What's the difference between a professional edit and a critique?

[Michelle]

Hey friends! I've received this question a lot lately, and thought it might be a timely topic to discuss in a blog post. I'd love to hear your thoughts; would you agree, or have I missed the mark on this one?

"The process of exchanging peer critiques has been instrumental to my growth as a writer... But while the benefits of critiquing—and peer critiquing especially—are endless, they are not the end."

You can view the entire post here: http://www.mjbookeditor.com/blog/

Happy writing!
-MJ

[Ruth]

Michelle,

That's an excellent discussion (both in style and content) of the difference between a critique and a professional edit.

How many freelancers though have the opportunities you mention to "have their hands in the publishing industry on a daily basis. Each editor may work on ten manuscripts in a month; they may be presented with dozens more, and they see what sells and what doesn’t. They keep a pulse on the market, the trends, what readers are asking for, in order to better serve their clients"? I know I certainly don't.

Any suggestions as to how freelancers might acquire such experience? It seems like a Catch-22: without experience, publishing houses won't hire, but without that experience, freelancers seem inadequate.

Ruth

[Michelle]

Thanks, Ruth! And thanks for the question. :)

In truth, it's taken me a couple of years to build up my business to where I have that kind of experience and exposure to the publishing world - both traditional and indie. My first clients were friends (beta readers, peer critiquers). Then I joined different organizations that helped link writers with freelancers. Over time, my name got out through word-of-mouth and clients started coming to me. I also get quite a few repeat clients now, which I just love.

As far as trying to work for a publishing house, I guess I've never had any interest in that. I *love* working for myself, and the transactions I have seem much more personal. My clients aren't hiring "mjbookeditor company"; they're hiring Michelle Josette. That's something no publishing house can offer me.

Sorry if that was kind of long winded. This stuff is fun though, isn't it? I'd love to hear more about your own editing business, and how you've been doing with it so far.

Thanks again. :)
MJ

[Lin]

You make interesting points but in my mind there's also a difference between a beta read and a critique - the former is from a reader and concentrates on pointing out reading issues, while a critique is also looking at issues from a writer's perspective, and is more detailed and in-depth. Critiques may be free, especially if reciprocal, for example in a writing group, or they may be paid for (I've seen them costing hundreds of pounds). The beta reads I do are more like critiques, which is why I charge a small amount for them.

[Ruth]

Michelle,

Your reply was not long at all, but thoughtful and helpful to me. I'm just starting out as a freelancer, and you answered one of my questions about whether friends can count as clients. I've been trying to figure out what organizations to join too. I don't think there's anything around here that gets editors and writers together. I have one client presently, but she doesn't want anyone to know she's using an editor, so I can't count on her to spread the word about me.

Working for a publishing house used to be an ambition of mine (I freelanced for one many, many years ago), but the business has changed so much that I think I'm better off freelancing. But I would like to glean, as you have, some of the knowledge about what's in, what's out, what different companies might expect, as well as about the self-publishing industry.

But you're absolutely right: this stuff is fun. It's fun to do, it's fun to get to know new authors, and it's fun to discuss with other editors too.

Lin: I like your distinctions as well. I took some classes on editing from UC Berkeley to give myself some current credibility, and we talked about the way the same term may be used very differently be different editors or publishing houses. I think it's vital to define for ourselves and our clients how we use these labels.

Ruth

[Michelle]

Thanks for the feedback, ladies! I hope next week's blog (How much should you pay for a book editor?) will be equally as helpful and open up some more discussion. :)

Have a great weekend!
-MJ

[Shawnee]

Michelle,
There is a huge difference between critiquing and editing. I always express that to potential clients. Critiquing happens during the editing. It's a tree within the forest. My opinion is a good critique cannot come without having edited the manuscript first. Some people think a critique is simply an opinion. However, a professional critique is non-bias and references the manuscript to support any suggestions made. Anything less is a review.

[Michelle]

Great feedback, Shawn! I completely agree.