Multiple copyeditors instead of one??

[Preston]

It seems that when writers are looking to copy edit/substantive/etc, they thrown down anywhere from $1000+ for just one of these services.

My question is: Why not hire multiple copyeditors that have a solid background but don't charge such an exorbitant amount of money? For $1000, I could get four really great copyeditors and have four sets of eyes going through my entire manuscript.

Or, is it just better to hire someone with fantastic credentials and pay thousands of dollars? I had two copyeditors who wanted $2000 or more each!

[Arabella]

Some prices depend on the level of expertise and some depend on the length of the novel and the number of problems they come across. I don't know anyone who has spent $1000 on editing...or any amount close to that

[Preston]

The ones I've been looking at have won awards (Hugo, Nebula, etc) and have distinguished clients. They charge a lot, it seems!

[Arabella]

Well...that would be the level,of expertise then...and again..if the manuscript has a lot of editing issues..that means more time and that means more money

[[deleted user]]

Most editors are willing to edit a sample for free. I'd recommend getting at least six samples from different editors before committing to one. From the feedback they'll provide you can tell which you'll work best with, and what their expertise is really worth. Price alone isn't always indicative of quality.

Good luck!

[Mellie]

You keep saying "copy editors" but editors have a range of skills and not all edits are the same. What are you looking for? Developmental edits? Spelling, grammar and sentence structure? Proofreading?

A developmental edit will cost more than a proofread. You need to look at what your MS needs first, then target editors who provide that service.

I use an editorial service run by 2 editors who compliment each other. You can have a developmental edit with one and copy edit with the other or pick which service you require. For novellas I have a lower budget so use a different editor for copy edits only.

As already stated most editors will do a sample chapter for free so you can see if their work is what you are looking for. Personally I think editors are like builders, there are 3 characteristics: good, cheap and quick. The catch is you can only have 2 out of the 3 ;)