What is a sample edit?

One of the most important parts of my process when talking with potential editing clients is the sample edit. The sample edit acts as a kind of two-way interview between the writer and me. It allows both of us to have a sneak peek into what it would look like to work together and see whether we're a good fit.

What is it?
It's a two-way work sample. I see a sample of the writer's manuscript, and they see a sample of my editing work. Depending on several factors that I won't go into here, it may be a sample of developmental editing, of substantive editing, or of both.

What purposes does it serve?
It gives both the writer and me information we need to decide whether to enter into an editing relationship with one another. I guess that might sound a little strange, but here's what I mean: