Fact Check Editing
Fact checking is one of the most important parts of non-fiction editing, but it is often overlooked, and at most your editor will do minor fact checking. However, it isn’t their primary job or area of expertise, so we can’t expect much.
I have read many bestselling novels by top publishers that had glaring facts that were wrong, and could have been easily cleared up. Most with no change to the structure, plot, or characters.
Why is fact checking important?
Once I stopped reading a popular novel by a top author and publisher within the first chapter. The main character was a designer for a top fashion company, and they described a sewing machine wrong. With such a glaring mistake in the description of a sewing machine of this magnitude, why would I expect the rest of the novel to be any better?
Readers trust that we are going to tell them a story that will pull them in and make them believe in the world we have created. No matter if it is high fantasy, contemporary, literary fiction, or romance. If that trust is broken with a simple wrong fact, it can cost you a reader or a bad review.
What I will do.
When I read through your manuscript, I question everything I read. Every fact that I am not completely positive is correct, I will research and leave an editor's note regarding the error and how it can be corrected if you choose to do so.
The time required for editing depends on the length of the manuscript and the amount of facts that will need to be checked. Some genres will have a much higher amount of facts to be checked. For example; a romantic comedy will most likely have fewer than an action thriller.
Is this service right for you?
If your manuscript is historical and heavily reliant on historical accuracy, I would recommend an editor who specializes in historical editing in the time period your manuscript is in.
If your manuscript is heavily based in a very specific field, such as science, medical, etc. Requiring high accuracy in the facts of that field. Since I am not specialized as an expert in most fields, fact checking would take an exceeding amount of time if I do not retain the knowledge.
I am not a sensitivity reader, so I can not give you edits around subjects that require such. However, if I do read something that I feel might need attention, I will make a note that you may want to consult a sensitivity reader on the subject at hand.
If you are unsure, I am happy to talk with you and see if our fact check editing is something you would benefit from before committing.
Who is fact check editing for?
It is for anyone who wants to make sure their story and world will pull their reader in completely. No matter if it is your first novel or one hundredth novel, rather you are an independent author or with a big publisher, you will benefit from knowing all your facts are right.
In a hurry?
We also offer Fast Facts Checking. Your manuscript will be moved to top priority above all others. If you realize that your manuscript needs to be checked, and you’re short on time, we got you covered. So you don’t have to worry about missing that deadline.
Pricing
Fact Check Editing, $45 per 10,000 words.
Fast Facts Checking, $55 per 10,000 words.
Email your word count, genre, and description of your manuscript (full manuscripts only) for the cost.