Tips From A Writer/Editor

[Marianne]

Thanks, Richard. Comments appreciated. Writing second draft of novel and will need much editorial assistance plus beta readers in the future. Trying to learn as much as possible now. Take care.

[August]

Hi
Just read your posting Richard. Thank you for the informative advice. I have been reading a lot about beta readers. Should I solicit a beta reader before a professional editor. I'm also concerned cir ulating my work around without publishing it first. At the same time, I have read good advice about constructive criticism.

[Lin]

Nwaocha - you raise some interesting questions.
If you're planning on looking for an agent and trad publisher, then I would be wary of spending too much money on editing, because they are likely to want their own editor involved. They are much more interested in the story itself, and whether you can capture the reader's attention. While a minimum standard of quality is needed, they will provide their own polish.
Editing is expensive - it is a highly skilled job, and it's best to be wary of those who do offer a very cheap service. Consider the time and skill involved, and consider what their hourly rate works out to. Does it sound reasonable to you to live on that? Or are they hobby editors, or will they just run it through a spell check and call that editing? While I'm sure there are good editors out there working for very low pay, and some who offer low rates while training/building up experience, there are also those who are muddling through with low skill and understanding of the tasks involved, so shop around and take care.
If you are self publishing, then editing is strongly recommended, and proofreading is essential.
An editor really needs to work on a manuscript that's as polished as you can make it yourself, so beta reading is better done before. There's no point in spending out to have your writing polished and then changing it all!
Make sure you know what level of editing you are looking for - structural editing will help you with the overall story. Copy editing will focus on consistency and style. Proofreading will only pick up the typos/wrong words/punctuation/layout issues. Each comes at a different level of cost.
You can find further information in some of the blog posts on my website, www.coinlea.co.uk.
Good luck, whichever way you go!

[Hamilton]

Nwaocha - Lin gave you some sensible advice simply decide if you are going to self-publish (the easy route) or go the route of finding a publisher.

If it's the latter then FIND A REAL PUBLISHER and there are a few of those around. A REAL PUBLISHER is one who does not charge you anything and PAYS for all of your editing, cover art, printing and distribution to book stores etc.

Most need you to have an agent but ALL including the top 7, will accept queries (but check out the web pages - most have a day set aside to send in unsolicited manuscripts).

If going the traditional publisher route give yourself a year or two find an agent or publisher who will accept your work. Note: It's takes an average of 60 rejections before your get your first nibble - so practice being thick skinned and patient.

[Jef]

Hi Nwaocha,
I recently finished my first novel and started to shop for agents and publishers. I got rejected four times, but three of the four offered advise to help with my story. The fifth accepted my manuscript asking me to get it beta read. I did a beta swap for a book of about the same length. It was a great experience. I learned a lot from my beta reader and even more from beta reading.

I suggest you get an amateur beta read and listen to what they have to tell you Then rewrite. Get another beta and rewrite again. Family members and friends can read you ms if you like , but they make terrible beta readers.

Remember writing is rewriting.

Jeff