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Finding a Great Editor
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Lisa
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Feb 20, 2015 02:07PM
My editor is amazing and I recommend her highly. You can find her here: www.CourtenayDodds.com the site is being redesigned but you can still see the basics available.
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I went through this myself, the biggest thing I learned is to find an editor who does what YOU want, like leaving the theme, tone(voice) and flow of your manuscript exactly as you designed it. There is a lot of misinformation out there, like if you find on typo, fire your editor. I found myself looking for approval from my editor-that is not their job. What IS their job is to tell you this-Yes, your manuscript is ready for publication.
Great advice James. I went through two editors, the first wanted me to sound like all her books sounded, the second was more interested in her own problems (every family member had been sick, the cat was sick, a family vacation planned...it all seemed to interfere with my book). When I got it back after the proof reading and found so many mistakes I realized I was not her priority, though I paid for the job. I am searching for a new editor but will be more 'specific' in what "I" expect this time. I don't mind paying, but I want my money's worth.
Good point L.A. Anytime we add another person into the schedule we are bound to slow down our own timeline a bit. I learned (am learning) the hard way to get dates into the contract :)Still the most important thing to consider is the quality of the edit.
I had I thought after editing my own work numerous times had it published on Kindle. To my horror the first review I received was truly terrible and slated my book saying it was obvious it had not been edited.I then checked through it again and re published the updated version. However, on printing off a hard copy and going over it, I again found things not as good as I thought. I am now having it edited by Dave who I found via Chris the reading Ape. I was most impressed with the free sample edit he did for me. From now on I will always have my work properly edited before publishing it, as I feel quite embarressed at publishing a second rate book.
It is a no-brainer. You need an editor.However well you think you may have edited your own work, there are always flaws that you simply will not see because you have become so close to your own work that 'blind spots' have been created.
If you are serious about your work and you want to offer a high quality product that will be appreciated by discerning readers, you are doing yourself a huge dis-service thinking that you can self-edit right up to the final uploaded version available for sale.
In that I now know the error of my ways.
So...what can authors do when the editors fees exceed their budget due to the book length?
Maho wrote: "So...what can authors do when the editors fees exceed their budget due to the book length?"Some people have success with Beta readers and I definitely recommend finding a good critique group, whether you use an editor or not. In order for anything to be helpful you have to be open to criticism and suggestions. Not all feedback will be good so use a discerning ear and remain true to the story.
Maho wrote: "So...what can authors do when the editors fees exceed their budget due to the book length?"At the very least, I'd suggest hiring a proofreader. Proofreading rates are lower than copy editing, which are lower than line or developmental editing.
Just curious what is around the going rates for these? Is there a broad price range or a narrow one? Is it priced per page?
Most editors price per words... Or charging a set fee up to 50k words then more after. Some charge more than others based on their experience. A good place to look is http://www.the-efa.org the website for freelance editors and services.
"Some people have success with Beta readers and I definitely recommend finding a good critiq...""At the very least, I'd suggest hiring a proofreader. Proofreading rates are lower than copy editing, which are lower than line or developmental editing."
Thanks for your suggestions,they seem reasonable, I'll try that.
I have a fantastic editor - she has edited my 3 published books and is currently working on my latest novel. She is very thorough and detailed, provides excellent feedback, with great questions and suggestions about the plot, characters, continuity, mechanics, etc. She's also a superb proofreader, does beta reads, and is very quick. Pricing depends on what type of edit you are looking for and the time that involves (proofread=less time than a full edit=lower price).
Her website: http://verbatimetliteratim.weebly.com/
Ricardo wrote: "Any thoughts or comments are more than welcome!"Here's one - do something on Goodreads besides shilling for your site.
Also, reviewing books from Reedsy authors most likely requires a disclosure that you have a commercial relationship with said author, because Goodreads is in the US and FTC laws apply to consumer reviews posted here.
Dear All,This is Vignesh Ravichandran from India. I am looking for an editor who could work substantive editing for my fantasy fiction novel in affordable flat rate. My novel has nearly 100,000 words and approximately 300 pages in MS Word. Editors please send me your pricing quotes to endeavourvignesh@gmail.com.
Thanks in Advance,
Vignesh
Angie Underwood, of BookCreative.com, for my editing and cover design. She was reasonable and I got the full package for less than $400.
After having my book reviewed by several English teacher friends, I went with Kirkus. Although it is very expensive (you can check fees on-line), I felt the editing was both thorough and professional. They noted several things I just did not see myself—though I am an English teacher as well.
It is absolutely embarassing to publish second rate, unedited work. Unfortunately, its out there on kindle for 99 cents and crowding the space. As an indie author myself, I would suggest to anyone to fork out the cash and pay for professional editing.Colin wrote: "I had I thought after editing my own work numerous times had it published on Kindle. To my horror the first review I received was truly terrible and slated my book saying it was obvious it had not ..."
I've read some of those works, works by competent, educated authors, who managed to have several typos per page--and that doesn't even get to the structure of the book. They are hard to take beyond the first couple of pages.
At any point along the way if you are looking for mistakes yourself, read from a printed page. You will miss things on the screen that will be seen on the printed paper.
Delores wrote: "Angie Underwood, of BookCreative.com, for my editing and cover design. She was reasonable and I got the full package for less than $400."Thank you delores. I will check her website.
Very grateful for this feed. I have been researching the proper way to go for editing. The suggestions offered have been wonderful and I will look into some of the editors. I was nervous about being ripped off with cost and accuracy. I just need an objective critique and edit of my work. I have already published it with a few sales and no reviews, but want things looked over and then I will just change out the drafts.
Here is a helpful video by editor Beth Hill (from the editor's blog) on how to self-edit. It helped me - We all need to do these steps, and I recommend to go one step further and have your work edited again by a qualified professional. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgFYr...
Not all editors are alike.
#1 Look for someone experienced in your genre
#2 Ask if they follow plot driven story or character driven story
#3 Get pricing up front, either by page count, word count, or package
#4 Have a timeline with dates (I learned this the hard way)
#5 Check in advance exactly what the editor expects from you & advise what you expect from them as far as formatting and reworks after feedback etc.
Sometimes you may have to experience a few editors before you find one that you work well with - I mean over time and across a few books.
Also there are 3 types of editing. You may want to use a different person for each step, rather than one to do it all in one step at the end.
1) Substantive/Developmental edit (plot)
2) Critiquing/Line edit (overused words, cliches, grammar)
3) Proofreading/Copy edit (spelling, format)
I hope everyone learns to enjoy and respect the edit rather than fear it. After you receive feedback, it's great fun turning the words into something better - crisper - an experience for the reader. Good luck & I hope every one finds a good fit for themselves.
Chanell wrote: "...have already published it with a few sales and no reviews, but want things looked over and then I will just change out the drafts. ..."Drafts for the next book ,you are publishing, of course. Readers considering purchasing your already published book(s) can rest assured they are buying the final edition—and readers who already bought your book thinking it was a publshed book did not get ripped off.
Some authors use crowd funding sites like Kickstarter and Gofundme to pay for things like editing and book-covers. Common practice is to award certain levels of investment with final book, collectible/autographed editions, etc.
Goodreads groups can be a good place to connect to beta readers. Or to at least post up a small problematic passage or synopsis that readers not willing to invest time in "whole book" wouldn't mind gving feedback. Just lurk and check group rules and use -- some welcome authors and are even for connecting authors to readers and others prohibit completely or ask authors not osrticipatungbas readers to keep to certain folders.
Proofreaders for simpler things ( which you stop seeing because mind fills in what you meant to say or because you've already read over so often) like misspellings, typos, basic grammar, etc. are easier to find than editors. And easier to get friends not promising editing skills to volunteer to take a stab at.
This is an excellent topic, and some good advice--if not funny experiences.I will add that even with revising a work, which an editor went over the original, still have it edited again, and not just for the new content. As I've learned, the past editor made some little misses here and there with the original. Upon realizing this, I employed my teenage sons as beta readers, and we read through the book out loud to each other to clean up both the old and new content. (I realized that kids also read faster than old people, too. lol.)
All great suggestions. We had several beta readers, including one who is a professional copyeditor. Each made some wonderful suggestions. Yes, yes to reading out loud! It helped us to write realistic, honest dialog. And, it's so true that when you read out loud, you're more likely to catch those mistakes or awkward spots that your brain and eyes filter out when you read silently. If you stumble over something when you read out loud, it probably should be reworked. Nancy and Ned
I agree with you, Nancy and Kelly. Get the family involved and read aloud. Let them read and the writer listen. For me , it sounded very different than the voice in my head. Which for editing, is a good thing. I only referred to my copy when I had to make a note. Afterwards, I still have the stories edited by a professional once more, because there's so much I don't know as a new writer.
Well, I have to say that beta readers, family and friends can only get you so far, and usually won't get you up to publishable level. It's tough out there, and If you want good editing (or to find a publisher for your work), you need a pro. You get what you pay for as they say.
But there are many brilliant editors who for around $500 can tell you what needs to be done to your manuscript.
They certainly did the job for me.
Trouble is the good ones are very busy and sometimes you have to wait for months until they can get round to reading your work.
I've used the same editor, Lindsey Nelson, since I was a wee college student. Today I still use her editing services, whether it be a memoir or a zine project. One recommendation I haven't seen here is to work with someone who has the same sense of humor you do. Lindsey always finds something hilarious to joke about during the often mundane process of editing, and she always has me smiling when she sends over the latest rounds of edits.
Check her out at Exact Edits:http://www.exactedits.com/
And the recent book she edited for me is American Climber: American Climber
Here's a good post on Writers and Artists (UK) with tips from a professional editor on how to go about finding and selecting the right editor for you: https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/w...I like this part, because it highlights the fact that you shouldn't be looking just for "a great editor", you should be looking for the great editor who's right for you:
"Not every editor is right for every manuscript, or author. Editing styles vary as much as writing styles do, so when choosing an editor to collaborate with, consider how your early communications with this potential partner make you feel. Your editor’s job is to point out flaws and guide your creativity—sensitive manoeuvres both. Does this person make you feel embarrassed or inspired? Capable or cut-to-size? Find someone who makes a safe space for your creativity, mistakes and all."
Hope this helps :)
I am a professional editor. I work mainly with genre fiction but I'm also branching into memoirs and autobiographies. If you're interested in a sample edit or a quote, you can contact me here: http://eacopen00.wix.com/eaedits
my wonderful editor, Dori Harrell, at http://doriharrell.wix.com/breakouted...,is fantastic. we met via writer group on FB and chat there regularly. not only is she knowledgeable and professional in her editing business, but is most encouraging to me as a writer. i've had tweaky little questions here and there, and she has either confirmed i was right, or provided the correct form.
better, even than her expertise, is that she will comment on my writing itself, and lets me know when she thinks something is well written (not just correct form but style) and that is worth more than any fee!
I was thrilled to discover Lindsey Nelson from exactedits.com. She has superior copyediting skills. I LOVE working with her and the best compliment I can give is that I will continue to work with her on all my books. She is part of my team now. She's easy and pleasant to work with, professional, and has a keen eye for content, grammar, continuity, and phrasing. My books and writing, in general, are better for it. I am eternally grateful that I found her. I was nervous about hiring an editor but I did my research and I'm so glad I have such an awesome one now :)
The most difficult thing I have discovered as an author and editor is to keep the author's voice. Edits should elevate the writing beyond making sure the final draft is "clean." Yet, they need to be seamless. There needs to also be a level of trust between the editor and (in fiction) the character or audience (in non-fiction). BTW, I am a fan of the electronic cup of coffee...if you'd like to "talk" about your writing, drop me a note through my author's page (I am the Don Jacobson who wrote "The Keeper" and "The One Pan Gourmet"). Authors helping authors. It is the new model.
Oh, yes...another thought...the wonders of electronic publishing platforms allow us to update our work as we go back to reflect on it. Just did that with "The Keeper: Mary Bennet's Extraordinary Journey." Saw some areas that needed improvement...and did it.
Author Joanna Penn wrote a wonderful post in which she listed editors. Here's the link: file:///Users/Frances/Downloads/Editi...I hope the list is helpful.
I'm a writer, but I'm also a freelance editor. I try to keep my prices down as low as I can because I hate the way so many editors rip people off. My website is: http://www.youselfpublish.com and I can also help with formatting. I have recommendations on my website from Goodreads authors.
