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Warning for Writers searching for an editor!
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Thank you for the warning. I had a couple of bad experiences with editors and proofreaders on my novel. My Mexican neighbour who knows only a few words in English could have done a better job. I told them that unless they gave me a total refund, I would put the original and the reviewed manuscript showing their lousy job. I was lucky, they gave me back my money.
It's better to double check on them before making any business with them.
Bernard wrote: "Thank you for the warning. I had a couple of bad experiences with editors and proofreaders on my novel. My Mexican neighbour who knows only a few words in English could have done a better job. I ..."
That's a great idea, Bernard! Yeah, finding the right editor is tough, so I hope this story will help other fellow writers not to waste their time and money on this fraud.
Hi Michelle,I'm really sorry that you had such a horrible experience. I'm an indie author who's trying to get into freelance editing because I actually prefer editing to writing. Being an unknown, I'm having a hard time, but I'm here to tell you that I am as honest as the day is long. I'd like to offer my services to you or anyone else who is looking for a grammar cop at a very low cost. I'm not going to change your story or tell you that your characters should dress differently. I believe it's your story and I just want to make sure that your writing is error-free. Of course, any plot holes or factual issues, etc. would be brought to your attention. Please feel free to look at the reviews for my book and contact me any time. Thank you and good luck!
That's scary--their website looks so good!As an editor/proofreader, I always start with a free sample edit to see if the client and I are a good fit. Sometimes I do two sample edits, one with a lighter hand and another, a more detailed edit. I edit and proofread squeaky clean, short pieces--children's books and adult non-fiction.
There are books, periodicals, seminars, lectures, and classes readily available at little or no cost that cover all aspects of basic and advanced writing skills, copy editing, conceptual editing, layout design, graphic design, publishing resources and basic marketing requirements available at little or no cost to the general public. Some provide detailed lists of commercially successful editors, artists and publishers with proven track records and documented commercial success, along with contact information.Why more aspiring writers do not take advantage of these resources rather than seeking advice from those with little or no more documented experience and success in the literary field than they themselves is mind boggling.
Michelle wrote: "A warning to all writers out there! Be sure to do your research on any editor you hired. Last October, I hired a so-called editor who also advertises as a proofreader for development editing on my ..." Well said, Michelle. I do some editing work too and never take any payment upfront. I am appalled to hear about the way you've been treated. Better luck next time - and I agree about the references and credentials - very important.
Jim wrote: "There are books, periodicals, seminars, lectures, and classes readily available at little or no cost that cover all aspects of basic and advanced writing skills, copy editing, conceptual editing, l..."I agree, Jim. I'm constantly surprised by people in online writing groups wanting 'the answer' handed to them on a silver platter - but unwilling to do any of the work of reading and learning and practicing that it takes to get good at something, especially writing. There is a huge amount of information out there, much of it free, and many, many bloggers offering comprehensive guidance on specific topics.
Many of us write things up as we figure them out, and post them on our blogs - I have well over 400 posts, and half of them are about some writing topic I studied and then summarized. I learned so much from others that I like to contribute my little bit, too.
Before you spend money on editing, copyediting, etc., get the ms into as good a shape as you possibly can by yourself. Does Tiger Woods hire someone to putt the ball? No, putting is part of golf, and he learned how to do it.Always do due diligence before you hire anybody -- just like you would if you were hiring someone to resurface your driveway. Demand references, and check them. Does this person have any published authors in his roster? Email them and ask how it went.
Go to Preditors and Editors or Writer Beware to see if this person is listed as a bad actor. Ask over here at Goodreads if anyone's ever dealt with them.
It is not difficult to find published authors in your genre who are doing editing on the side.
Thanks, everyone for the support and advice. I think Preditors and Editors is on hiatus until they can update their material, but I'll check out Writer Beware and other writing forums. :) Yes, it's very important to do research before hiring anyone and I plan on doing so more thoroughly from now on.
Alicia wrote: "Jim wrote: "There are books, periodicals, seminars, lectures, and classes readily available at little or no cost that cover all aspects of basic and advanced writing skills, copy editing, conceptua..."I never hired anyone to give me anything on a silver platter, I merely wanted an editor to polish my work and offer some feedback. Up until now, I've had no problem with an editor. I took an online writer workshop class for two of my now published novels years ago that also edits manuscripts, and for another book, my publisher did the editing. I've been writing for twenty years now, and read many books about writing and learned many things along the way. In fact, I'm still learning new writing techniques, most of which are self-taught. In regards to this so-called editor I hired, it was bad judgment on my part and I can only hope it helps others be aware.
So sorry you had to go through that, Michelle. As an editor myself, I am appalled when so-called editors rip people off and give us all a bad name.Your editor should be willing to give you a sample edit AND provide references, point you to books they've edited (you don't have to buy them - just check what the reviews are saying. If the editing was appalling, they would've pointed it out!)
I'd like to throw my hat in the game, if possible. I edit for pub houses (Red Sage & Penner), have worked for other pub houses in the past, and work mainly with indie authors now. I don't charge an arm and a leg (I'm not in the US, so the currency exchange rate works in my favor & yours, too).
You can find more here - my list of clients is included on the page https://divasatwork.wordpress.com/cli...
You can also reach me at zeemonodee@gmail.com
By this time, I had just lost my mother and so didn’t argue about it. I paid him and instead of receiving the first round of edits right away, I waited until early December when I receive the manuscript, and after I review the “work” he did I sent it back asking if he planned on being more heavy-handed on the line editing during the second round. He promised he would and I asked how long it would be. Mr. Rip Off said "5 days or so. So Wed or Thursday I am thinking." That was on the 9th of December. Days and days go by without a word and on Friday the 15th I ask how the editing is going (Again chasing him for the work he promised.) and his response was, "Hi, getting there. I think tomorrow evening. I really do not think you have much work left."
Monday rolls around and I ask again if Mr. Rip Off can send the manuscript back soon. By now, I can’t release my book on Christmas because, well, it’s after Christmas. Again, he promised to have it back and of course Mr. Rip Off never did. Finally, on the 21st I tell Mr. Rip Off that I don’t feel that this is working out and that I want a refund. Not the entire amount, mind you, just the bulk of it and he keeps the rest for the “work” he already put into it. Not only did Mr. Rip Off refuse any kind of refund, but he attacked me by saying it was my fault for breaking the contract because of payments, to which he never mentioned beforehand when I needed to slice up the final payment into two. Mr. Rip Off was just cool with me paying him. Even though he received full payment in November, I never received my manuscript and that’s why I wanted to take my business elsewhere. Mr. Rip Off refused and even took a slight compliment, I gave him and threw it in my face, saying, “See, I was helpful, you said it yourself!” At first, he was willing to negotiate a refund and then quickly changed his mind when I asked what he had in mind, stating that he’d have my book returned after 36 hours. This, after Mr. Rip Off claimed he’d been working on it that evening and to which he never offered proof of that claim. So, I get it back and to no surprise, the editing is lousy. Now I'm having to hire another editor to polish my work, which Mr. Rip Off ought to be thankful because if I were to publish my book and name him as the editor, it would've ruined him. But I care about the quality of my own work too much. So be weary authors. Make sure the editor has good credentials, doesn't force you to pay everything upfront before sending back any work, and who offers refunds if things don't work out, or else you'll end up with your own Mr. Rip Off.
Here's the website. Keep your work and your money away from this man!
http://www.pubsolvers.com/editorial.php