How to Find Someone to Edit For You
After weeks, maybe even months or years, of steadfast work tinged with moments of doubt and self-confidence, you finally finished your novel.
Congratulations! The only thing that could surpass the joy you feel now is holding your completed book in published format.
Before you reach that pinnacle, however, you need to go over what you have written and check for grammar and spelling errors, not to mention plot holes and inconsistencies in character and action.
In short, you need an editor to help you refine your raw manuscript to make it publishable.
An easy task to accomplish with all the freelance editors out there looking for work, but how do you know which one is right to work with you? Finding an editor to polish your work is not difficult.
Finding the right one to work with you...
another matter.
As you browse through hundreds of websites and freelance directory listings to glean information on potential candidates, you will pick up on rates, turnaround times, and specific work habits an editor employs in order to deliver good results.
The editor you pick should not only produce quality edits that do not rob your of your unique voice, but should be willing to work with you to keep the book error free and attractive to readers.
Here are a few things you'll consider before you hire somebody: 1) Does the editor work in your genre? If you have written a science fiction novel, you will want to work with somebody who has experience in that genre.
You can put out feelers among other sci-fi authors for recommendations, then inquire accordingly.
2) Does the editor also write? There are people in the industry who do it all - write, edit, publish, and even handle cover art.
For some authors the question of whether the editor also writes may not be an issue, but others may feel differently.
Writing may not necessarily distract an editor from doing your work, and surely you will approach an editor with ethics who will not filch your ideas, but if you are more comfortable with a person who focuses on one facet of the business find out in advance.
3) What other works has the editor completed? You can tell the quality of the worker by his/her output.
If you are interested in a particular editor, find out what books in your genre he/she has edited and read for yourself whether or not the hire is worth it.
4) Is the editor available? If you like a certain editor's style and are impressed by his portfolio, get a timetable.
If you plan to move forward quickly with your work, you want to be sure the editor is available for a decent turnaround.
The best avenue for finding an editor to work with you remains word of mouth.
Talk to the writers you trust most, those whose works you enjoy and find well-edited.
Get your referrals and seek out the people looking for work.
Take your time in the hiring process, too, because you want to find somebody compatible with your work style and personality, but not necessarily somebody who will proclaim everything you write to be gold.
Your editor should be honest with you about errors and scenes that do not work.
You will publish and sell this book, so your editor needs to be tough when required so errors and bad edits won't come back to haunt you.
Congratulations! The only thing that could surpass the joy you feel now is holding your completed book in published format.
Before you reach that pinnacle, however, you need to go over what you have written and check for grammar and spelling errors, not to mention plot holes and inconsistencies in character and action.
In short, you need an editor to help you refine your raw manuscript to make it publishable.
An easy task to accomplish with all the freelance editors out there looking for work, but how do you know which one is right to work with you? Finding an editor to polish your work is not difficult.
Finding the right one to work with you...
another matter.
As you browse through hundreds of websites and freelance directory listings to glean information on potential candidates, you will pick up on rates, turnaround times, and specific work habits an editor employs in order to deliver good results.
The editor you pick should not only produce quality edits that do not rob your of your unique voice, but should be willing to work with you to keep the book error free and attractive to readers.
Here are a few things you'll consider before you hire somebody: 1) Does the editor work in your genre? If you have written a science fiction novel, you will want to work with somebody who has experience in that genre.
You can put out feelers among other sci-fi authors for recommendations, then inquire accordingly.
2) Does the editor also write? There are people in the industry who do it all - write, edit, publish, and even handle cover art.
For some authors the question of whether the editor also writes may not be an issue, but others may feel differently.
Writing may not necessarily distract an editor from doing your work, and surely you will approach an editor with ethics who will not filch your ideas, but if you are more comfortable with a person who focuses on one facet of the business find out in advance.
3) What other works has the editor completed? You can tell the quality of the worker by his/her output.
If you are interested in a particular editor, find out what books in your genre he/she has edited and read for yourself whether or not the hire is worth it.
4) Is the editor available? If you like a certain editor's style and are impressed by his portfolio, get a timetable.
If you plan to move forward quickly with your work, you want to be sure the editor is available for a decent turnaround.
The best avenue for finding an editor to work with you remains word of mouth.
Talk to the writers you trust most, those whose works you enjoy and find well-edited.
Get your referrals and seek out the people looking for work.
Take your time in the hiring process, too, because you want to find somebody compatible with your work style and personality, but not necessarily somebody who will proclaim everything you write to be gold.
Your editor should be honest with you about errors and scenes that do not work.
You will publish and sell this book, so your editor needs to be tough when required so errors and bad edits won't come back to haunt you.
