What is the etiquette for an editor who has had your manuscript for 8 days but has not responded to an email on the 7th day? I found her on the Editorial Freelance Association website. she looked perfect for my book on paper and we emailed for several days before I chose her.

I don't want to have unrealistic expectations, but one of you may be editing my book if this doesn't work out.

Well as a professional editor I can finish a manuscript of 550 pages in 4 days. That is line by line editing. Some of these people bite off more than they can chew. I give my email as well as my home and cell phone number to a client for their convenience. I edit half the manuscript and return it so they can begin their corrections while I'm editing the second half. There are a lot of wanna-be's out there.

When I've edited before, I've always set up deadlines that are agreeable to me and the client. We agree on the timeframe, and a workable schedule.

If this was set in the beginning and the editor has passed the deadline, then I would feel as you do. However, if you didn't agree on a deadline, then I'm wondering if this particular editor may have other clients and is doing YOUR edits on a first-come basis. Just a thought.

I know they are very busy people (speaking from experience) and for my own self, when I edit I don't do anything else ... that includes posting in here, talking on the phone, visiting, or anything else. I just edit. And I don't stop until I'm finished. But that is just my own way of doing it.

Good luck in getting a response. I know how frustrated you must be.

JJ

Your way is the correct way JJ and thats why I get my editing done in an agreeble amount of time. Its a job and needs to be treated as such.

You're both right. Thank you. Hope I haven't made a big mistake.

Yippee! Back on track. Thank you for your insight, ladies.

Does this mean your editor got back with you Saundra? Hope so!

JJ

Oh, yeah, she got back to me. I received the MS last night with my check. The poor woman had terrible health problems (worse than mine). She didn't really begin the work, but I think I got one or two valuable pieces of info from her. Maybe the universe thinks I need to learn something from the two sick (ill) editors I've tried using. Funny thing, she sounded pretty jaunty in the last email I got from her. Now I'm afraid to ask anyone else to edit because they may become ill if they're not already. I am not jinxed and I do not have bad luck...it just seems like it.