree with any feedback or comments.

Communication — Tamelynda’s preferred method for communication is via email at info@TamelyndaLux.com. If a message is urgent, the Client may choose to text Tamelynda via Messenger or on her cell (519) 670-5219 with a brief message notifying her that an email has been sent.

Manuscript — The manuscript will be provided to the Client using the tracked changes feature in MS Word. For information about how Tracking Feature works: https://youtu.be/m7tmsWN6uH0

By signing and submitting this document, the Client agrees to the terms of the Statement of Work for this project.