How much is too much?

I was always taught to give back. Nothing is more rewarding than helping another find what they are looking for. But I have a question to all of you. How much is too much? When does offering a helping hand become unpaid, unappreciated labor?

I've edited authors whose fundamental English skills were, basically, non-existent. This is not an issue because when they've been assigned to me, I'm aware I'll be receiving royalties agreed upon by the author, publisher and myself. A couple have gone on to become best sellers. Sometimes the story overcomes the details of grammar.

I understand the head scratching perplexity of the English language. You're going along just great until someone throws an 'exception' in your path. Terrific. I'll have to break out pen and paper to write this down because by the time I'm finished, the rule will change. I get it.

It's because of the frustrating, conglomerated tendency of the language we use, I offer assistance to others. I also hope my efforts will allow them to sail through some of the difficulties I encountered when I started as a new author; pass on the head banging that is beginning in an increasingly convoluted publishing landscape.

No, I don't expect remuneration, but I do hope those I help don't ASSUME my assistance is to go without any acknowledgement. A note at the beginning of a book in the dedication thanking me takes a little bit of time. A polite request worded as such will provide a better response than --

"If you can, like, check out my work on the website a couple times a week and correct it for me, I'd appreciate that."

Maybe it's the language issue again, but some form of recognition that what is being offered is a gift and not a requirement of being a published author would be welcomed. Do I ask too much?

Sable Angel