Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion
Author Resource Round Table
>
Editors
I am the author of the literary novels Simon and Hiroko and Our Lives as Kites and a professional editor, covering the whole gamut from literary to academic and technical. The rigor: I am a "Premier Member" of the Chicago Manual of Style forum, where expert professional editors congregate, with hundreds of contributions.
I do all kinds of editing, from in-depth developmental critique to detailed copy editing and proofreading.
I'd be more than delighted to work with you.
Please message me here at Goodreads.
Looking for an Australian editor. Have already published two books available on Amazon atm. Reviews indicate we need more polish as it our first attempt at writing. we think the series has potential and worth making it look professional even though we are amateurs. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00DHHQ6L0
Hi EveryoneI am looking for details of a UK editor with an interest in Self Pubs/Indies. I will happily consider start ups/newbies and those looking to build experience.
Ideally I am looking to build an ongoing relationship.
Thanks
The editor I use is Cinta García de la Rosa. She's also a Spanish/English translator. I can't recommend her highly enough: professional, honest, and affordable.
Is your manuscript a diamond in the rough? Multifaceted editor will take that lump of coal and cut and polish till your prose SHINES!I have 25 years experience in the publishing industry both as an author and as an editor for the major NY houses.
I urge you to check out the variety of services available on my web site http://villagegreenpressLLC.com
Don't leave your work to an amateur editor. It just doesn't pay in the long run.
Hello,My name is Nadia Said. I'm looking to break into the editing business. I have edited a contemporary romance book called 'Going Nowhere' by K.M. Galvin. It's just recently been self-published. I enjoyed the process and would like to gain more experience. To that end I'm offering to edit a book of the first 2 people who respond to this posting for free.
In exchange, all I ask is that you recommend me and serve as testimonials if you are satisfied with the service you receive.
For those interested, please address all queries to nsaid8801 @ gmail .com with 'Free Edits' in the subject line.
Thank you,
-N
I am an accomplished editor with more than 25 years of experience. Genres I've worked with include romance, erotica, science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery and young adult. Find out more about me at editingbysue.wordpress.com. Reach out for more information on rates, scheduling, etc.
I do final edits for those who have already edited their manuscripts but want one last proof. I charge a flat rate of 10 percent of the word count, and all my services are listed at www.inksnatcher.com.
Hi, my name is Sophie and I am looking for some volunteers to let me proofread/edit their manuscripts! I will perform this task free of charge as I am looking to bulk up my resume before launching my own editing business. The only thing I ask for in return is a short, honest review of my work (just a few sentences). I have a B.A. in English Language and Literature as well as 4 years of experience editing for Central Washington University's honors program.
Contact me via mightywordediting@gmail.com
Thanks!
Hi I am looking for an editor I can have a relationship with for all my Young Adult novels. I have a book that I self-published back in July and I would like to have someone besides me edit the story so I can release a revised edition to the public as soon as possible. I have no money currently and I will provide credit. I am willing to work something out if anyone is interested. There are some editors I have an interest in on this forum including the one right above my post. But thought I would post this to see if anyone had an interest in helping me make my already published novel even better.
A sample chapter for Whisper is available at:
https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/...
Whisper is a planned trilogy with plans to also possibly include a short story or maybe a novella.
An editor who can also help me edit my synopsis/back matter would be wonderful, but not required.
Sarah, although I'm always willing to welcome new clients, especially in the YA category, I don't think any of us can beat Sophie's offer of "free of charge" services. However, you're welcome to check out my blog and services, should you ever need someone else.http://ilovetoreadyourbooks.blogspot.com
Lynda wrote: "Sarah, although I'm always willing to welcome new clients, especially in the YA category, I don't think any of us can beat Sophie's offer of "free of charge" services. However, you're welcome to ch..."Thanks Lynda. I found another poster who also offers free editing on a case by case basis, so I have options now, yay.
Sarah wrote: "I have options now, yay."Options are always a good thing! Best of luck to you.
I was thinking about sending out "Marketing Associates" to the big Trad Pubs. You think that will assist me in getting one of them to pick up my book? ;)
J.T. wrote: "I was thinking about sending out "Marketing Associates" to the big Trad Pubs. You think that will assist me in getting one of them to pick up my book? ;)"It worked when you sent them to my house the do a wellness check when I hadn't yet put your book on my "to-read" list.
Sophie wrote: "Hi, my name is Sophie and I am looking for some volunteers to let me proofread/edit their manuscripts! I will perform this task free of charge as I am looking to bulk up my resume before launching..."Sophie has certainly helped me.
Sophie wrote: "Hi, my name is Sophie and I am looking for some volunteers to let me proofread/edit their manuscripts! I will perform this task free of charge as I am looking to bulk up my resume before launching..."Do you happen to do UK style editing Sophie?
Dear Sophie,
I have not yet begun work on my next book, but will make use of your service later in the year if you are still available. I will bookmark your email.
Thank you
Scarlett Jensen
scarlettjensenauthor@gmail.com
Hi, I'm looking for an editor for my book. It's a nearly 100,000 word vampire novel. I'm a broke college student/starving artist, please contact me if you are reasonably priced or an aspiring editor looking for exposure. Thanksssss.
I focus on content-editing. I am technically qualified to do grammar-focused or stylistic editing, but I prefer to focus on content. I don't think there is always a "correct" way to tell a story, as long as words are used appropriately and the grammar is generally within standard guidelines.Since I do a lot of research, I know a little bit about everything and can often suggest areas for improvement. I'm great at filling plot holes and the like. I went to grad school, so I am a top-notch BSer.
I don't take a lot of editing gigs since they do require a lot of time, but I am not confined to any particular genre. I've done Business, Self-help, Erotica, Romance, Thriller, Crime, and whatever else I'm not listing here. I work with authors on a budget. I don't have a set rate or a flat fee. I work out a price that fits within the author's budget.
Right now, I'm working with two authors just because there are other jobs I am focused on for the time being.
Hi everyone.I'd also like to offer my services free for the next few weeks.
I'm a published author who does copy/line edits for small presses and I'm looking to start working with indie authors as well. All genres and levels of erotic content are welcome. I can cater for Aussie/British or American English. I'm also happy to look at blurbs or web copy.
If we work together and you're happy with the service provided, I would appreciate a testimonial, in which case I would publish your cover/buy links on my website.
If you would like to know more, please visit http://firstlookforauthors.com or email info@firstlookforauthors.com. Simply mention that you found me through Goodreads and we'll go from there.
Cheers,
Jill
Hi allI am looking for an editor for my work. I often stretch limits and go outside the box, so I need someone who can work like that. This is not to say that I will ignore your suggestions or argue with you - rather you have to be willing to understand that I am often trying to set a mood and judge the work in that context.
For example, if I am doing first person for a vacuous 20 year old I may sprinkle the writing with Twitter-isms, spell the word 'through' as 'thru', etc. Pointing those things out is your job, but you need to understand that I may choose to leave them in.
Another example would be the first chapter of the book 'The Sexual Adventures of Time and Space' (not my book). The author writes in a repetitious pattern in order to emphasize that his life is caught in a repetitious pattern. I would expect you to point out that some readers may bail on the book because of that, but understand if the decision is to leave it in.
I would like to find someone who can deal with content, formatting and grammar, and proofing. If you work in one of those areas but not the others, that's fine - I just need to cover all bases eventually.
If you are interested, I'd like you to take a look at the prologue and first chapter of my latest book, a rather intense political thriller. That will show you how I write without the help of an editor so you can get a feel for how much work there will be. I would like you to tell me what kinds of changes you would recommend so I can get a feel for how we can work together.
If you are interested please PM me and we can move forward from there.
Thanks
Ron
I have written my 1st novel category is contemporary romance. I had some beta's read my words and love the story line however the problem is my tensing. I need help on tensing and input. I don't know what to do or how to go about it.
Lj wrote: "Here is a link to our website where we offer ridiculously affordable editing services!! Check us out!http://ljediting.blogspot.com/"
Page? word pages or per 250 words?
Allyson, I suggest you look through some of the editors listed here who don't necessarily offer "ridiculously affordable" services. There are a handful here who seem to know what they're doing.Teresa Kennedy editorial.village.green@gmail.com
Daniel Sherrier http://sherrierbooks.com/?page_id=272
I don't know either of the above editors personally, but their posts suggest they're skilled. There is also someone named Sophie who is currently offering free editing to build her portfolio.
I don't know who "Lj" is, but the editing home page for his/her blog has a solid handful of errors. If the page has been up since 2012 and the errors haven't been corrected, nor are there links to their work/samples/authors, I would be wary of the editorial skills.
I wish you luck in your search. Ask a lot of questions of any editor you're considering, and make sure they are aware of whether you're a US or UK writer, since the styles of editing are different. I hope this helps!
Thank you so much....I'd love to find that Sophie
Hi Allyson,If I can just add to what Lynda has suggested... There are many ways to find a good editor. You could, of course, look here in this group. You could also try getting recommendations from other romance writers or from writing/publishing lists or forums, or look for acknowledgments in books written by indie authors similar to you. If you're a member of RWA, you could look in the RWR's classifieds. Or you could do a google search, check out websites and compare services.
Some factors you might want to consider include: their rates, how they work, what is included and what's not, whether their schedule will work with yours, whether they like/are familiar with your genre, whether they require a deposit up front and if so, how much, whether they work to a contract, or will sign one if you want one. See how they respond to your questions. This is not infallible, mind you, but it's somewhere to start. Ask if they will do a sample edit of a few pages for you.
You can't always know for certain before you start that a particular editor is the right one for you, but a sample edit will at least give you some idea of how the editor will approach the job and whether s/he will most likely meet your expectations.
And I know this is crass, but may I put my own name forward? I am offering a free service at the moment (see message 188 above) and romance is my specialty. Or alternatively, you can find Sophie above (message 174). Good luck with your search.
Jill
Wow yes how do we talk more off time line?
Allyson wrote: "Wow yes how do we talk more off time line?"I don't want to spam the group with my contact details again, so I'm sending you a private message.
Cheers,
Jill
Jillian wrote: "Allyson wrote: "Wow yes how do we talk more off time line?"I don't want to spam the group with my contact details again, so I'm sending you a private message.
Cheers,
Jill"
GREAT!
Jillian wrote: "Hi Allyson,
If I can just add to what Lynda has suggested... There are many ways to find a good editor. You could, of course, look here in this group. You could also try getting recommendations fr..."
@Jillian: What good timing! My blog post for tomorrow hits on exactly the points you mention here. I'm glad to know others feel the same. Finding the right editor is so important, I don't think an author can ask too many questions.I hope you and Allyson are able to work well together. Good luck!
Here's today's blog post: Part One of a two-part post on what to look for in the search for an editor.Easy Reader Editor's Notes #7: Is This Editor a Good One?
http://ilovetoreadyourbooks.blogspot....
Good afternoon everyone,I need an editor with a British sense of humour and a soft spot for France.
You will know it if you have it.
You make it sound so appealing. I wish I had it.Sigh...
I can understand the soft spot, Amanda - it's always good to know there's a nation you've always beaten in outright conflict, or who show you at your best when they give in and you don't ;)
Amanda wrote: "Funny...how can you have both a proper British sense of humour and a soft spot for France? The English still haven't forgiven the French for 'cheese eating surrender monkeys' during WW2!Amanda T..."
I think they are still pissed over the Normandy invasion of 1066. That is why they have been at war during most of recorded history until WWI broke it up.
1066 was planned that way - there were certain things we needed at the time so it suited our purpose for things to pan out that way.I can't really respect a country that looks disdainfully at toad-in-the-hole, faggots, chittlings and other such delicacies whilst claiming frogs' legs and snails are cordon bleu.
Douglas wrote: "Good afternoon everyone,I need an editor with a British sense of humour and a soft spot for France.
You will know it if you have it."
I recommend Lauren Hidden Lauren@hiddenhelper.com - she does all my books and she's fantastic!
I think it's important to test the waters with an editor before letting them loose on your full MS. You need to find someone who won't try and change your 'voice', someone you can build a relationship with so that you can work together effectively. My recommendation would be to ask them to do a sample chapter or 2 to see if their work gels with what you want. You can also ask other authors who have used an editor to let you see a couple of chapters of 'before' and 'after'.If you don't like what you see, it doesn't necessarily mean they're a bad editor, just not the right editor for you. Like any partnership, it takes 2 to make it work well. Some personalities are a good match, some will make you think you've found hell on earth.
Jay wrote: "I think it's important to test the waters with an editor before letting them loose on your full MS. You need to find someone who won't try and change your 'voice', someone you can build a relations..."Jay, I just posted the first part of a two-part blog post on this exact topic this past Monday (http://ilovetoreadyourbooks.blogspot....). The other half will be coming on Monday, February 10th, and deals with the personality end of things.
I recently did an eval for an author who refused to change any of the (glaring) issues I mentioned, then reworked the ms and asked if I'd do a second eval. I did, against my better judgement, and the ms wasn't much better. I realized we would be a bad match, because she didn't trust that I knew what I was doing. I'm sure she thought I was trying to change her "voice" but that wasn't the case at all. It was just some really rough writing in an odd, third-person present tense that was reminiscent of Richard Scarry's toddler books.
I recommended other editors from here, and on one hand, I'm hoping she can find someone who will do as little as she wants adjusted, but on the other hand, it would be nice to have my changes validated by having someone else tell her the same things I did. I wish her the best, but she and I would not work well together, I'm sure.
Fair play to you, giving her a second chance. Unfortunately there are some 'authors' who just won't accept their writing isn't and possibly won't ever be up to par. I've come across a couple, and it's frustrating to see the potential but have to reject their work because they won't work with you. That's the nub of the matter - 'work with you'. It's a 2-way process and needs equal commitment from both sides to achieve the best that is possible.
Jay wrote: "it's frustrating to see the potential but have to reject their work because they won't work with you. That's the nub of the matter - 'work with you'. It's a 2-way process and needs equal commitment from both sides to achieve the best that is possible."That's the hard part. I don't think she accepted that she needed that much work, but I also assume she didn't trust that I had her book's best interests at the heart of my suggestions.
I really like all the authors I work with, and I trust they're telling the truth when they say the feeling is mutual. It makes for a lot of good give-and-take, and better books in general.
Sounds to me like you're one of those editors who are worth their weight in gold, Lynda :)
Lynda wrote: "Jay wrote: "it's frustrating to see the potential but have to reject their work because they won't work with you. That's the nub of the matter - 'work with you'. It's a 2-way process and needs equa..."I'm all new to this..But has it ever happened you edited someones work they didn't like it and got someone else to edit it again?
I'm not an editor, except when it comes to the annual charity anthology Of Words and Water. For that I insist on excellence and if I see flaws in submissions the author has the choice of working with me or having their submission rejected.
Allyson wrote: "But has it ever happened you edited someones work they didn't like it and got someone else to edit it again?"Allyson, in theory, the author should have already scouted out a few editors and chosen from among them to find the best fit. BUT...there's always a "but" in there somewhere...but often, people will look for the cheapest price and assume an editor is an editor is an editor. They can't understand what makes certain editors "so expensive" and others "reasonable."
It's tough, too, because I have no doubt that there are skilled copy editors who offer extremely low prices (or free in some cases) to help build their portfolios. Unfortunately, the majority of the cheaper ones aren't very thorough. I have a friend who does beta work in the manner of a content editor. She looks past typos and punctuation and points out plot holes, character issues, and other things that have to do with the overall story. She does this at an incredibly low price because she's not doing line edits. She'll point out in her summary if the manuscript is riddled with misspellings and all that, but won't correct it. My type of editing is copy editing, which means I look at each word and beat it into submission with my Red Pen of Doom, according to the laws of The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition.
My first job was to correct an already-edited novel that had been almost destroyed by an unskilled "editor" whose own website showed that she couldn't string a coherent sentence together. I've never had someone redo my work, but would hope my relationship with the author would never be so distant that he/she couldn't tell me I was doing something unwelcome. That's where editor "auditions" and a good relationship or personality match-up are essential.
I've had people ask me for an eval and be surprised at "how much red" there is, or how much it will cost. I'm not offended if they go elsewhere, because I know they're not insulting Lynda the person. Maybe we would have been a good match and maybe not. Perhaps they went off and found someone cheaper and still got a good editor for the price. There are plenty of authors and editors out there waiting to be matched up.
@Jay: Thank you! I'm always learning, and I'm amazed at how much MORE there is to learn each time I run into a snag. But I love what I do, and that makes a huge difference in whether the learning is frustrating or exciting.
In my imaginary future, publishing houses have all downsized due to the number of SPA authors and ebooks. Only the most popular authors have hardcover versions.But publishing houses have discovered new income streams from helping SPA authors publish. Editors are sub-contractors, and every publishing house has arrangements with many of them. The price an author pays for a manuscript edit depends on the experience and quality of the editor. The most expensive editors have edited many books and have a wide following. Lesser known editors receive lower compensation. New editors usually volunteer to edit books for free, until the quality of their work is recognized, but new authors can only avail themselves of two new editors before being required to pay for edits. The editors who are doing the free work are not known to the new authors, and an free editor can reject a manuscript if it is poorly written. Those writers who will not or cannot do some editing themselves soon give up, because the online book sellers have learned that it is not cost effective to carry books that have not been edited to some degree.
Covers are managed in a similar fashion. The artists are sub-contractors. Manuscripts are examined by computer software that have algorithms which match material to a pool of artists. There is a woman named Fannie Fazota who specializes in speculative fiction covers, and a man named Van Goth whose covers are expensive and haunting. Body and face actors are on call for genres like Romance or Paranormal.
Goodreads Authors/Readers
Books mentioned in this topic
The Tower of Malatha: A Novel of Ancient Rome (other topics)Destiny's Tide: From Exile to Empire (other topics)
Rise of the Magi (other topics)
The Oracle of Delphi: That Which is Hidden (other topics)
Meditation on Space-Time (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
NEELIMA MANGAL (other topics)Anna Faktorovich (other topics)
Cinta García de la Rosa (other topics)
I edit/proof all genres/lengths and my fees are quite reasonable and negotiable. If you are interested in additional information or have any questions, please message me and I'll give you my contact information. I hope to hear from you soon and look forward to reading your MS as well!