Writers’ Exchange

Writers' Exchange

(NOTE: This is a project with Supporting Authors One Read At A Time Magazine’s” Network. If you would like to join the group, please follow this link. If you would like to know more about Supporting Authors One Read at a Time Magazine, please visit the blog.)

If you’re an independent author, you should employ a proofreader before you publish your novel. Unfortunately, hiring a professional editor doesn’t guarantee your manuscript is error-free. Errors can crop up at all stages in the development, and few of us have the income to keep hiring copyeditors. One solution is to barter proofreading services.

The Writers’ Exchange is an informal co-operative for members of Supporting Authors One Read At A Time Magazine’s” Network that allows you to share a copy of your manuscript with trusted, published members who will proofread it and highlight errors they detect. In return, you agree to offer the same service.As a member of Supporting Authors One Read at a Time, you can freely participate in this mutually beneficial program.

If you wish join, you need to make a (free) Dropbox account (https://www.dropbox.com) and send a message to Madeline Sloane with your name, email and the title of your manuscript. At that time, she will share the Dropbox folder with you, and make a sub-folder in your name.

Once the Writers’ Exchange Dropbox folder has been shared with you, simply upload your completed manuscript as a MS Word doc (97-2003 versions preferred) or RTF file into the proper genre folder. Include your contact information (e-mail is preferred) on the first page, as well as any special instructions.

Exchanges are made between individuals; contact the author directly and arrange proofreading schedules. Turn-around time should be limited to one-two weeks.

Proofreaders should use simple editing formats, such as highlighting in yellow a sentence that needs attention, or using a red font when a word is inserted or changed.For advanced users of MS Word, the TRACK CHANGES tool may be used, but please check with the author first. The author needs to be comfortable and familiar with the editing system used. Remember, proofreading is not editing or copyediting; it is a thorough reading of a manuscript intended to catch small errors only. Do not share a manuscript that has not been copyedited.