Today’s commandment is again credited to Einsohn’s Copyeditor’s Handbook. Pretty self-explanatory, right? After all, the freelance editor and the client sign a contract at the beginning of their working relationship agreeing to delivery dates.
But what if there is a delay? What if the editor has made queries to the author, and the author is in no hurry to respond? What if the job is taking more time than expected?
Schedules can sometimes be changed, but remember that editorial work is only one part of a larger project. Editorial delays affect everyone else working on the project. Be remembered for your punctuality and professionalism, not your plodding and prolongations.