What to do...

An answer to writing, editing and publishing dilemnas.

If a traditional publisher offers you a book contract?

Get it vetted by the Society of Authors

If someone claims to be an editor and you would like them to edit your work?

You ask the person if they are members of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders.

You ask for references from previous clients.

You ask for their website/blog addresses to examine the quality of their work.

You ask for examples of their work and editing history.

You set them a quick test to see just how ‘good’ they are.

You make a distinction between a copyeditor and a general editor

You need a professional editor to edit your Christian book?

Go to the Society of Editors and Proofreaders and London Freelance to get a Christian editor from their directories or ask the Association of Christian Writers for help.

If you would like to know an estimate of editing fees you’re expected to shell out for your work?

Go to the Society of Editors and Proofreaders and London Freelance for help.

You would like someone to professionally critique your work?

For Christian devotionals and meditative pieces, try Toyin Onabowu, writer and editor of Writes for Christ and Christian Writing.

For books, try Fiona Smith, Society of Authors member, and author of numerous and articles.

For articles, try Dawn Copeland, Managing Editor, Writing World. Alternatively, go to The Literary Consultancy and Writers' Service for your non-Christian oriented work. The Association of Christian Writers also has a critique service for your Christian themed stuff.

Someone asks you to do some writing work for them and you don’t know what to charge?

Go to www.londonfreelance.org for a comprehensive list of ongoing rates for everything going.

If you’ve done some work for someone and they’re refusing to pay you?

The best advice I ever had came from this website.

Someone’s asked you to do some writing/editorial work for them and you want a contract to protect your interests?

Download a standard contract from the National Union of Journalists which protects your rights.

You want to set up as a freelance writer, editor, journalist and you don’t know what to do

Go to London Freelance.

You don’t know the difference between a copy-editor and a proofreader.

You’re not the only one but you can go here for answers. Many people talk about proofreading but few people actually know what it means. If anyone tells you they can proofread your work, ask them if they’re conversant with the various proofreading symbols.

You would like to work in publishing but don’t know where to start

Try Train 4 Publishing and the Society of Editors & Proofreaders. They’re industry professionals.

If you want a directory of UK & US Christian publishers

Download the directory of Christian newspapers & magazines and a weblink of UK & US Christian publishers.

If you want to know exactly what happens in publishing houses when they express interest in your work

Here's an inside view.

If you want to know writing, editing and publishing scams to avoid

www.sfwa.org/beware/

You want to know about grants, competitions, bursaries and awards to help your writing

Go to Christian Writer’s Competition, Grants and Awards webpage

You have an idea for a literary project and you need sponsorship

Go to The Arts Council

NB: The Arts Council is supported by the National Lottery and the Government, however, if you let them know you would rather your sponsorship money not come from lottery winnings they’ll find alternative sources for you

You have an idea for a Christian literary project and you need sponsorship.

Go to the Langham Partnership.

You would like to self-publish your work and need ideas about reputable self-publishing companies

Try Bookprint and Lulu

You need advice on copyright and patent issues

Go to the UK Intellectual Property Office

Got a What to do… situation? Let Christian Writer know and we’ll help you and help others in the process!

Abidemi Sanusi, 13/04/2007