Graylorne
Archmage
I need some advice.
In august I booked a fulltime freelance editor (I'll name no names, but he was a respected pro for many years with several reputable houses).
We agreed he would start on Sept 8, turnaround about a month, half paid in advance.
In the meantime he got himself a job and a baby, went to two book fairs, and I'm still waiting for my edit. It was a 2nd opinion and I said I was in a hurry, as the book is already out.
On Oct 15 I emailed about an ETA and the next day I got a reply, he was 2/3 weeks behind, but 'expected to have something for me early Nov or maybe sooner'. He did mention he'd chuck off part of the second payment for being late.
Nov 10 I emailed again, less patient, that I had said it was a rush job and that it was taking far too long. I got no reply.
Now I know patience isn't my strongest suit, that in part is why I selfpublish. But 6 weeks over the agreed date is a bit much and I've more or less lost my trust in him.
So what now? Am I too hasty? Should I give him more time, or cancel the job?
In august I booked a fulltime freelance editor (I'll name no names, but he was a respected pro for many years with several reputable houses).
We agreed he would start on Sept 8, turnaround about a month, half paid in advance.
In the meantime he got himself a job and a baby, went to two book fairs, and I'm still waiting for my edit. It was a 2nd opinion and I said I was in a hurry, as the book is already out.
On Oct 15 I emailed about an ETA and the next day I got a reply, he was 2/3 weeks behind, but 'expected to have something for me early Nov or maybe sooner'. He did mention he'd chuck off part of the second payment for being late.
Nov 10 I emailed again, less patient, that I had said it was a rush job and that it was taking far too long. I got no reply.
Now I know patience isn't my strongest suit, that in part is why I selfpublish. But 6 weeks over the agreed date is a bit much and I've more or less lost my trust in him.
So what now? Am I too hasty? Should I give him more time, or cancel the job?