Why have manuscripts copied?
Several reasons
- Publishers prefer professional copy work to hand written scores. My
copy work often will not be retype-set, but rather used directly in the
textbook, musical journal, research article, anthology, etc.
- Musicians appreciate clear copies, and my parts are much clearer than hand
written scores. Musicians reading a clear manuscript will play their part
better!
- Time savings -- composers find it much more practical to hire me than
to copy all of the parts by hand.
- Due to my musical training (B.Mus in Music Theory), I can catch errors
in the original manuscripts.
What happens if there are mistakes in the new manuscript?
New mistakes will occasionally be found in the first draft. If they are my errors, I correct them free of charge. If the errors result from lack of a clear manuscript, or from errors that were in the original, but become obvious only after seeing a clean new version of the score, I will correct them at my normal rate. This is rarely a significant expense.
Why charge at an hourly rate rather than bid the work?
I have found this method to be the most fair. By charging at an hourly rate, I am never underpaid for doing a more time consuming project. Also, I never overcharge for projects that take less time than expected. My customers find that I am faster than other services, so my competitive rates and my speed make my service particularly attractive.
How did you arrive at the $25/hour rate?
After investigating other copyist rates around the country and abroad, I determined the average hourly rate is at about $35/hour, or $60/page. I am seeking to build my business, and I expect to keep my fee at this level for the coming year at least.
How long do most projects take to complete?
The length of the score, the density of the music, the clarity of the manuscript, and my availability are all factors. It is wise to contact me before submitting a project, so I can give a more accurate estimate for delivery. Usually, I can have reasonably sized scores done in a week.
Which font options are the best?
I recommend the Swing Font for jazz works and the Maestro Font for traditional scores.
Who designed this web site?
Web site design by John Heyer, graphics by Sarah Koelman and artwork by Melanie Kehoss.