Writing a book is an exhilarating and often challenging journey—and it's often one you embark on your own. But, as with all things in life, there’s only so far you can get on your own before some help is needed—and that’s where an editor comes in.
Erin and I recently posted on our Instagram accounts, asking our followers what their top questions were when it comes to the editing process, and they pretty much all came down to these six questions!
1. When is my manuscript ready for an editor?
When you’re ready to work with an editor varies from author to author. However, it's advisable to have a polished draft before sending it to an editor. This means you've revised and proofread your manuscript, addressed major plot holes, and ironed out glaring grammatical errors. Sending a near-final draft ensures that the editor can focus on enhancing your work, rather than tackling basic issues.
If you’re feeling a bit stuck with your story and not sure if it’s ready for an editor, then getting some alpha readers or a critique partner will help, or even a writing coach—many of whom are editors or experienced authors themselves.
2. What are the different stages of editing?
Developmental Editing: This stage looks at the big picture, addressing plot structure, character development, and pacing.
Line Editing: Here, the focus is on improving the prose, enhancing sentence flow, and maintaining consistency in style and tone.
Copy Editing: Copy editors dive into grammar, punctuation, and fact-checking, ensuring your manuscript is error-free.
Side note: I was taught to do both copy and line editing at the same time as one process, where many editors will specify that they only do one or the other. So be sure you understand what kind of edits you’re getting!
Proofreading: The final stage involves meticulous scrutiny for any remaining typos, formatting issues, or minor errors.
Now, there is some contention out there about what stages of editing you really need to go through. I often see authors saying that they don’t work with an editor at all (more on this later), and some saying that they simply get a proofread done before they hit publish.
But these four stages of editing are the industry standard, and what you can expect to go through with a traditional or hybrid publisher.
3. Why are there such wide price variations for editing?
The price of editing services can vary greatly due to factors like the editor's experience, the depth of editing required, and the length of your manuscript. Experienced editors may charge more, but they often provide a higher quality of service.
The complexity of your work and the type of editing you need will also affect the price, then there are things like international exchange rates, etc. to take into account.
Some editors charge per word, some charge by the hour, some may charge a flat fee. Before choosing an editor, make sure to discuss the scope of work and pricing to align your expectations. If you’re not sure you’ll have money up front, many editors offer accessible payment plans to help authors continue to produce the best books they can.
4. What's it like to work with an editor?
Working with an editor is a collaborative process. Editors are there to help you refine your work, not rewrite it. Expect feedback, suggestions, and revisions. Be open to critique, as it often leads to a stronger, more polished manuscript.
Communication is key—your editor shouldn’t be enforcing hard and fast writing and grammar ‘rules’ on you and your work, they should be helping you to refine your style and make your book the best it can be to make an awesome reading experience for your readers.
5. Should I work with an editor before I start querying for a publisher?
While not a requirement, it's strongly recommended. Most literary agents and publishers expect to see a highly polished manuscript. A well-edited book increases your chances of getting published. It also demonstrates your commitment to your craft and the quality of your work.
I also think that if this is your first book, it’s a good idea to work with an industry professional and get some practice in receiving and implementing feedback. When publishers are looking to sign authors and their books, they’re not just looking for a good book. They’re looking for authors who are professional and understand how the industry works.
6. Can I publish without hiring an editor?
Technically, yes, you can self-publish a book without professional editing. However, it’s really not advisable, even if you are an exceptionally skilled writer. An editor provides invaluable guidance, enhancing your story's appeal and readability.
Self-published books that skip the editing phase often suffer from quality issues, which can negatively impact reviews and sales. To produce a successful book, investing in professional editing is the best choice.
Bonus thought: How to know your editor is legit
I’ve seen an uptick recently in stories from authors who have been scammed by dodgy editors and writing coaches, so I wanted to give a basic overview of some really important green-flags that any editor you’re thinking of working with should have. These are basic things that any professional should be able to provide easily.
They have a membership of at least one professional editing group. In Australia, we have IPed, in the US there’s the ACES association, in Canada there’s Editors Canada. There are many more, those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
They have testimonials on their website and on their socials (if they use social media, which most do).
They can point you to at least two previous clients who are happy to chat with new clients about what it’s like to work with them. Not wanting you to talk to past or current clients is a major red-flag!
They communicate openly and honestly with you! When editors are first starting out, they may not have testimonials, but their pricing should reflect their inexperience and they should be honest about how new they are to the process. I did this when I landed my first editing clients and we still work together to this day!
So, what have we covered?
In conclusion, partnering with a skilled editor is an essential step in your journey as an author. As you embark on your journey to becoming a published author, understanding the critical role of a professional editor is essential. Their expertise can turn your raw manuscript into a polished gem.
Remember that the timing and choice of an editor, the stages of editing, and the investment you make can significantly impact the quality and success of your book. Not all editors are made equal, and you should be careful to make sure any editors you’re thinking of working with are legitimate and meet minimum professional standards!
If you have more questions that you’d like to see answered, drop a comment below or reach out to Erin or me, and we’ll be happy to chat more!
Bio
Hey! I'm Danikka—editor, author mentor, and writer. I'm on a constant mission to break down the myth that there is any one ‘right’ way to be an author, to be creative, and to simply exist. If you're a creative like me looking for inspiring content that bridges the gap between the world of the editor and the world of the writer, between the brain of the audience and the marketer, come hang out with me on Instagram and sign up for my newsletter to get a quarterly, sometimes semi-monthly, download of writerly thoughts and editor’s advice. There’s no pretending here, what you read is what I believe. And I love to hear your thoughts as well.
Comments