Freelance Copywriting, Editing, and Proofreadin...

I was a little surprised to see this one-star review, because this project actually never went forward. The client had originally asked me to submit a bid for copy editing and line editing for a manuscript of 100,000 words. He asked me if we could meet in person before he decided to award the job to me. Our interview/meeting went very well, and he indicated that he'd be sending me the manuscript file electronically. At our meeting, he mentioned that the file he'd be sending would actually be about half of the 100,000 word count and that he'd be writing the second half as I edited the first half. I told the client that upon receiving the electronic file, I'd spend some time reviewing it, give him a more accurate quote based on his actual word counts, and provide him with an editing timeline. As I reviewed the electronic file he sent me, however, I determined that what the client provided was not quite ready for copy editing or line editing. In my professional opinion, the work was in need of developmental editing -- a service that I do not provide, unfortunately. I felt that it would have been a huge disservice to the client (not to mention unethical behavior on my part) to undertake copy editing and line editing on a document that first needed the specialized skills of a developmental editor. I contacted the client immediately by phone and spent close to an hour explaining the publishing process to him, as well as the various types of editors who are involved from beginning to end. I was very careful to explain to him that I was definitely interested in copy editing, line editing, and even proofreading his file once he had a developmental editor do a thorough pass on his document. Because the project in question is an extremely personal one (a memoir), I also suggested that he consider a ghostwriter. Memoirs, by their very nature, often make it difficult for the subject of that work to write from a detached perspective. I explained to the client that it wouldn't be right for me to copy edit or line edit a piece that was not yet at the manuscript stage. It just wouldn't be a good use of his money. I explained that in the long run, hiring a developmental editor would save the client money and time, because the manuscript would then be in great shape to hand off to a copy editor and line editor. I really loved the client's passion and enthusiasm for his project, and I told him so. I let him know that the subject matter was extremely compelling and that I thought it would be quite readable, but that he needed a service I'm unable to provide. At the end of our phone conversation, I suggested that he put a new quote out on Thumbtack, but change the service request from "copy editing and line editing" to "developmental editing." That way, he'd be sure to get quotes from the professionals who possess this highly specialized skill. I'm sad that I was unable to work on the project for him, but I would never deceive a client or misrepresent my skills. I pride myself on providing top-notch copy editing, proofreading, and copywriting skills. Whenever it's possible, I always refer clients to people who provide services outside what I offer. The client had mentioned that I was the second person he found through Thumbtack, and that the first person he contacted resigned the project as well. I suspect that the one-star review has more to do with his frustration with the overall process, given that I did not actually do any work for him.