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Editors exist to make writers the best they can be. Editors polish and strengthen a writer's work and open a writer's eyes to possibilities and rough spots.
What Types of Editing Are There?
Every story should go through multiple rounds of different types of editing. Before I break these down, I have to mention two important details:
- You should not send your manuscript to a professional editor until after you have read, revised and self-edited your work. You should also have worked with your critique partner(s) and implemented their feedback.
- You will see different names for the various types of editing, so I am going to use my names and definitions. Most editing lists will have these same types; they might use different titles.
Developmental Editing: This type of editing handles the big picture problems like plot holes, character issues and inconsistencies, theme clarity, voice, overall structure, problem scenes or other irregularities.
Copy/Line Editing: This type of editing goes by different names but generally focuses on sentence structure, agreement, flow, overused or misused words and unnecessary wordiness. Often, this editing includes close attention to openings and endings and scene transitions.
Line Editing/Polish: This type of editing focuses on the details—letter by letter, comma by blessed comma—and clears up any typos, spelling errors and punctuation inconsistencies. One final polish round often occurs after these edits, usually after the initial formatting of the book. This ensures that any stray issues and extra spaces or lines that popped in during the final edit acceptance and formatting get cleared away before the book hits the printing press.
Legal Editing/Fact Checking: These are special types of editing that focus only on what the names imply. Editors will comb your manuscript for potential legal issues (use of brand names, copyrighted song lyrics, etc.) or check facts for accuracy. This editing either occurs during one of the first two rounds of editing or after the initial developmental edits.
Should I Hire One Editor or Several Editors?
This question varies from author to author, honestly. Some editors only offer one type of editing. In that case, you would need more than one editor. This can be a good arrangement since you're getting multiple eyes on your work, but you will most likely pay more in total. Some editors offer all types of editing in one round. I would strongly caution against this second method. I have offered it in the past, at an author's request, but it is highly ineffective and, quite honestly, a waste of money. The reason I offer three or four rounds of editing is that is what authors need. Each type of editing is completely different, and they need to be completed in the order I mentioned above in order to be most effective. You don't want an editor to clean up all your grammatical issues before correcting your giant plot holes. I guarantee once you fill in the gaps, you'll have more grammar mistakes to correct.
Where Can I Find Editors?
A good place to start would be in your writing circles, like online writing groups. Ask other authors who they use. Getting suggestions from people who have worked with an editor gives you a firsthand account of how it might be to work with that person. Be sure to look for professional editors; this is not a place to skimp and ask your grandma or college roommate for a favor—unless they happen to be professional book editors. You could also go through organizations like Reedsy, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) or the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) for quality recommendations. [Please note: ALLi's service directory is only for members, and the link I shared for ALLi is my personal affiliate link. Should you use it and choose to become a member, I will receive a percentage of your membership fee. Thank you for your support!]
Why the Insistence on a Professional?
Editing for book publications requires an intimate knowledge of multiple style books, which most people with a better-than-average grasp of grammar and syntax and punctuation rules are unlikely to have. Further, professional book editing requires an understanding of the industry and of genre norms.
How Much Does Editing Cost?
You can find some editing for a few hundred dollars; however, for a book, you need multiple rounds/types of editing, which will put you in the thousands range. Your best bet, financially, is to find an editor who offers packages with all the editing you need. If several thousands of dollars isn't in the budget for you to pay next week, find out if the editor you're considering offers payment plans. This will allow you to pay monthly while you complete your drafting, revising, critiquing and self-editing. When I set about pricing my editing packages, I researched current professional rates for editing and set mine slightly below that in order to reach more authors. My book packages range from $4000-$6000. I also offer payment plans up to ten months.
Why?
You might have read this far and gotten stuck on this simple question. Finding the right editor, getting the work you need AND paying so much for it—do you really need to go through all this? If you are serious about your work and want your readers to have the best experience possible with your work, you do. Millions of books hit the market each year. A common complaint in book reviews is "lack of editing." Readers notice. No matter how fantastic your story, if your words aren't polished, your book will not soar like it should. Editing is an investment in your future, your literary legacy and your readers.
A Few More Tips:
I have four more tips for you as you consider professionals for your editorial board:
- Judge a potential editor by his or her social media presence and email responses. If he seems condescending and rude, he probably will continue to be. If her posts are flippant and her emails lack professionalism, she's unlikely to become more professional after you hire her.
- If the person doesn't already say, be sure to ask if a potential editor works with Indie Authors or Traditional Authors or both. The approach to editing varies, depending on the author's goals. Also, some editors work with one or the other. I only work with Indies.
- Ask if the editor offers a complimentary sample edit. Many editors do this, and it's beneficial for you and them. It allows you to see how they edit and to work with them through a brief portion of your writing. You'll get to know their personality and editing style. A sample edit also allows an editor to examine your work and determine if they can help you. You both want to make sure you're a good fit for each other. After all, you are entering a special partnership with the mutual goal of making your words shine.
- Make sure your potential editor has a contract that protects you both. This is basic business common sense. Any conscientious editor should have one ready to go before money changes hands.
- Listen to your editor. As an editor, I take my responsibility seriously. A writer has placed his or her trust in me when they put their manuscript in my hands. I want to preserve that writer's voice and style while polishing and pruning until their story is the absolute best it can be. So, when I change things or make suggestions, I have a careful, studied reason to do so. Yes, the author (especially the Indie Author) has final say over all edits, and I don't expect my authors to accept 100% of the changes I make. They should be in the upper 90s, though; if not, why invest the money and time into a professional when you have no intention of following their studied advice?
Now that you have gotten a crash course in Professional Editors, I have one question for you. Your answer(s) will help me tailor future newsletters to your specific needs.
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