Editorial Policies

Sample Edit Policy

Iron Quill Editing offers one complimentary 1,000-word sample edit per client.

Sample edits are representative in nature and intended solely to demonstrate editing style and approach. They do not constitute a partial edit of the manuscript and include no revision round. Sample edits do not obligate either party to proceed with a full project.

Booking Fee & Payment Terms

A 25% booking fee, based on the projected word count, is required to secure an editing slot. This amount is applied toward the final balance.

The booking fee is refundable if cancellation or rescheduling is requested 14 calendar days or more before the scheduled edit start date. Cancellation or rescheduling with fewer than 14 calendar days’ notice will result in forfeiture of the booking fee.

Final payment is due upon completion of the edit and must be received before the edited manuscript is returned to the client.

Pricing, Payment & Word Count

The final cost of services is based on the total word count of the manuscript delivered. Initial quotes are provided using the author’s estimated word count. Should the final manuscript differ significantly from the original estimate, the quote may be adjusted accordingly.

All paid editing services are subject to a minimum project fee of $50 USD. The complimentary Sample Strike is excluded from this minimum.

Payments are currently accepted through PayPal and Venmo. Alternate arrangements may be considered with prior written approval.

Turnaround Time

Turnaround time is quoted on a case-by-case basis depending on manuscript length, complexity, and editorial depth.

Typical turnaround estimates:

• Proofreading: 7–10 business days for manuscripts up to 80,000 words
• Copyediting: Approximately 2–4 weeks
• Line Editing: Approximately 4–8 weeks

Published turnaround ranges are guidelines only. The delivery date confirmed in writing constitutes the binding schedule.

Rush edits may be available at the editor’s discretion and may incur additional fees.

Communication

All project-related communication must be conducted via email.

Messages sent through social media, text messaging, or instant messaging platforms are not considered official correspondence and may not receive a timely response.

Iron Quill Editing typically responds to project-related emails within 12–24 business hours, excluding weekends and major U.S. holidays.

Client Responsibilities

Clients agree to:

• Submit a final, self-edited version of the manuscript unless otherwise arranged in writing.
• Respond to project-related communication within 24–48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
• Provide payment according to the agreed project terms.

If a manuscript resembles a raw or largely unedited first draft with little evidence of self-editing, Iron Quill Editing reserves the right to decline the project and return the manuscript for further revision.

If the manuscript is not revised and resubmitted, the project may be considered canceled and any applicable booking fee forfeited.

Editorial Scope & Project Discretion

Iron Quill Editing specializes primarily in fiction manuscripts, with a particular focus on fantasy, mystery, and MM romance. While a range of tones, themes, and narrative styles are welcomed within those genres, not every manuscript will be the right editorial fit.

Iron Quill Editing reserves the right to decline any project that falls outside the business’s editorial scope, professional standards, subject-matter preferences, or comfort level. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Plagiarized or improperly sourced material
• Content intended to promote or facilitate illegal activity, exploitation, or real-world harm
• Content sexualizing minors or depicting sexual activity involving minors
• Projects requiring ghostwriting rather than editorial refinement
• Manuscripts generated primarily through AI with minimal human revision or authorship
• Projects involving sexual, relationship, identity-related, or other subject matter outside Iron Quill Editing’s intended editorial focus or comfort level
• Manuscripts submitted in an excessively unfinished or unedited state
• Abusive, hostile, or unprofessional client conduct

Iron Quill Editing is committed to preserving author voice, supporting intentional storytelling, and maintaining a collaborative editorial process built on mutual respect and professional judgment. Acceptance of a sample edit or inquiry does not guarantee acceptance of a full manuscript project.

Cancellation & Rescheduling

Booking fees are refundable only if cancellation or rescheduling is requested at least 14 calendar days before the agreed editing start date.

Clients may reschedule one time without penalty, subject to availability, provided the request is made at least 14 calendar days before the scheduled edit start date.

Cancellation or rescheduling with fewer than 14 calendar days’ notice will result in forfeiture of the booking fee.

All bookings are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Confidentiality & Intellectual Property

All client manuscripts and materials are treated as confidential and will be used only as necessary to provide and administer the contracted editorial services. Iron Quill Editing will not publish, distribute, or disclose a client’s manuscript or materials to third parties except as reasonably necessary through service providers used to provide or administer the services, when authorized by the client, or when required by law.

The client retains full ownership and all intellectual property rights to their work. Iron Quill Editing claims no ownership interest in any client’s manuscript or materials.

AI & Editorial Tools

Iron Quill Editing may use standard word-processing, spelling, grammar, formatting, and reference tools in the ordinary course of providing editorial services.

Client manuscripts will not be submitted to generative AI systems for rewriting, analysis, or editorial processing without the client’s prior written consent.

Author Warranties

By submitting a manuscript for editing, the client represents and warrants that the work is their original creation or that they possess all necessary rights, permissions, and licenses to the material submitted.

Iron Quill Editing does not independently verify ownership, originality, copyright status, or permissions associated with submitted content. Responsibility for ensuring that all submitted material complies with applicable copyright and intellectual property laws rests solely with the client.

If plagiarism, copyright infringement, or unauthorized use of protected material is suspected, Iron Quill Editing reserves the right to suspend or terminate the project immediately.

Liability

Iron Quill Editing makes every effort to provide thorough, professional editorial services. However, no guarantee is made regarding publication, commercial success, agent representation, or acceptance by publishers.

Final responsibility for all content, including accuracy, legality, and originality, remains with the author.

Questions

Questions regarding these policies are welcome prior to booking. Iron Quill Editing believes that clear communication and mutual expectations are essential to a successful editorial partnership.