Whether to hang out an editor shingle

[Karen]

From time to time, I've done editing for people I know on a casual basis. Reviews of my books usually comment on how well edited they are -- and I do my own editing, with assistance from beta readers. I'm thinking of trying to do light copy editing for other authors. As I have no professional editing credentials, I'd charge a bit less than average.

As a general matter, would any of you seriously consider hiring a first-time editor with the background I've described?

[Linda]

I am in the same boat! I HATE poorly edited self-published books. I know editing a book can be costly for an author, but it's definitely needed! My own books get the same reaction you described. I have toyed with the idea of offering editing services since it comes naturally to me. I, too, would charge a bit less than some of the professionals. I will follow this thread with interest!

[Paula]

Hi Linda and Karen,

I wouldn't pay for an editor that didn't have the training or the experience of a professional, because writers don't just need their work improved, they need their work to be professional--especially indie authors.

I've been a copy editor (nonfiction) for over 15 years in medical/pharmaceutical, advertising, and business communications,have a degree in English, and lots of on-the-job experience. I do edit my own novels and short stories, but I also hire professional editors: one for content/story evaluation, one for line editing, one for final proofread (proofreading is very different skill from line editing). As a writer, I don't see all my errors, and I want my work to be as professional as possible.

So many indie books out there are not edited at all, or badly edited by the author or a self-proclaimed editor that has no credentials and lacks skills. I've met some, and they don't have a clue about style, word usage, or consistency, or even good grammar. One self-proclaimed editor I met didn't know The Chicago Manual of Style, didn't know about serial commas, proper hyphenation, or rules of capitalization.

I'd say to you that it would be wise to get a certificate in line editing or proofreading. If you do have the skills, and it sounds like that's true, then put yourself into the professional lane. There are some online certificates that offer tests, and it's well worth it if you are serious about becoming a professional line editor or proofreader.I know MediaBistro has a certificate program that has a good reputation; local colleges sometimes offer certificate programs as well.

Good Luck to you both!

[Karen]

Thanks for the excellent advice! I hadn't heard about certification programs of this kind, and will investigate.

Paula wrote: "Hi Linda and Karen,

I wouldn't pay for an editor that didn't have the training or the experience of a professional, because writers don't just need their work improved, they need their work to be ..."

[Paula]

My pleasure. Here's a list of the reference books that most editors use. I have about fifteen but these four are the essentials:

Chicago Manual of Style (book publishing)
Words Into Type (for proofreaders and typesetters)
AP Style (for newspapers and magazines)
Merriam Webster English Usage Dictionary (Every writer or editor needs this one. Explains proper use for words like "every day" or "everyday")

If you want only one book, get the Chicago. It covers almost everything for grammar, punctuation,capitalization, style, and usage and even specifics like when to use an ellipsis vs. an em-dash in dialogue for fiction (dash for interrupted speech, ellipsis for speech that trails off). Without the Chicago, I'd be lost!

I wish you much success in the editing world. I have writer and editor friends who sometimes contact me with grammar or usage questions. Feel free.

[Linda]

Thanks, Paula! I have the Chicago Manual and AP Style from when I was working on my Master's. I teach grammar every day and have a natural eye for catching spelling, grammar, punctuation and usage issues. I'll look into those certification courses.

[Paula]

Oh, that's great, Linda. I didn't know that. Here's an interesting article I just stumbled upon tonight.

http://janefriedman.com/2013/02/28/wr...

[Linda]

Paula wrote: "Oh, that's great, Linda. I didn't know that. Here's an interesting article I just stumbled upon tonight.

http://janefriedman.com/2013/02/28/wr..."

Nice article! I am good with the grammar stuff, but I'm the first one to admit I'm not as good with character development and plot line. I'm too forgiving--I like everything. :)