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 five of my novels edited by pros. 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:
- Do you want to turn the page?
- Did you stumble over awkward phrases or clunky words when you read aloud?
- Were you confused by your own plot twists?
- Did punctuation mess up your reading?
- Were your characters boring, too flawed (yes, that’s possible) or totally unbelievable (unless you write Bourne thrillers)?
- Were there plot inconsistencies ie: a character appeared after she was murdered?
- Were there setting inconsistencies? It was hot as Hades one day, snowing the next?
- 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.
Your thoughts welcome.
It is amazing what we find as we re-read. I like your 8 things to look for. Unfortunately it is costly to hire a professional editor so self editing is what I have. I am fortunate that I have some english teachers in the family to get my dots in a row. Good advice in your blog. Thank you.
You’re very welcome, Greg. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I love your comment about the editor’s suggestion totally changing the story. I’ve had the same experience and I have to remind myself this is MY STORY. As the author, you’re better qualified than your editor to decide where the story should go.
I totally agree! Thanks, Maria.
Great suggestions. Also the use of other authors exchanging completed manuscripts is helpful.
Thanks, D.j.
I believe that I can do a great deal initially to make sure that what I meant to write is actually what I wrote. I also do my absolute best to eradicate typos, spelling errors and so on. After that I would contact a professional
I agree, Liam. The professional can help after you have done all you can. Thanks.
I do as much as I can and then hire a professional editor. She challenges me and we occasionally have disagreements, but I find her input invaluable. We have both missed the odd typo. It’s hard to get them all.
It is hard to NOT miss something, isn’t it? Thanks, Barry.
Lynn:
You are right, it is your story and you are the best editor.I prefer to read the previous chapter or two before proceeding. You pick up many of your own defects that way. I refuse to outline and prefer to let the story develop itself as I go, much like Michelangelo who did not sculpt the statue, he simply released it from the surrounding stone.
Editors do not have the creativity to write, or else they would be authors, not editors. They like to pick your story apart, but you can get that for free from a critique groups, sometimes with better results. I always ask any editor what their charge is, and them tell them that I would consider it if they were willing to take 1/3 of the fee up front, 1/3 upon acceptance by a publisher, and 1/3 upon publication. So far no takers, which tells me that they have no faith in their own ability and are no better than the hucksters in NYC selling fake Rolexes. They act like I offended them; too bad. Most products come with a guarantee. Even the plumber will guarantee that the new faucet will not leak for awhile.
Beware of anybody that offers you something that is too good to be true, because it is.Believe in yourself and write the very best story you have in you. Never give up.
All good points, Arthur. Especially your last line!