Writing Wednesday
On Wednesdays I like to share information I picked up on my journey to being published, marketing my first book, editing and preparing to be published again. Information that I wish someone would have shared with me, back then…
If you like the information I hope you will share it!
Professional Editing
You have created an outline, a proposal, plotted your story, developed your characters, and written your first draft, edited, revised and ended up with a second draft. You had that draft read and critiqued and wrote your third draft. You are sure that in this draft:
You have used few if any adverbs
Removed the word ‘very’ from the entire MS
Taken out every word, sentence or phrase that is not relevant to the story and your critique partner says the story flows nicely, the points are clear and concise and the story is interesting. You have polished and feel confident (even if just a teeny bit because writers are not known to be the most confident type.) Congratulations you are ready to hire a professional editor!
Do I need a professional editor? Yes you do.
I can’t afford a professional editor? If you want to make writing your career then you must treat it like a business. When starting any new business financial investment is necessary for success. It is the same in the book business.
Where do you find a professional book editor? Ask your Facebook or other social media friends, do a Google search or ask other writers. Once you receive a couple of referrals they will probably ask you for a few chapters of your MS to do a sample edit for you. They will return it with suggestions and offer you a contract or they will pass. Before signing a contract make sure it includes time frame (both ways,) charges and how they are calculated and the editor’s method.
How much will it cost? If you are a starving, new writer you may be able to find a starving new editor who will be more than willing to negotiate a great price for you and do a great job for you in exchange for a reference. The average rate is $30-$65 an hour (10 pages per hour, a page being 250 words.) Well established editors with a client list of best sellers will charge much more. This is why you want your MS in the best shape you can get it before it goes to the editor. The fewer changes needed equal less time and that means less money out of your pocket.
What exactly does an editor do? Besides suggesting corrections for grammar, punctuation, technical elements and spelling your editor will organize your MS for the greatest impact and clarity. They will make sure all of your conclusions are supported and that you did not overuse certain words. A good editor knows what publishers are looking for, what readers expect and is able to balance that with what the author wants to say. A good editor will enhance your work and challenge you as a writer.
Your path from writer to successful author will be much shorter with a good editor in your tribe.
Write Drunk, Edit Sober.~Earnest Hemingway
24 thoughts on “Writing Wednesday/ Professional Editing”
I don’t know why this showed as Friday Fragments, so I got confused (before coffee!) but as usual, good advice.
It is my photo’s. I need to figure out why it does that. Ugghh
I’m a professional book editor myself and I approve this message! Great post, full of good information.
Thank you Roz!
I really enjoy reading your Writing Wednesday’s. I’m not planning to write a book in the near future, but you never know!
They say Everyone has a story…
This is great info. I’ve edited a few books, and your advice on sending it to the editor as clean as can be is indeed a huge money saver for the author (and a huge frustration saver for the editor).
Thank you Lisa!
Always chock full of good and useful information. Thanks for letting us in on our vast knowledge, Doreen.
Thank you for reading!
On hiring the editor: Ask other writers who they used. Some are guarded about sharing because they don’t want their editor to be too busy, but editors need to make a living.
Great post
Thank you Caroline!
You have so much good information in your Writing Wednesdays. I always look forward to them!
Thank you, Lois.
Great information, as always. I think you should turn Writing Wednesdays into a book!
I am hoping too!
As an editor, I completely agree with you, meaning even when I write my own stuff I want an editor to help me polish it.
Thank you Lori!
I always look forward to your Writing Wednesday posts, Doreen. Such helpful information.
Thank you!
This is very helpful! Thank you!!!
Thank you, Michelle!
Great piece! Thanks for the advice. Gotta get to work on an elevator pitch.
Thank you and good luck!