Editing for Authors
Editing. The hardest part of being an author.
By FAR!
And the place that you will find the most scammers out there to make a quick buck. Seriously, there isn't a site I've been to that doesn't have tons of people peddling questionable skills to authors. I have seen so many authors get badly burned because they hired sub-par editors.
And the reality is that editing is HARD! If you are traditionally published by one of the big houses, your book will go through several editors before it goes to print. There's a process, much like sanding, and if you do not get each step, then you are missing out. It's important to keep in mind that each step must happen before the next step can begin.
1. Content Editor (the course sanding)
The first step is general editing (Also called content editing, revisions, story editing, developmental editing, substantive editing, re-writes, etc.). This is where the editor goes through the story and fact checks, catches plot holes, recommends what needs to be cut, re-written, added, etc. A lot of authors work in peer groups and get this done for free there, but a good editor will still check that this step has been met as they are going through.
I do provide content editing services and charge $5 a page. If this is a sequel, I do request a copy of the previous books in the series because we don't want me to miss you changing your character's middle name (What's Hermione's middle name? Oh, right... bad content editing!)
To request Content Editing Services, Email Me the name of the book, genre, number of pages, whether the book is completed, and the expected time of completion of editing services. I will get back to you ASAP and let you know when/ if I can fit it into my schedule.
2. CopyEditing (Finer Grit Sanding)
(also referred to as line edits, stylistic editing, second edits, or for lazy editors “editing”) This is where the editor will go line by line to make sure the sentence structure is correct, the grammar is correct and the meaning is clearly conveyed. They will recommend word changes, writing in active voice, or removing sentences that are repeating information. 9 times out of 10, when you get an editor who says they “provide editing services” this is what they are referring to and unless you clarify you will get nothing more.
There are some clever tools that you can use to prep your book for the editor so that they don't have as much work to do (and in my case, will charge you less) such as ProWritingAid and Grammarly .
However, one of the concerns I have about these tools is that they are only as useful as the hands that wield them. Grammarly is great for technical writing and online copy, but it doesn't take into account stylistic choices that are seen in many works of fiction. ProWritingAid is a bit better, in that it actually analyzes your text and notes where words are overused and makes stylistic recommendations, but it's not skilled at specific genres. Both tools are better than nothing, but just like with Word, you still need to know enough to make the right choice in the end.
**Correction: I have discovered that a lot of Preditors who actually do not even do line edits. There are a surprising number of editors putting themselves out there and all they provide is grammar and spelling corrections, often "cheating" by using a tool like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, but without the background or experience to be able to use them correctly. Seriously, there are some AWFUL frauds out there. Do your research before you choose
an editor!
I do provide Copyediting Services and charge $5 per page. If you have had a content editor or utilized writer critique groups, and already used a writing tool such as ProWritingAid or Grammarly, then I reduce that to $4 per page. To request Copyediting services Email Me and let me know the title, genre, length, what other work has been done to the piece. (IE, did you hire a content editor, or did you use a writing critique group, have you run it through any software, etc.) and requested time of completion. I will get back to you ASAP.
3. Proof Reading (or Polishing)
The final step is proof reading. The internet has LOTS of differing opinions on exactly what proof reading entails. The gyst is that proof reading is a last read through to catch any final errors. A lot of editors do this pre-layout, but in my humble opinion (and in traditional publishing) it should be done after layout to catch any missed bits. The benefits to doing this after you complete layout is that the proof reader can look at the product as if they were a customer. They can catch not only misspellings, homonyms, and punctuation; they can also “double-check” layout. Having someone who can catch all the writerly bits as well as spotting funky layout on the page, such as widows and orphans, and the general appeal of the final product will allow you to produce the best final version possible. If you are tight on budget, Beta Readers are a great tool for proof reading. I would choose 5 top readers, and provide them with instructions on what you are looking for and how to notate it. (If you are sending them a post-layout copy, ask them to keep a running journal and note the version they are reviewing. (E-pub, PDF, Paperback, Mobi, etc.) Then have them track the errors as such: page the error occurs, what the error is.
Easy, peasy.
I do provide proofreading services, but will only do so after layout. I charge $3 per page, or will review one e-book style and physical copy for $5 per page. If you want the physical copy reviewed, you are responsible for sending me the copy and I will ship it back to you with issues notated in red. To request proofreading services, Email Me the format(s), title, genre, length, expected time for completion.
Final Thoughts
I strongly recommend that an author get as many eyes on a project as possible before going to publication. No book can ever be perfect. But the goal is to have it as perfect as possible. Although I do provide all three forms of editing services, I will not provide all at the same time. Although you can hire me for all three, I will only accept such contracts if the author has utilized other resources (such as the ones noted above) and I require two weeks off between stages to "scrub my brain" so to speak.
Payment Policy: All payments are processed through Paypal. First 1/3 due upon signing of contract. second 1/3 received after 1/2 of the publication has been edited and sent to author. Final 1/3 due before the final edit is submitted to the author. I can also set an author up on a monthly payment plan, if requested. All contracts are completed through e-signature.
What are your questions about editing? Are there any free tools you use?
Let us know in the comments below!
Until next time,
