Find the Right Editor
Editing…
Depending on the writer you speak with you’ll likely get a range of responses concerning the subject.
Spend even a few moments on the writing side of Twitter/TikTok/Instagram or what not, and you’re sure to see a number of people out and out bemoaning the process.
And yet, editing is truly one of the more important parts of preparing a quality manuscript.
One of the main reasons for the ‘dislike’ of editing, especially for newer writers, is the many variables it brings to the writing process.
Editing doesn’t have an easy template from which to work. When should you get an editor? Ask this question on Twitter and marvel at the many, many different responses you’re likely to get. You’ll find a similar array of responses to questions like: Where do I find an editor? How much should an editor cost? Can’t I just edit my own manuscript? All of these are valid questions, but none of them are answerable with a one size fits all response.
How then, do you determine what is, and isn’t right for you?
Well, there’s a bit of self-discovery involved. I wrote a piece not long ago in which I said emphatically “Your manuscript isn’t ready, and that’s okay.” That may not sound all that ‘emphatic’, but the point is, if you think your story is ready, it probably isn’t.
Running off and potentially paying for an editor before the work is ready is a pretty common issue I’ve run into when speaking with other authors.
So, my first ‘self-discovery’ suggestion would be setting your manuscript aside for a while, especially if you’ve been working on it non-stop. Give yourself a few weeks or a month away. You might be surprised at how easily you pick out errors or plot holes now that you effectively have fresh eyes.
The second suggestion would be do your research. Post even a simple “Can someone suggest an editor” Tweet and you’ll likely find a ton of editors offering their services. Writing groups are another place you’ll likely find a bunch of recommendations, but once you have a list, really look at who these editors are. Do they have a work history? Do they specialize in your genre? What are they charging and what is the turn around time? Don’t be afraid to ask these questions, because the editor probably won’t. Not that they’re predatory or looking to screw you over, but if you tell them you’re ready, they’ll likely take you at your word.
Along those same lines, the third suggestion would be to initially swap a couple of ‘test’ chapters, assuming the editor is good with that. This way, you’ll get a feel for the type of feedback you’ll be getting. As much as we’d all like to be one big, happy community of writers, the reality is you may find the editor’s comment style to be unhelpful, or they may prefer working with a program you’re not familiar with. A couple of test chapters can be a great way to feel out if this is going to be a good fit for both of you.
The fourth suggestion is the toughest one. Telling an author they HAVE to have an editor (especially a paid one) is pretty ableist. However, regardless of whether you’re planning to query, or know you’re going to self-publish, you should make every effort to get ‘other’ eyes on your work. There are lots of free ways you can accomplish this, including critique partners and WIP swaps with fellow authors.
There are a ton of wonderful authors out there, and generally speaking, some of us need more help than others. But I have yet to speak with an author who felt their manuscript was diminished after working with a compatible editor.
Take care friends and thank you for joining me on this journey.