FAQs
What do you do?
The goal of Pen In Hand, Inc.’s (PIH) editorial service is to provide quality editing and honest comment for your project. Our desire is to help you, the author, meet your full potential as a writer and to see your manuscript be the absolute best it can be.
Why would a writer need your service?
Editing/critiquing is not just about finding what’s wrong with your manuscript; it’s about finding all that doesn’t quite work and all that does! But, it’s easy to miss the weaknesses of our own work and it’s just as easy to miss the strengths. Pen In Hand, Inc. will help you do both so you can improve your writing skills -- taking them to the next level -- and can prepare a “killer” manuscript for that editor, agent, etc. who needs to see it.
How long does it take to edit a project?
That depends. Some writers have fewer areas which need attention than others. Some also have smaller projects. It would take much longer to edit a 100,000 word novel than to edit – let’s say – a 1500 word article. A book proposal takes a proper amount of time and should never be rushed. Even still, some will take longer than others. While PIH does not guarantee your work will be done “by tomorrow,” we do promise to be diligent with the work for you and will return it in a timely manner. PIH also promises to keep you apprised of what is happening at our desk so you are not left wondering where we are on your project.
What do you charge?
Some critique services charge according to a spread sheet. In other words, all articles edited receive a charge of $50. All book proposals (which includes three sample chapters), $100 for the first hour and then $50/hour after that. Or, all projects are given a flat rate fee, according to the type of project. We don’t work that way. PIH charges $40/hour. Why? Because we find that charging a flat rate is not fair to the writer. Let’s say you are a good writer. You have sent a manuscript to PIH for editing and we are charging you $500 to edit it. But because your work is so strong, we were able to complete it in a much shorter period of time than that of another writer whose talent has not yet been sharpened to the level of yours. Using the flat rate fee method, PIH ends up overcharging you for your project and undercharging for the other project. We have found if we charge by the hour, keep good records of time and remain focused to your project, you are the one who benefits most.
Who makes up your team and what are your credentials?
Eva Marie Everson is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction titles. In 2000 she became the president of Word Weavers (a writers’ critique group) of Central Florida. WW had begun to flounder as a group. God blessed her with a vision to jumpstart both its writers and its creative force. Since that time, WW has gone from a handful of members to over 100, including many award-winning, highly recognized authors. Since 2004 she has been a mentor with the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She says, “I have to say that my best credentials are these: I love to read, I love to write, and my editors tell me my work is among the “cleanest” that comes across their desks. But more than that, I love to help other writers.”
Jessica R. Everson is an award-winning author of two nonfiction works. She has worked on a number of projects from video production and editing to research, development, and editing for major companies. She worked as a reviewer for Christian Retailing Magazine, a photo editor for the Thomas Nelson project Reflections of God's Holy Land, and as a proofreader on a number of projects. Jessica is a noted speaker and has toured with Ron Luce's Acquire the Fire as a speaker to parent audiences. She produced, wrote, and directed a documentary short film entitled Sex, Lies, and the Media developed to accompany a public speaking tour and book promotions. It was also sampled in the March 26, 2006 episode of The Coral Ridge Hour of which her story was featured.
What else do I need to know?
You need to know that your work is important to us but never more important than family. If a crisis comes up, family takes precedence. You should also know that what is returned to you, is returned 100%, and we give it to you with the utmost confidence. That is to say, what you send to PIH, stays with PIH. I will not discuss your work with anyone else unless you give me expressed permission to do so.
Do you have references?
Ask and you shall receive ...
When can we get started?
That depends on your schedule and ours. So … let's talk!