Professionals recommend that you hire an editor before you start shopping your manuscript around\u2014even before you self-publish. You know this, but you balk at the idea. You say, \u201cAn editor might change my voice.\u201d \u201cI don\u2019t want to spend the money\u2014I don\u2019t even know if I can get this book published.\u201d \u201cIf I get it published, will it even sell?\u201d \u201cIs it really worth spending the money for an editor?\u201d<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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,<\/p>\n
\u2022\thas been recommended.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tcomes with good references.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tis credible within the industry.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tunderstands the publishing industry and what it takes to get published.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tknows the purpose and the process of writing a book proposal and a query letter.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tis familiar with your book subject and\/or genre.<\/p>\n
\u2022\twill evaluate a portion of your manuscript and give you an estimate.<\/p>\n
\u2022\twill offer a sample edit on 250-500 words or so of your manuscript.<\/p>\n
\u2022\twill do a final edit\/proof (after you\u2019ve revised your manuscript based on her suggestions) for a lower rate.<\/p>\n
This should eliminate from your list of potential editors, your son\u2019s high school PE teacher, the retired professor down the street and your co-worker who seems to have a mastery of the English language.<\/p>\n
Your editor doesn\u2019t have to be someone you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
Beware of the lowball estimate for editorial work. The concept, \u201cyou get what you pay for\u201d 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 \u201cediting\u201d process she paid for was nothing more than a quick spellcheck. This turned out to be a costly decision, after all.<\/p>\n
Whether your book is fiction or nonfiction, a children\u2019s story or a reference book, do yourself and your project a favor and hire a qualified editor. <\/p>\n
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<\/em><\/strong>. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n Patricia Fry as Your Editor<\/strong> Professionals recommend that you hire an editor before you start shopping your manuscript around\u2014even before you self-publish. You know this, but you balk at the idea. You say, \u201cAn editor might change my voice.\u201d \u201cI don\u2019t want to spend the money\u2014I don\u2019t even know if I can get this book published.\u201d \u201cIf I get it […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[10],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\nLet 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:
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/testimonials.html<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"