Editing is a type of skill-set that multiple people claim to do well. However, they fail actually to do so. It is an important service for an author. Just as much as the book cover design needs to look the best, just the same, the editing needs to be perfect as well. However, multiple times it is undervalued. Many authors don’t know how to evaluate an editor’s work, and the outcome can be disastrous, ranging from editors who highlight the new errors to editors who transform the intent of your writing. Hire an editor who can ensure that your book feels good in reading. Your book editing is subjective, and there are rules.
However, the rules of writing are mostly broken. As writers are creative and think out of the box, the editor’s job is to ensure the rules are met. You need to hire an editor who knows how to maintain the voice of your writing throughout the entire book.
WHAT TYPE OF AUTHOR WILL YOU BE IN EDITS?
Before we talk about the editors you need to hire, let’s first talk about you. The work that you have completed. There are two types of writers: relying completely on the editor’s work and assurance. They would hire a proofreader. The second type is writers, who would fight with the editors on a small error. So, the first thing you need to ask yourself is which type of author are you? And the truth will impact heavily on the success of your book.
WHAT KIND OF EDITS DO YOU DEMAND?
There are multiple types of editing, developmental editing, copy-editing, and proofreading. As a writer myself, I have realized that authors are willing to pay a good amount for a developmental editor as it walks by their side and helps shape the book. Copy-editing and proofreading also hold their value. To ensure that your book captures the crowd’s attention, you need to have a flawless book. As an author, we are capable of writing our thoughts and conceptions into words and transforming them into reading a piece, but with the help of the editor, our reading pieces are turned into a masterpiece. It is why it is important to hire an editor.
WHEN YOU HIRE AN EDITOR, YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
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EVALUATE WHAT YOU NEED WHEREAS ALSO BEING FLEXIBLE
You also may need to hire someone for proofreading. However, the editors may know that you’re open to hearing from them if the work demands a heavier edit. Editors will ask for important things needed to start with your edits. When you hire an editor, they polish your work and ensure that it shines throughout the way. If you feel like your words are not coming together as they should, you can talk with the developmental editor to make sense of it. It’s like teamwork done by different people to ensure your written book succeeds.
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SHARE INSIGHTS INTO YOUR LEVEL OF ATTACHMENT TO YOUR WRITING
If you are sensitive to changes, you only need minor edits or just want to highlight the wrong parts. You can talk with the editors about this. As an author, editor, and proofreader myself, I receive clients who just want to know what’s wrong with their written piece and want to correct it themselves. In such scenarios, you have to inform your editors before. Don’t suggest this if you are open to working better. The editors will bring your work to a high level if you’re able to loosen the grip on any notion.
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HIRE YOUR EDITORS FOR A TWO TO FIVE HOUR TRIAL EDITS
I am a writer, proofreader, and professional editor. As an editor, I did hourly-based edits for my customers in my initial years. It is helpful for both authors and editors. It doesn’t mean you are asking editors to run a free sample. This would be an injustice with the hard work of editors. You have to pay an editor for a few hours of their time, whether they’re a good fit for you or not. You could send them a few pages or chapters for edits and review. Once they are done with it, they could send it back to you, and you could evaluate if the editor has done justice with your work.
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BE OPEN TO HAVING YOUR WORK ASSIGNED
I know many people who face difficulty finding their editors as they feel they want to connect with their editors. If you are going for developmental editing, it is understandable that you need to understand. However, suppose it’s proofreading and copy-editors. In that case, these people work freelance, and it is hard to find them because they work with the publishing houses, and the only individuals who have access to them are companies. This is why you need to have an open mind for assigning your work to freelancers or publishing houses.
If you find yourself a freelancer, communicate first. Ask them about their qualification, experience, and interest as an editor. Take a look at their portfolio and see the books they have edited for their customers. It would all help you in making the right decision.
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CHECK YOUR EXPECTATIONS AROUND THE COST
The editor’s fees fluctuate, authors are confused about the cost. Copy-editing charges are from $20/hours to $300/hours. Many authors pay around $20/ hour for mediocre executive copy-edits to be redone. This is why go for professional editors who may charge 200/ hour, but it would ensure there is no need for a redone. One author paid $200/hour for copy-editors who worked through famous best-sellers, operating under the wrong assumptions that a good copy-edit would be their ticket towards a best-seller status. Consider paying a couple of different editors for two hours of their work and compare. Consider the investment as research rather than money wasted.
Related: How To Find The Best Book Editor: A Complete Guide
