Red Flag Roulette Recap | June 17, 2026

#StetChatters, please introduce yourself. Remember to use the hashtag #StetChat for all your answers today.And if you miss a 🚩 Red Flag Roulette 🚩 question, you can see all the questions under the Media tab on our profile.

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-06-17T20:03:32.838Z

Q1: An author stets your edits of subject-verb agreement…and the author is wrong. Just like…blatantly wrong. What do you do? #StetChat

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-06-17T20:03:35.491Z

Q1a: I would use examples from things like CMOS, Grammar Girl, Dreyer’s English, etc., to explain why the changes I’m suggesting are valid. If even that doesn’t work, then I have a choice to make. 1/2 #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:04:26.108Z

bQ1b: One, continue working on the project knowing that they’re going to ignore most of my suggestions. I’d only do this if they were willing to listen to other recommendations, perhaps about plot and character development. Two, I can suggest that they work with another editor. 2/2 #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:04:26.109Z

I usually don't have *any* feedback from a client until after I've completed a project (and that's *if* I get feedback). If I do get this kind of stetting on such fundamental things, I ask that my name be kept out of anything involving that manuscript, from acknowledgements to social-media stuff.

— Shecky (@shecky.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:08:32.176Z

I've been fortunate not to run into this more than a TINY handful of times, thankfully, but I *really* don't want my name associated with that kind of final product. For freelancers, reputation is EVERYTHING. #StetChat

— Shecky (@shecky.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:08:32.177Z

That is so true. It's very frustrating to spend weeks or months on a project and then have to ask to not be credited because you know the end product isn't what it should be. #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:09:37.628Z

Or—worst case—you could always asked to be credited as “copyedited by Allana Smithee.”I’m thankful that I’ve only had to resort to that once. (Not a joke.)#StetChat

— Ashley Bischoff (@friendlyashley.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:14:29.123Z

A1: I'd explain the edit with examples and cites, and then if they persist, I'd let it go. It's their work and they have the final say. Though with most of my clients, I rarely see the manuscript again after I send it back, so there's a good chance I wouldn't know to begin with. (1/2) #StetChat

— Wes Cowley (@wes.wordsbywes.ink) 2026-06-17T20:13:06.168Z

So, I try to add clear explanations on any edits I think might be questioned. (2/2) #StetChat

— Wes Cowley (@wes.wordsbywes.ink) 2026-06-17T20:13:06.237Z

A1. Depending on the stage (and context—am I talking with AU or PE?) I'll usually go with a "Just wanted to check on XYZ, I noticed ABC, and saw in CMOS [or whatever else] that GLMNOP…" (And of course, I check a million times to see if I'm actually right before I bring it up again!) #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:12:49.341Z

A1 pt2. A lot of this just also depends on the context of what I've seen up to that point re: how AU is approaching the project. If they've stetted a bunch of other stuff in that same vein (or a PE gives a heads-up), I won't raise a Q unless it's something super visible or 1000% vital. #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:15:35.110Z

I’d ask the author what they’re trying to achieve by going against the edit. This gets to what’s important rather than what is right or wrong. IMHO of course!

— Gregor Findlay 🇺🇦 (@gregorfin.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:11:09.547Z

A1: First, I’d double-check that *I* am not wrong. I’d have an #edibuddy look over the sentence and give me their opinion.Then if they confirmed I’m right, I’d leave another comment clarifying that the edit is grammatically correct and double-checking that they want to keep it the error. #stetchat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:06:30.885Z

A1: If they still say they want it that way with a grammatically incorrect sentence, I’d leave it; it’s their book, I guess. 🫠 #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:06:45.034Z

Yeah, if the client is self publishing and you have nobody else as your boss, ultimately, they're free to keep something incorrect. You did your job by letting them know. And #edibuddies are so valuable when in doubt! Completely agree. Sometimes we need a sanity check 🤣#StetChat

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:23:31.334Z

I'm amazed how many authors (mostly early authors, I suspect) think that editing is an adversarial process.It's not. (Unless you flat-out have an unqualified editor.)You or your publisher hired an editor to *improve* your book. These aren't arbitrary changes, they're enhancements.

— Shannon Appelcline (@shannonappelcline.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:24:51.883Z

#StetChat A1Explain why it's wrong, how it can confuse the reader, and add some resource or blog to help explain further with examples. (Although some characters may speak differently so in dialogue that can be posed more as a question or be flexible of character voice).

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-06-17T20:09:29.566Z

#StetChatA1: I'd reread the sentence to make sure I didn't miss something. If not, I'd reach out to explain my edit. If I think it's relevant (messy sentence, for example), I might ask if perhaps they intended for the subject to be something else, in which case the sentence needs to be reworked.

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:18:15.677Z

Q2: An author wants you to edit their novel. When you ask for their budget, they say they don’t have a budget. They add that they have $1K in savings and they’re graduating from college this month. What do you do? #StetChat

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-06-17T20:10:04.964Z

Q2: I wouldn't feel right taking their money and would try to give them some resources instead. I’d point them in the direction of beta-reading boards and writing groups, where they can get feedback for little to no money. #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:19:31.672Z

#StetChat A2I've been in exactly this point in my life. Not a red flag for me.I offer discounts to work with indie authors' budgets! If you can't afford editing because you are Gen Z, unemployed, marginalized (Black, trans, queer etc). I offer 10 – 50% off all my rates to work with you!

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-06-17T20:14:25.159Z

#StetChatQ2: I'd redirect them to resources that explain the different steps of editing (I have a page about that on my website) and the usual cost (the EFA's rate chart is great for that) so they have a better understanding of the process. I'd also tell them about my rates and payment plans. 1/3

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:40:20.166Z

A2. I try to make pricing info clear to avoid the nebulous zone of pricing hopes & dreams. But if an AU indicates finances are rough, I'm ALWAYS happy to chat w/ them to give recs for crit groups/self-editing books/tips! (I want to work with everyone & really try to find a way to help 😭) #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:23:15.836Z

A2. pt 2. I also try to offer discounts when I can! And I participate in events throughout the year where I'm able to offer feedback for free/very low $. And I've encouraged AUs to msg me if they're trying to figure out an editing path on a lower budget, there are a lot of ways to help! #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:27:32.526Z

A2: 1. chat about what they mean by “edit.” 2. congratulate them on this exciting stage and for wanting to develop their writing skills. 3. try to ease them into a book coaching arrangement—MUCH more affordable & a long-term thing that can work while adjusting to a new career. #StetChat🧵1/2

— Christine Gordon Manley | Editor (@cgmanley.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:19:27.072Z

#StetChat A2: 4. have honest chat about rates; maybe a less experienced editor is a better match. I’m upfront about my skills, as a 20+ yr editor, and how my rates reflect that. A less experienced editor might not approach the work the same way I would, but maybe that’s ok for them!🧵2/2

— Christine Gordon Manley | Editor (@cgmanley.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:22:46.961Z

A2: I think there's a lot writers can do with free resources and peer exchanges, so I have a list of those.This is also one of the reasons I created my DIY Developmental Edit course (and have course scholarships). It's a way to give writers professional support for a fraction of the cost.#StetChat

— Tanya Gold | Editor & Translator 💕📚 (they/iel) (@tanyagold.bsky.social) 2026-06-18T01:41:00.943Z

A2 #StetChat I can work within budgets. But only if the budget is actually feasible. If it is less than half of what my original fee would be, it's not likely that I would take it on. This is requested a lot. However, everybody has bills to pay. I offer deals when I can

— Kala Godin (@kala-g-writes.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:47:11.266Z

A2. Leaving aside the fact that I haven't been editing fiction lately, I'd try to get a word count of their current ms. (I charge a per-page rate, based on word count) 1/x #StetChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:18:34.094Z

A2. I'd try to estimate how long it would take me to do the edit based on similar projects I'd done. Then I'd give them my best estimate at how much it would amount to. From there I'd expect we'd discuss whether they could afford my services and I would try to refer them elsewhere. 2/x #StetChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:23:10.917Z

A2: I pass on doing the project. I sympathize with their budget needs/limits, but I have my own financial needs to consider, weighed against what my time is worth.

— Jola (Close Reading) (@closereadingie.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:27:36.890Z

A2: I'm a former staff editor; for most of my career I worked for Tor. I've been freelance editing for a few years now. I have been approached by people who don't have a big budget, though no one has ever said they have "no budget." 1/

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:17:39.512Z

A2: 😭 Man, in this economy, I would not feel right about taking a new college grad’s savings… #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:11:05.465Z

A2: I also know that some college kids think they can sell the second draft of the first story they ever write and make money as a professional writer… so I’d want to make sure the author has a realistic idea of what editing and publishing a book looks like money and time-wise. #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:11:22.414Z

Q3: You’re editing a blog post that was generated by your company’s new blog-writing AI agent. The draft is absolute crap. What do you do? #StetChat

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-06-17T20:20:05.229Z

A3. Sigh heavily, pull my boss aside and say “we really can’t run this.”#StetChat

— Rhiannon (@rhiannonroot.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:23:12.269Z

Send them an email, if not arrange a personal meeting, saying that it would take longer to edit this garbage into something substantial than it would to just write the entire blog myself, from scratch.

— Bravery TE Walker (@braverytewalker.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T22:36:18.786Z

Bring the fact that it's absolute crap to my superiors' attention so it's on record every time the A.I. agent wastes everyone's time.

— Stephen Monteith, World's Greatest Secret Author (@stephens.website) 2026-06-17T20:35:38.431Z

A3. The fiction DE version of this I've encountered is when an AU brings up DE feedback from AI/autocrit/etc. (Very rare thankfully 🥴) I reiterate the value of human feedback for a book meant for people to read/buy, & check w/ them about past/future use to make sure it won't be an issue! #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:30:42.684Z

A3: If I’m a freelance editor and this happens, I do a pass where I write down all the publication standards this blog post is missing, then ask my managing editor if the blog post can be kicked back to a (human) writer or an in-house editor for revisions. #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:22:56.240Z

A3: I copyedit; I don't *rewrite*. The closest I've come to this was once [CENSORED] years ago when I was sent a ms by a small press that was clearly a poor translation and would require LOTS of work *before* actual copyediting could (or should) be done. The managing editor agreed + #StetChat

— Shecky (@shecky.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:27:20.621Z

and apparently didn't take offense; I've been working with him ever since. ("Honesty is the best policy" being the After-School Special message here.) #StetChat

— Shecky (@shecky.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:27:20.622Z

A3. I go to my boss, explain the issues, and ask them how they want me to proceed. #StetChat (In my last day job, I did a lot of editorial work and proofreading on in-house documents).

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:29:49.023Z

Q3a: Curse a lot. A lot. Like Chrisjen Avasarala amounts of swearing. Then I’d talk to the person in charge of the blog and (calmly) explain my concerns. Tell them that it will take me longer to edit this into a useable state than it would take a person to write a new draft. 1/2 #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:24:05.027Z

Q3b: If I must edit this draft, I’m going to make sure I have enough time and not be shy about ripping it apart to better serve the reader. Hey, at least I don’t have to worry about hurting the author’s feelings. 2/2 #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:24:05.028Z

A3: I'm freelance, so in most cases I'd probably politely decline to edit that draft and suggest they come back after a human rewrites it. I've rewritten work that was poorly written by a human, but I have no desire to do it with LLM-generated text. #StetChat

— Wes Cowley (@wes.wordsbywes.ink) 2026-06-17T20:38:20.369Z

#StetChat Tell whoever decided to move to AI writing that it’ll cost three times as much to edit AI and make it sound human than if they’d hired a human writer in the first place. Most (all?) of the time, these are money-based decisions so I hit them where they understand: their budget.

— Christine Gordon Manley | Editor (@cgmanley.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:55:23.825Z

#StetChatA3: I don't work with AI and make that a part of my contracts, but if I was somehow in this situation with no AI clause, I'd let whoever's in charge know about the drawbacks of AI in this case (and professionally and kindly tell them the draft is bad). 1/3

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:53:05.022Z

Use it as a teaching opportunity. It may be that they don't realize what they miss out on when using that particular software. Any chance to show why hiring me is a stronger option is a win in my book! 🏆 #stetchat

— GetBookHelp.com: Helping new authors put their best book forward (@getbookhelp.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:30:29.875Z

#StetChat A3I don't work with AI so I'd probably push back on editing it entirely (or decide to quit/leave).But if I *had* to edit, I would ask for more money. It will take a lot longer to rewrite portions so you'll be paying me more money, thanks.

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-06-17T20:28:48.165Z

Q3: Advise them to hire a human writer instead! (Luckily, I'm a freelance fiction/comics/games editor, so AI agents aren't something I've had to deal with!)

— Kate Nascimento – Editor and Proofreader (@katenascim.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:27:50.162Z

Q4: A white character in the story you’re editing spews multiple racial slurs in their dialogue. The author is an older white man. What do you do? #StetChat

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-06-17T20:30:20.091Z

A4: Even if the character's views are presented as wrong, I'd consider the harm the words might do vs. how necessary they really are to the story, and I'd flag to the author asking them to consider/suggesting a course of action.If they clearly reflect the author's views, I'm out.

— Kate Nascimento – Editor and Proofreader (@katenascim.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:42:50.260Z

Q4a: I’m going to hope that the author is not coming from a place of hate and is instead ignorant or unaware that those terms are offensive. I'd send him a message explaining why he’ll want to avoid using such language as he risks alienating A LOT of potential readers. 1/2 #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:35:59.446Z

#StetChat A4I agree with someone else who said quit… That's just, no. I don't even know I'd have the energy to comment/explain. Luckily being trans and queer 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 means I usually don't get these red flag clients unless they want to be bigoted to my face. And then they're blocked.

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-06-17T20:38:25.066Z

#StetChatA4: I'd consider the context to best approach how I phrase my concerns and suggestions. Does it feel like the writer is trying to show that racism is bad? (Still an issue to use slurs, to be clear) Or does it feel more like a cheap way of showing the character is bad? 1/3

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:11:16.460Z

A4: I’ve had to educate a few “older white male” authors. Some have been receptive; one was not, and so I quit (that particular project was for a publisher, if you can believe it, and his assistant ended up emailing me personally to say, after reading my email, she’s decided to quit, too.) #StetChat

— Christine Gordon Manley | Editor (@cgmanley.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:53:24.818Z

A4. I'd try to work with the writer to see if he can rework the problem section to indicate that the character has racist attitudes (presumably, given their dialogue) without using the slurs. I'd make the point that the slurs could put off potential readers of the story. #StetChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:36:16.203Z

A4 (gonna answer this one directly because it came up once): Ping the client to see whether the character's going to be presented as some level of "bad guy." If so, move forward, but if not, "Sorry. I'm bailing out." Period. (That's another ADAMANT policy I have spelled out on my site.) #StetChat

— Shecky (@shecky.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:35:32.800Z

A4 I've had it happen a couple of times. I say something to the effect that some readers will be offended by this language, so you may want to use something like [suggested change] instead. One author didn't care, the other one thanked me and did some rewriting. #StetChat

— (@sanduskyeditorial.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:03:29.142Z

A4 #StetChat this happens more than people think it does. I will comment that what is being said is going to offend some readers. There are some cases where you were not meant to like that character. And that kind of behavior is part of who the character is. I always suggest a sensitivity reader

— Kala Godin (@kala-g-writes.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:44:32.889Z

A4. Context of the project, ofc, might change my approach (& whether I'm flagging directly for AU or a PE). If it DOES need to be addressed & is a new-to-me item—we're lucky to have many resources w/ language recs for these convos! And I always tie in reader perspective/reaction! #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:38:35.649Z

A4. Oh boy. Yikes. I haven’t dealt with this exactly but I did unsuccessfully argue that a headline on A1 was problematic and we should change it. (It was when then-VP Kamala Harris was the presidential nominee.)Basically I said “I get what we’re going for, but this reads racist.”#StetChat

— Rhiannon (@rhiannonroot.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:35:55.135Z

A4: Define "older." 🤣More seriously, I have worked on books written by white people (including men) that have included racist (and sexist, and otherwise bigoted) characters. I have the conversation. #StetChat1/

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:42:01.167Z

A4 cont. What is the purpose of using these terms? Is it to show that the character is a bigot? Are there ways to do that without using actual slurs in the text? Are you prepared for the bad reviews, angry mail/social media posts, and other public downsides of using a slur?etc.#StetChat2/

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:42:01.168Z

A4: If it happens once or twice in a novel: Leave a comment for the author, something like “Are the racial slurs necessary to put on the page? Can this character’s feelings for this guy be communicated without using slurs that could be offensive to some readers?” #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:35:29.734Z

Q5: Your edit is taking longer than you expected. You need to update your client with the new deadline, but the problem is…you don’t know how long it’ll take. What do you do? #StetChat

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-06-17T20:35:01.441Z

A5. I'll e-mail the client and tell them it's going slower than expected and give the reason if there is one I can point to. If not meeting the deadline could be a problem, I'll ask if I need to change the scope of the work (i.e., do less) #StetChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:44:44.526Z

A5 (another one I'm answering directly because I've been there): Honesty is always the best policy. I say that as clearly and gently as possible, then tell them I'll be updating them as soon as a delivery date becomes clearer. (I don't rush; that leads to bad work.) #StetChat

— Shecky (@shecky.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:38:56.605Z

A5. If I can't give a concrete day, I give a clear timeframe (e.g., in 4 weeks) that is at least more time than I anticipate (to account for any new surprises)! My clients have been angels when I've had random medical/life stuff happen; I always keep my AUs in the loop so they can plan! #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:47:28.056Z

A5: First, I'd talk with the client to explain the issue and work out a new plan. Then I'd figure out where I screwed up the quote, since I usually work fixed price and more work on a project doesn't mean more pay unless the scope has changed. #StetChat

— Wes Cowley (@wes.wordsbywes.ink) 2026-06-17T20:43:31.761Z

A5:As others have said, try to be as honest as possible. My mother was hospitalized & then in rehab for months last year & I blew almost every deadline & couldn't give new dates. So that's what I told people. Said I would update again once I had my feet back under me. And did. #StetChat

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:46:07.415Z

aQ5a: Oof, this one, this one hits home for me. I’ve had to do this for projects that turned out to need a higher level of editing or to need more research. What I’ve done in these instances is reach out to the client well before the deadline and told them where I was. 1/3 #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:40:43.161Z

#StetChat Q5Thankfully, I have amazing clients who all understand before we work together that I have chronic conditions and disabilities that can cause this situation to occur. So I just politely let them know the situation. I've gotten great responses to take care of myself 🥺💜

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-06-17T20:41:22.963Z

#StetChatA5: That's a really hard scenario to deal with! The best approach might be to contact the client immediately to let them know, even if I don't have a new deadline yet (and I'd try to tell them as precisely as I can when I'll be able to give them more info). I'd also explain why. 1/3

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:24:40.673Z

Q6: You suspect that a potential client has used AI to “write” their book. The sample pages are eerily perfect, no typos, but also flat, with no voice. What do you do? #StetChat

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-06-17T20:40:02.260Z

A6: 😩I have a few things in place to prevent AI manuscripts from reaching my inbox in the first place: my contact form and my AI policy. #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:44:55.375Z

A6: My (long) contact form weeds out people. It has a question about the project’s revisions and lists AI feedback as an example. This gets leads to tell me how they’ve used AI so I can factor that in to whether I’m interested in working with them. #StetChatcarolinavonkampen.com/contact-me/

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:45:18.759Z

A6: My contact form mentions my AI policy, which reads:carolinavonkampen.com/ai-policy/ #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:45:45.390Z

That's a pretty solid way to get as much info as the client is willing to provide! I don't work on AI manuscripts, and that info is on my website, but it might be worth adding to my contact form too. I love the fact that we can all learn from each other through events like #StetChat 😍

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:50:33.971Z

A6: I ask authors ahead of time whether they use AI and have a clause in my agreements about it too. It tends to weed AI-users out. I need to expand that agreement clause though—and to write an AI policy for my website. #StetChat

— Tanya Gold | Editor & Translator 💕📚 (they/iel) (@tanyagold.bsky.social) 2026-06-18T01:43:28.968Z

I'm a bit unsubtle about my policy. In red on my site:IMPORTANT NOTICE: Under no circumstances are submissions created with so-called “AI” accepted.

— Shecky (@shecky.bsky.social) 2026-06-18T02:36:07.913Z

A6. I thankfully haven't run into this yet. I'm considering putting a disclaimer that I don't work on "AI" material on my website or wherever. But I might need the work anyway…so I haven't done anything about it yet. #StetChat

— Jennifer W. Hanson (@jenniferwhanson.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:54:46.032Z

My approach is to give authors space to talk about their writing and revising process—specifically asking about rounds of revision and if they used AI feedback—so that I have all the info, including if they used AI. Then I can decide if I'm interested in the project!

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-18T03:13:57.340Z

A6 #StetChat I have actually had this happen. On multiple occasions. I have a contract with a no AI clause. I ask that all authors have written their own work. On both occasions, I have had to ask. And both were honest. I informed them that I will not be working on the rest of the project.

— Kala Godin (@kala-g-writes.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:38:43.305Z

A6: I have an AI policy on my home page that essentially says "I don't use gen AI in my work, and I won't work on text generated by AI." I'd hope that it would become clear as we begin to discuss their work or when I do a sample edit, and it would be an automatic "no" from me! #StetChat

— Kate Nascimento – Editor and Proofreader (@katenascim.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:58:11.668Z

#StetChatA6: I have a clause in my contract prohibiting both me and the client from using generative AI on the project. I try to communicate this to the client in early messages so neither of us wastes our time if we're not a good match. It's tricky to accuse / prove AI use, though. 1/2

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:41:56.853Z

A6. I'm very up front with my authors about how I don't use AI & don't work on AI-generated projects. So if I'm ever concerned about this for a new project, I just ask about the AI usage as part of our onboarding (& not as a confrontation!) I have an AI policy to help make this a nonissue! #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:57:54.359Z

Ask if my suspicion is correct and then take advantage of yet another teaching opportunity. The fastest and easiest way isn't always the most effective depending on what their goals are. #StetTalk

— GetBookHelp.com: Helping new authors put their best book forward (@getbookhelp.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:49:00.212Z

#StetChat A6I usually politely say I'm not a good fit and try to pass onto an editor who does edit AI writing or just send a list of like resources from EFA or Reedsy. I also am very open and honest about not editing AI writing everywhere on socials, website, intake form etc to curb this.

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-06-17T20:47:04.968Z

Q6: Because I’m a freelancer, I have my clients sign a contract. That contract very clearly lays out that I don’t work on projects partially or wholly made with generative AI. The client will need to find another editor. #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:45:18.289Z

Q7: After you send them a quote, a new-to-you author says they want to work with you but claims your hourly rate is too high for the service. What do you do? #StetChat

— #StetChat (@stetchat.com) 2026-06-17T20:50:01.325Z

A7: I will happily work with an author to triage and change the scope of an edit to fit within their budget. Or set up a payment plan. But this is my job. And I do need to eat and keep a roof over my head too. #StetChat

— Tanya Gold | Editor & Translator 💕📚 (they/iel) (@tanyagold.bsky.social) 2026-06-18T01:47:22.366Z

A7: Depends on how they frame that. If it's clearly just haggling, they get a polite wording of "Good luck with that." Otherwise, I listen to their reasoning and decide from there. (In other words, there's no hard-and-fast rule, just judgement based on what I'm given.) #StetChat

— Shecky (@shecky.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:53:52.753Z

A7 #StetChat for freelancing, I do everything per word. I do offer certain discounts. And in some cases, I can try to work within a budget. However, this is only if the budget is a feasible price. If it's less than half my regular price, it's probably not happening.

— Kala Godin (@kala-g-writes.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:35:30.348Z

My rate card has variables rates, depending on editing level. I also have payment plans. If someone says my rates are too high (they are midrange on EFA’s scale), I do not offer to discount my services to pull them in. They can find cheaper editors, but you get what you pay for.

— Jambalaya ⚜ Val (@jambalayaval.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T23:29:04.305Z

A7 #stetchat My hourly rate isn't negotiable. This response-"your rate is too high, you need to cost less"-is a red flag. There are a many ways a client person can ask for a lower cost, and I depend on my spidey sense to tell me which are honest requests to find a way to something they can afford.

— Rudy Leon, editor (@rudydoesbooks.bsky.social) 2026-06-18T15:55:42.865Z

A7: If I thought the project was really interesting, I might ask what "too high" meant to them. But usually I just thank them for their interest and wish them luck in finding a good editorial match. #StetChat1/

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:54:12.147Z

A7 cont.I once had a client respond by offering me "one day's pay" to read and give notes on their manuscript. Since it wouldn't take more than a couple of hours to read the thing, and another few hours to write up my report. I mean, really . . . .#StetChat

— Melissa Ann Singer (@masinger.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:54:12.148Z

A7. I only work on hourly rates for certain publishers, otherwise I provide a full-project quote! I know for lots of non-freelancers, they may not realize how hourly rates account for things like taxes or other expenses for the project. So to avoid any confusion, I prefer full quotes! #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:03:54.671Z

A7. pt 2. & I totally agree w/ everyone else re: having a flexible scope. For long-term/big projects, I try to make sure my AUs feel comfortable telling me if we need to adjust the process because of changes in budget! Life happens; I want editing to be a low-stress experience for them! #StetChat

— Raquel ⟡ Fiction Editor (@raqueledits.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:10:12.908Z

A7: I quote fixed-price rather than hourly, but I this happens frequently. I offer a discount for self-funded dissertations, but otherwise my usual policy is I don't negotiate price, only scope. (1/2) #StetChat

— Wes Cowley (@wes.wordsbywes.ink) 2026-06-17T20:55:47.464Z

So if there's not a smaller scope that makes sense, I point them to a job board where they might find someone who can help, or in some cases I'll offer to post a referral on the EFA discord. (2/2) #StetChat

— Wes Cowley (@wes.wordsbywes.ink) 2026-06-17T20:55:47.491Z

And I should add that every time I've broken this rule, I've regretted it. (3/2) #StetChat

— Wes Cowley (@wes.wordsbywes.ink) 2026-06-17T21:02:39.672Z

A7: The thing is, I don’t want to debate my hourly rate.What *is* up for discussion would be the scope of the project (do we do a copyedit instead of a line edit, a MS eval instead of a dev edit), or pushing back the timeline for the project so they have time to save up. #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:52:24.921Z

A7: When replying to the email, I would NOT talk about my hourly rate at all.I'd say: “Typically, what I suggest if a quote is out of an author’s budget is adjusting either the timeline or the scope of the work I’m doing.” and then offer solutions for adjusting the scope or timeline. #StetChat

— Carolina VonKampen 📚 Freelance Editor (@carolinavonkampen.com) 2026-06-17T20:52:37.740Z

#StetChatA7: the way this is phrased, I might not want to work with them. I'd link the EFA rate chart so they see that my rates aren't unreasonable, and perhaps link to a resource explaining how much work editing is. (@ottersediting.com has a good blog post on this subject) 1/3

— Jesse – Rainbow Pen Editing (@rainbowpenediting.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T22:16:11.725Z

A7: I would tell them I'm sorry that it's not in their budget, and suggest other places they might find an editor who can help. I'd also remind myself that there are lots of clients who are happy to pay what I charge! #StetChat

— Kate Nascimento – Editor and Proofreader (@katenascim.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T21:14:10.668Z

#StetChat (This is why I use project rates) I’d explain my skills & my years of experience, and that sometimes a less qualified editor is a better match, but sometimes an author will pay the same if that newer editor requires more time (hence overall higher cost). If still a “no,” bless & release.

— Christine Gordon Manley | Editor (@cgmanley.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:59:32.961Z

#StetChat A7I don't work hourly rates with my neurodivergence usually. 1 hour could be 2 pages or 6 pages depending on how ADHD is soooBut again, I usually work with authors' budgets, especially for marginalized indie authors. I am in a position where I can do that for now.

— Steph 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ | Editor 🦦✍️ (@ottersediting.com) 2026-06-17T20:58:08.420Z

One reason we don't do hourly rates! LOL! But all this usually takes is a discussion about what their goals are and what their budget is so that we can arrange things in a way that's financially comfortable for them. No one should go bankrupt trying to publish a book, IMHO. #StetChat

— GetBookHelp.com: Helping new authors put their best book forward (@getbookhelp.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:55:55.861Z

Q7: If it’s a job I’m very interested in, I might think about lowering my rate. Especially if the author was BIPOC or a member of the LGBTQ+ community. However, I do need to be paid for my work, so I would also likely back up my rates with industry info, like the EFA Rate Chart. #StetChat

— Rachel Lapidow (@editrix-rachel.bsky.social) 2026-06-17T20:54:00.458Z