Editors and Writers discussion
Editor needed
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Hi!Please see my website http://moniquetheeditrix.weebly.com. I have very reasonable rates and have worked on 5 very successfully selling full-length novels.
>>What I need is a high level structural/development critique as well as a line/copy edit. >>Pro editor/writer here, more than 25 years in the industry.
What you're seeking is a two-part process, which means two separate jobs.
BEFORE you're ready for a basic line and copy edit you need to get all the bugs worked out first.
Any changes you make in the MS in reaction to feedback on structural/developmental editing means a second copy edit.
Get the MS in its finalized form first, THEN look for a copy/proofing editor.
You're still putting up the drywall (and painting it) in a house and want the carpet installed at the same time. By the time the drywall and paint are up the carpet's going to be a mess and you have to buy a new batch.
You're going to get plenty of tempting responses here from editors seeking this job (hey, we all want the check at the end!) but I'm the one saying you're not there yet and need to get feedback first--especially since this is a first novel!
I know what it's like when that first one is finished. You're elated. This will have been the hardest, most demanding work you've ever done in your life. Like many debut writers you may think that the mere accomplishment of such a hard task means that the results must be awesome.
They might well be awesome, but maybe not, so you get feedback before stampeding into hiring an editor. It took two years and 25 rewrites before my first novel was fit to sell. I was convinced my first draft was perfect and ready to go because of the sheer effort I'd put into it. Those 25 rejections were a tough eye opener!
You can get beta readers to go over it--perhaps in exchange for your feedback on their books. That's a free alternative, and there should be plenty of volunteers on Goodreads to help, just ask around!
As for helping to develop your voice, I can say from experience that is a solitary journey. Get feedback, of course, but don't expect another writer or editor to drop their work and goals to help you out. Besides, it can and will get expensive over the years.
Goodreads is a great resource, Absolute Write is another:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forum...
There is a forum in it all about beta readers and writing mentors, as well as another where you can post excerpts for feedback. All free. You're expected to participate in the community and help others in the same way. It's serious writers seeking to help each other, no trolls or flame wars allowed. Many there are pros in the industry paying it forward. They can really help you!
Next: expecting a full line edit plus developmental feedback by mid-November is far too optimistic. You'll find editors willing to go with such an unrealistically short time window, but I wouldn't take them up on it. A writer's worst enemy is impatience.
Consider if you did get the developmental critique & editing, you still need to go through the MS, do rewrites--possibly major, plot altering rewrites--and then you're back to hiring a line editor all over again.
Have I mentioned it gets expensive? I charge rock bottom rates for my level of experience, but it adds up. Trust me: get the feedback first, THEN rewrite, then get MORE feedback. Another rewrite will likely follow. If you're lucky and good at your craft, then you might be ready for a copy editor by then.
But don't be in a hurry.
Also, there's no need to be snail-mailing a MS. It's all sent via e-files now. I co-wrote a book with someone living in Canada and we dropped a fortune on FedX and mailing costs back then. Thankfully tech opened for us and we did the next two books via email files!
Best of luck!
P.N. Elrod
www.vampwriter.com
Hi P.N.Thanks for the very helpful note. I have been lurking this group and always thought your posts were very informative for understanding the business and my own process. Also thanks very much for the link to absolutewrite.
Just to clear up some minor confusion resulting from poor drafting choices in my original post:
1. I'm not looking for a turnaround for mid-November. I can see how I was unclear in my earlier post. I intended to express my desire for editing services starting sometime after mid-November, when the next turn of my internal draft should be complete. This draft will already incorporate high-level structural comments from a cross-section of my friends and family, all of whom read but none of whom do so professionally. I would expect to discuss timing expectations with the editor and find something that works for the both of us.
2. I didn't mean to suggest that we would be snail mailing turns of the MS, etc. I assumed that the workflow would be done securely and entirely online. However, since my day job pays me in Canadian dollars, I lose a lot of money using US services due to the depressed Canadian dollar and poor foreign exchange (FX) between our two countries. I know I will get more bang-for-my-buck with Canadian talent but at the end of the day am looking for fit and expertise over convenience.
I will respond to any messages received in due course but I wanted to clarify those two points publicly since it may change the tone of our initial conversation.
Regards,
E.Y. Mack
Hi Edwin,I am a fully qualified copy editor and proofreader, having over seven years experience working freelance with both publishers and authors alike on a variety of genres. One publisher I currently work for sends me a lot of thriller/mystery and crime novels so I am very familiar with this genre. I have worked with many authors who use US English, and use the Chicago Manual of Style when working with these manuscripts. I am also a published author myself and so understand from this side how important an in-depth edit is.
I am always happy to provide references and my professional CV where required. I have worked with a number of authors on Goodreads, who I am sure would be happy to provide a reference for you, as well as the publishers I work for.
I always offer to edit the first 1000 words for free. This allows you to see how I work with a manuscript, and also helps me assess the level of editing needed. When working on a manuscript I always work using Track Changes so that you can see any amendments I have made. I will never try and change the voice of the novel, and will only make changes in terms of spelling, grammar and punctuation. Where I feel attention is needed, in terms of plot, characterisation, sentence structure, etc, I will simply leave comments throughout so that you can see my suggestions, but are also able to see how they would correspond to your novel - this is your novel after all, not mine, and no editor should ever re-write your novel for you (unless you expressly ask them to do so!) I will then write a full report to accompany my edits, offering guidance and support that will help you deal with and correct any issues that I have found.
I am more than happy to discuss fees with you if you are interested in discussing this further. I do not pretend to be the cheapest editor and I do not offer super fast turnaround times, which can be tempting to the unwary author. I also back much of what P.N has said to you in terms of advice (this is why I offer to look at the first 1000 words for free, as if I do not feel a manuscript is ready for editing I will not take it on).
I hope this information is helpful, and I am happy to discuss any of this with you. Of course if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.
You can contact me via Goodreads, via my direct email whitediamondedits[at]gmail.com, or through my website www.whitediamondedits.wordpress.com
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Jacqui
Good luck with your novel.When you are ready, check out my editing services here:
http://www.donnelly-house.net/proofed...
Since last March I've helped more than two dozen Goodreads authors polish up their manuscripts, everything from novels to kid's books to an e-book sex manual, and some self-help books too. My prices are reasonable and my turnaround is good. If you're interested in careful editing that respects your voice, please visit my website...
http://its-your-story.weebly.com/
Thank you and Happy Holidays :-)
Jim Dodds
http://its-your-story.weebly.com/
Thank you and Happy Holidays :-)
Jim Dodds
I'm looking for an editor for a 90-100,000 word manuscript. It's a murder mystery in an alternate modern day setting with underlying themes of corporate mistrust and privacy intrusion (both physical and online). This is my first novel. In the event that I make this a series, I'd like someone that I can partner with again going forward to maintain a consistent feel.
What I need is a high level structural/development critique as well as a line/copy edit. I'm looking for someone who can be ruthless and make me a better writer in the long run while still respecting my personal writing style. In addition, my inclination is to write with Canadian English and context, but since a large portion of the novel is set in NYC, I'll need someone to help Americanize the language and setting for me.
My manuscript should be ready in mid-November. Please send me references/examples of work that you have edited recently (or direct me to your website). I will send a sample so that we can work towards a number that will work for the both of us. Due to the Canadian/USD FX, my preference is for a Canadian editor, but I'm willing to work with whoever ends up being the best fit.
Thanks!
E.Y. Mack