Should I have my novel professionally copyedited?

[[deleted user]]

I thought I'll start a topic about the need of editing, right now this is what interests me the most. Should I have my book edited, or just checked for grammatical errors? (probably I have a lot of those, because not that long ago I didn't speak a word of English which in fact didn't stop me, moreover it even challenged me to write). When I was writing the first book of my debut novel, my intention was to tell an enjoyable story with my own words that I use every day, and the reader don't have to look up in the college dictionary. People tell me I'm a good storyteller, they hang onto my words (and not only because I have a beautiful accent) or so they tell me. I didn't mean to write a literary masterpiece, just an easy flowing and interesting enough tale which the reader would enjoy snuggled under the blanket with on a rainy afternoon. What I'm worried about is that a professional editor would change words and rearrange sentences that are just not me, not coming from me. I would really love to hear some opinions, if you would like to read my novel and give me your opinion, please let me know and I'll message you the code to download it for free.
Birthright: ILONA the HUN series, Book One
Authors please join me in this discussion if you have similar doubts and worries. Readers,please give us your input if you would rather read a polished and professionally edited book, or one that was written in the author's everyday language.

[Emme]

As a reader, I expect there to be a few errors-- it's hard to capture each and every little mistake. But I tend to take points off of reviews I give when there are gross grammatical and punctuation mistakes throughout a book. It's just not an enjoyable read when one has to suffer through really poor editing.

Another thing... even if you have your novel professionally edited you would probably maintain some control over any changes, no? Wouldn't the final say, in most instances, sit with you, the author? Unless you have a publishing deal where the editing is part-and-parcel, without exception, I would think you would be able to maintain what you deem important in your book. But I'm not quite at the publishing stage, so maybe some more experienced writers can weigh in.

[[deleted user]]

Thanks for your input Emme. This is my debut novel which I'm obsessing about, I'm so new at writing. I've published health related books before, two of them in Hungarian, the editor needed to correct only a few errors. About my English Alternative Medicine books, the readers are interested in the contents and not the grammar. I just got a professional opinion that I do need editing, but before I decide, I would love to hear the reader's opinion as well.

[Elizabeth]

I can't stand writers that don't get there work edited. It's a stigma on indie authors and its not true about all of us. no matter how good you are you will need a second pair of eyes (professional ones) that can double check everything. Some authors will do hourly, so you can make it as perfect as you think you can and that way the editor doesn't have a lot of work to do and it will be cheaper

[Emme]

Hi, again, Erika. In your last message you said "About my English Alternative Medicine books, the readers are interested in the contents and not the grammar."

I can tell you that I would not trust the advice of someone in an alternative medicine book if they had not taken the time to see to the grammar, punctuation and other issues. I would be worried that if they couldn't see to those details that the other content might be questionable, as well. I'm sure not everyone shares my view, but you may be missing out on a wider audience because your book is perceived as less professional.

As Elizabeth suggested, a second pair of eyes could be beneficial.

[[deleted user]]

You're right Emme, and I truly want to give the best for my readers. I'm looking into some proofreading-editing of all my books. They're not so bad, it's just that a professional can find the errors that I cannot because I look at it from a different point of view

[Emme]

I wish you the very best as you go through this process, Erika!

[[deleted user]]

Emme wrote: "I wish you the very best as you go through this process, Erika!"

Thanks Emme, I still have a lot of learning to do

[Susan]

Hi, Erika - without a doubt, no matter how talented of a writer you are, I would get it professionally edited.

I had mine edited once professionally, but it's impossible for one person to find everything. Also, I am not fond of continually re-reading a manuscript again (and again, and again, and again...) for issues. At that point, as an author, you almost know the story word for word and it's easy for the eye to skip over words or fill in missing words. For my sequel, I'm going to pay two separate copyeditors to look at it. Just in case :)

Good luck!

[[deleted user]]

Susan wrote: "Hi, Erika - without a doubt, no matter how talented of a writer you are, I would get it professionally edited.

I had mine edited once professionally, but it's impossible for one person to find..."

Hi Susan, yes, that would be the best thing to do, but right now I'd have to win the jackpot to pay for it so I'll have to wait I'm afraid :(

[Susan]

I totally understand :) I'll be the person behind you in line at the lotto ticket counter hehe

[[deleted user]]

Susan wrote: "I totally understand :) I'll be the person behind you in line at the lotto ticket counter hehe"

yeah, I wish. I wouldn't mind to share a big win with a few others, the jackpots go up to insane high anyway, I'm not greedy. I would be happy with the amount to get me out of the financial slump :) Are you listening God?