Professionals recommend that you hire an editor before you start shopping your manuscript around—even before you self-publish. You know this, but you balk at the idea. You say, “An editor might change my voice.” “I don’t want to spend the money—I don’t even know if I can get this book published.” “If I get it published, will it even sell?” “Is it really worth spending the money for an editor?”
The truth is, your dream of landing a publisher is more realistic if you have worked with a qualified editor. Once your book is published, your chances of attracting readers grow considerably when you can present a well-written, professionally edited product.
Okay, so you decide that you probably should have an editor take a look at your manuscript. But who? How do you locate one? How do you choose one? Here are some guidelines that might help. Choose an editor who,
• has been recommended.
• comes with good references.
• is credible within the industry.
• understands the publishing industry and what it takes to get published.
• knows the purpose and the process of writing a book proposal and a query letter.
• is familiar with your book subject and/or genre.
• will evaluate a portion of your manuscript and give you an estimate.
• will offer a sample edit on 250-500 words or so of your manuscript.
• will do a final edit/proof (after you’ve revised your manuscript based on her suggestions) for a lower rate.
This should eliminate from your list of potential editors, your son’s high school PE teacher, the retired professor down the street and your co-worker who seems to have a mastery of the English language.
Your editor doesn’t have to be someone you’ve actually met. Business is conducted via the Internet every day, including the business of editing. If it makes you feel better, you might have a telephone conversation with your editor of choice in order to get a sense about this person.
Beware of the lowball estimate for editorial work. The concept, “you get what you pay for” is true in this profession, as well. I know one author who politely turned down my editorial services and went with someone she found on the Internet. Certainly, the $340 estimate for editing her 250-page manuscript was a refreshing consideration after hearing my $1,200 bid. In the end, however, this author was extremely disappointed. She believes that the “editing” process she paid for was nothing more than a quick spellcheck. This turned out to be a costly decision, after all.
Whether your book is fiction or nonfiction, a children’s story or a reference book, do yourself and your project a favor and hire a qualified editor.
For more about self-editing and hiring an editor, read Chapter Nine of my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
Patricia Fry as Your Editor
Let me give you a sample edit and an estimate on your fabulous manuscript. I also work with articles. PLFry620@yahoo.com. See some of my client testimonials here:
http://www.matilijapress.com/testimonials.html