Editor Advice?

[Brian]

As a writer who plans to self-publish, I'm a big fan proponent of procuring professional editing services. Basically, I want to make sure that a decade from now I'm not embarrassed by the quality of my debut novel.

About a year ago, I really thought my manuscript was ready, so I hired a content editor. I thought I'd get her comments, polish up my writing a tiny bit, and hit Publish on Amazon (and watch the bucks roll in :) ).

Yeah. I wasn't quite as ready as I thought.

Now deep into a complete rewrite, I'm trying to figure out my next step. I think that structurally, based on the help my editor provided, the book is in great shape. I shudder to think, however, at what mistakes I may have made that a good copy editor could catch.

Only problem: I already spent my editing budget on the first go around. In an ideal world, I'd pay for a complete line edit, but I just can't swing another $500 or whatever (120k word epic fantasy).

I'm okay with up to a couple hundred. What can I get done for that? Is there some way I can ask for a kind of halfway job?

Or, is it imperative that I get the full edit?

NOTE: I have a pretty good proofreader who will go over my final version for typos, so I feel pretty good about skipping that service.

[Jim]

Brian,

You seem to have a realistic and practical approach to the value of both the copy and conceptual editing processes. The only constraint appears to be financial.

No one can proof read or edit their own work for two reasons: 1. The creater of a product is naturally prejudiced. 2. The brain can trick the eye into seeing what it wants to see; not what is actually there.

Since you had initially obtained the services of a qualified copy editor, a very good proof reader may deliver the results you desire. Of course, the premiere path-forward would be to once again obtain the services of a professional. However, in the real world, we do not always have the means or ability to choose the premiere option.

In your particular case, you may achieve good results from a cursory copy edit. You alone must decide whether to do so or be even more patient than you have already and wait until you have saved enough money to pay an experienced professional.

I believe that, which ever decision you make, it will be the right one for you. I wish you well and success.

[Brian]

I'm curious as to exactly what a "cursory" copy edit would entail.

Maybe what I really need is, when I'm ready, to pay for a "cursory" edit with the option of expanding the scope if absolutely necessary.

[Jim]

Brian wrote: "I'm curious as to exactly what a "cursory" copy edit would entail.

Maybe what I really need is, when I'm ready, to pay for a "cursory" edit with the option of expanding the scope if absolutely nec..."

Brian,

Sorry for the confusion. I edited the initial post to now read what I had actually intended to write.

A cursory copy edit is performed by the author after his/her manuscript has been technically and conceptually edited by professionals.

This final self-review of the manuscript or book prototype, provides an opportunity for the author to discover any minor mistakes that may have been overlooked during the initial editing process and to determine whether or not the technical corrections made by the copy editor and the changes made, based upon the observations and advice of the conceptual editor, have resulted in the best possible work the author is capable of creating, prior to authorizing the physical production of the book.

[Brian]

Jim,

Thanks for the clarification.

I guess I'm looking for someone with experience as an editor to weigh in on exactly what kind of service should I be shopping for.

Brian

[Jim]

Brian wrote: "Jim,

Thanks for the clarification.

I guess I'm looking for someone with experience as an editor to weigh in on exactly what kind of service should I be shopping for.

Brian"

Brian,

One of the Goodreads discussion groups to which I belong is Authors/Readers Discussion. One of its discussion categories is Author Resource Round Table. One of the threads is titled: Editors.

Several independent editors have touted their qualifications; and some, the rates they charge. Among the more recent entries are:
Kris - http://www.final-edit.com
Zee - http://divasatwork.wordpress.com/
Lj - http://ljediting.blogspot.com/
Carol - http://carocaroediting.co.uk
Charlie: http://www.thebookspecialist.com
Kelly: - http://editor@xterraweb.com
Ellen: http://nightowlinil.wordpress.com/
N.R. - http://www.champagne-editing.com
Teresa: - http://villagegreenpressLLC.com

I do not know any of these editors personally and have never availed myself to their services; so this is not a recommendation or personal reference. I suggest you view the discusson group and make your own decision.

I hope this helps.

Jim

[Brian]

Jim,

I found my last editor through elance, and that worked out pretty well.

Thanks.

Brian