Editor

[Katlynn]

I need an editor or proofreader but currently have no income. I know a lot of editors/ proofreaders need payment, but is there any that don't take payment? Or that do a certain amount of chapters or words?
I know this is a lot to ask for, but I'm curious.

[P.N.]

You can look for a betareader who might exchange books with you for comment in turn, but a good editor has a living to make. It's a service like any other. You go in to see a doctor, you have to pay a bill.

There are free editors who might work for the experience, but if they're looking for experience, the chances are that they're not qualified.

A person can have an MFA on their wall and not know beans about editing, let alone professional editing. One is the neighborhood watch, the other is a SEAL with hands on combat experience.

I suggest you hit the library and get books on basic grammar and editing. Books like this can help:

http://www.amazon.com/How-Your-Own-Be...

Make sure you have ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk and White. That's on the desk of every writer I know. Used copies are in 2nd hand bookstores back where they have the dictionaries. It's for free online, but it's best to have a physical copy to flip through.

Get into a writing group if there are any in your area. "Critter Meet Up" is worth googling to see. Otherwise, look for an online group.

Absolute Write is a good place to start for betas and writing groups. Go offer feedback on their Share Your Work Page. Once you've made 50 comments, you're allowed to post your own work for feedback.

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forum...

Your post means that you WILL get editing offers despite your statement that you can't afford to pay anything. Most will have low rates and hope you'll hire them. (I won't post my website. This info is just me paying it forward. You should have an editor who can *listen*.)

You will also get a small number working for free, just be aware you often get what you pay for! ;-)

[J.M.]

Hi Katlynn,

I completely second everything P.N. has said. If you need someone to read through your work and offer advice and a fresh pair of eyes for typos etc, then a betareader is definitely the best way forward if you cannot afford an editor. Betareaders should not charge for reading through your work (beware of the ones who do charge!)

Unfortunately, as P.N. mentioned, editors do offer a service and will expect to be paid. The amounts that editors charge differs widely, and some will offer to do it for either low fees, or for free if they are looking for experience, but you get out what you put in.

I think you should look for a betareader first and foremost, and you will find this beneficial to your work. Most authors look for editors far too soon and waste their money. Make sure you have fully edited your own work first, at least twice, before giving it to a betareader. Only then should you really look for an editor, and if you really can't afford someone who is trained then consider using several betareaders in order to get a wider view of your book.

I hope this information helps, and I wish you the best of luck with your book :)

[[deleted user]]

I just wrote an article on this subject for a review and editing service I started with my husband.

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

[Lin]

Some beta readers do charge, and it's entirely up to the writer whether they want to go this route. Beta reading is very time-consuming, and not everyone who offers actually follows through. At least with a paid beta you're much more likely to get your report.

Anyone choosing to publish their work and expecting people to pay for the pleasure of reading it should be prepared to put out their very best work or they risk spoiling not only their own reputation but also that of self-publishing generally.

Some people starting out in editing may be willing to help out at no fee or reduced fee in exchange for testimonials, but beware that you won't get the same level of experience as from an established editor. The same goes for husband/ wife/ ex-schoolteacher or whoever you find to check through.

Basically, you get what you pay for - but always check you're happy with the service offered and that the editor knows what he/ she is doing. Editing and proof reading are both highly skilled jobs.