One more lesson on assumptions

I have a friend who's writing a book.


She asked me to help edit for grammar, which I did.


And because she's convinced that I should write too, she asked her book publisher if they needed someone to freelance? Yup, they did, so she gave me their number to call.


I called, the guy set up a meeting for the next day, which was fine. On the morning itself, he sends me a manuscript and expects me to do a sample for him. He expects me to produce the sample for our afternoon meeting. 


Now, this last minute expectation did not sit well with me. He knows I have not done editting before, and he does not set out HIS expectation. Also, I had worked the night before too; so instead of rushing him a sample, I try and rest.


Later that day, we meet and he produces a hardcopy of the sample manuscript. He confesses he expected a sample, but apologises for the last minute request. The eventual agreement was that I would do an hour's editing work, combining both conceptualising and copy editing work. It is very much needed, the author's mother tongue is not english, and the text requires extensive re-writing. I may not have a professional background in editing, but I know bad language when I see it. lol


Anyways. Sample is sent the next day. I give him two copies, one in normal word format, and one compatible with word97. But there is no reply. One week later, I send him another email to ask if everything was alright. And guess what. No reply again.


One would think that professional courtesy dictates that a reply be forthcoming. Especially if you pride yourself on vetting people's work, and being a wordsmith. One equates an extensive vocabulary with a good education, hence a decent attitude.  But again my assumption has been proved wrong - that someone who may be all smiles and charming during a one hour meeting may be this unprofessional? I am, to be honest, a little taken aback.  




It doesn't augur well; I sincerely hope my friend's contract with this local publisher doesn't get screwed in the end.