List of editors? (People not Sotware!)

[GlenBarrington]

Does anyone know of a current list of independent "freelance" editors? Also, when in the writing process is a good time to engage an editor? Should the work be mostly done? Completely done? Just started?

[rhadin]

There is no single source list for editors and it is not possible to tell from a list how good (or bad) a particular editor may be. If you are looking for an editor, PM me and tell me whether it is for fiction or nonfiction and what you expect the editor to do; I'll send you some names.

The best time to hire the editor is after you have completed your manuscript, at least the first draft. That is, assuming you are looking for a developmental (substantive) editor. If you are looking for a copyeditor, then the time is after you have what you think is a final version ready to go to print (figuratively).

For a discussion of what different editors do, see Editor, Editor, Everywhere an Editor. For a discussion regarding finding a professional editor, see Finding a Professional Editor: The Needle in the Haystack Problem.

For insight into the editorial process from the author's perspective, see Vicki Tyley's guest article, The Editor: A Writer’s Fairy Godmother or Ogre? And, finally, to understand the relationship between an author and professional editor, see Symbiosis: The Authorial and Editorial Process.

[GlenBarrington]

Thanks! It looks like I need to do a little research and thinking before I proceed!

[neilmarr]

Glen (I like soup too): 'Good' freelance editors are not an easy find. And most are too busy to take on new work at the drop of a hat ... and they're not to be found in the bargain basement. For a little warts-n-all, take a look at the 'freelancing' section of my own (very honest) website at the link below. Internet-wise, everywhere you step the land is mined. I can, though, maybe point you in reasonable directions to goodies I know who are in no way associated with my own wee team if you'd like to drop me an email ... ntmarrATbewrite.net (use the @ sign, of course). Good luck and best wishes. Neil

[GlenBarrington]

My question was an idle one at this point. I am working on something in fiction, but I'm not sure I'm ready to share it with anyone. I"ve found that with my photography, the more I talk about something, the less likely I am to actually complete it! It seems that with me, 'talking' and 'doing' war constantly with each other.

But clearly, I need to understand the process I've undertaken a bit better. I need to do some research.