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To edit or not to edit, don't let this be your question
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AP Photo: Steve Helber
After putting your time, effort, heart and soul into your writing, no expense should be spared in making sure that when it hits the market, you have presented your best work. With that being the case, I very strongly encourage that all writers have printed work edited, page set, and copy written, especially if it is headed for binding. Once material is bound, it is extremely expensive to go back, re-type set a page, and re-print. It is much better to take the time, effort, and money to do it right the first time.
As I began gathering information to write this article, I received common feedback from some of the editors I corresponded with that clients are unaware of the differences between editing, proof reading, page setting, etc. Thusly, when clients begin shopping around their work to enlist these services, they are astounded at the fees that are being charged or why editing cost more than proof reading.
Proof reading is the process of checking a document for grammatical errors, which include punctuation, misspelled words, and the like. Editing, also referred to as copy editing, takes proof reading to the next level. Type setting is the process of setting the type on each page. When formatting, they set the chapters to begin either only on odd pages or to begin on the next page. They set the font and lettering on each line to be pleasing to the eye which makes the book an easier read.
During the copy editing process, your editor will make sure that continuity is maintained throughout the voice of the piece, that thoughts are conveyed clearly so that the audience can follow you every step of the way. While my first book was in the copy editing phase, my editor discovered that on one page my heroine was wearing a different color blouse than she was wearing in the next page. This was just one of my many mistakes. Even a seasoned author can make tiny mistakes which when overlooked, cast a shadow upon an otherwise priceless masterpiece.
When an author is reading their own work, they know what they intend to say. Knowing what you intend to say can be very different from what is actually being said. Thoughts can travel faster than the fingers can type or write and cohesiveness can be lost. Had I not chosen to copy edit my book, the book would not have been my best work.
When shopping for an editor, it is more important to find an editor with whom you can work well as opposed to shopping merely by price. The saying, “People do business with people who they like, know and trust,” comes to mind. As a writer, one should be searching for someone that they feel will help them maintain the character of their work and not intend to put their own voice across the project. An editor’s purpose is to polish the work.
When I was shopping for an editor for my project, I needed someone who is very friendly as well as business oriented. I came across editors who were very brisk and whose personality just didn’t jive well with mine. That left me feeling as though they could not properly help me carry my flair and style across to my audience.
When interviewing a potential editor, ask for references and to see work that they have edited. Any editor worth their rate should have plenty of references to share with you and should come highly recommended by their previous clients. Method and timing of payment should also be worked out in advance of signing any contract for service. Many editors will also be able to type-set your book and deliver it to you in a format which is then utilized by printers.
With all this being said, in this economy, we understand that it is important to watch carefully where we spend our hard earned money. In order to help you, I have contacted a few editors who are willing to offer you a discount on their services. You must mention that you were referred to them via my article upon contacting them in order to receive these discounts.
Please pay careful attention to the discounts that these editors are offering you.
Rachel Olivier with Putt Putt Productions is graciously offering 10% discount on proofreading and 20% for copy editing. Thusly, a $20/hour job would be $18/hour. A $30/hour job would be $24/hour. This discount does not include anything that is needed in less than 7-10 business days.
Wistar Murray with One Star Watt is offering her editing services for $20/hr instead of $30/hr.
Becky Hayes with Cedar Hill Publishing is offering a 20% discount to anyone who hires her for editing.
E-mail: valcinebrown@yahoo.com
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