Should You Hire a Pro?
A writer friend asked me whether it was really a good idea to pay a professional editor to read her manuscript. My immediate response was yes, but the question made me pause and reflect on my personal experiences.
I have had all three of my novels edited by pros. In addition I participate in a read and critique group (every week now for about 15 years.) I won’t go into critique groups here since I previously blogged about that subject.As to professional editors, here are my thoughts.
There is huge value to editors who “copy” edit, that is, they read for spelling, grammar, syntax, etc. You always miss something: a comma where it doesn’t belong, the incorrect use of a semicolon. In terms of the broader picture: the plot, characters, structure, tension, conflict, on and on, the pro can be very helpful. . . or not.
In my Triangle book, the professional editor I hired was so intrigued with the historic story that her suggestions would have made me totally change the book. It would have become a historic mystery rather than a historic mystery that is solved today with modern technology. She had her own vision for the book. But who was writing this?
The editor I hired for my Civil War book, however, was extremely helpful. He gave me an idea for a dynamite ending that I hadn’t even considered. It totally changed the story for the better.
Before you consider hiring a pro, however, do your own self-editing. Believe it or not, there is a lot you can do to improve your writing before it gets the going-over by someone else. Some suggestions:
Edit in small sections at a time. If possible, reread the section before and then edit the current 5 to 10 pages. Also, read aloud (or to your dog or cat.) I can’t emphasize enough how important this is. You’d be surprised what you hear that you didn’t think you wrote. Dialogue may sound stilted, tension weak, setting inappropriate. Often I will come away from my reading out loud thinking, ugh, did I write that?
Some things to look for when you’re self-editing:
1. Do you want to turn the page?
2. Did you stumble over awkward phrases or clunky words when you read aloud?
3. Were you confused by your own plot twists?
4. Did punctuation mess up your reading?
5. Were your characters boring, too flawed (yes, that’s possible) or totally unbelievable (unless you write Bourne thrillers)?
6. Were there plot inconsistencies ie: a character appeared after she was murdered?
7. Were there setting inconsistencies? It was hot as Hades one day, snowing the next?
8. Did you get your facts right? Very important if you want authenticity.
You can be your own best editor. But, just to be sure — reread, rewrite, read aloud. And again x 3. Now hire a professional for the final read.
No 7 may be right where you live, but here in the UK we can have four different seasons in the same day! Apart from that – terrific post.
Ha! Thanks, Geraldine. I lived in Vermont before California where we had similar weather!
Thanks for your useful comments on self-editing vs professional. I have not used the latter, because of the expense. Is it worthwhile financially?
Gwen, I have to say it is worth the expense. It’s amazing what we miss in our own stories. Thanks for reading!
A professional editor is essential, in my view. A good editor can transform a poor book into a good one, a good book into a great one. Never try going it alone.
Thanks, JJ. I agree.
Great post, Lynne.
You are absolutely right about the self-editing. Authors should always take as much time to get the draft as tight and error-free as they can before they hire either a structural or a copy editor. As you say, reading out loud is so useful because it highlights all those little bits that are not quite working, but are so easily missed when scanning the text on a computer screen.
As far as vision goes, the author is the boss – it is their book, after all. I write as well as editing, so I’ve seen it from both sides.
I was advised to hire a professional editor and did so, even though I’m a retired English teacher (oh no!) and have editorial experience in industry. I found the process very worthwhile. I hired her for copy edit, but some of her comments and questions helped me tighten the storyline and avoid reader confusion as well. Professional copy edit and professional cover design – well worth the expense.
Hi Sharon,
I agree. I’m a pretty good proofreader, but always miss something. When it’s your own writing, you tend to read what you think you wrote, not what you wrote. Cheers!
Lynne