Looking for editors

[jhempel24]

A friend of mine has written a book, and I think that it's quite good, but does need some editing in order to be close to publishable.

I don't quite know what they run, and he's not sure where to go next, so I figured I'd throw out some feelers here.

He's looking to go the traditional route first with an agent and publishing company before self-releasing....hopefully that'll work for him. It's a pretty good book, and I think it's worthy of being picked up...but I know there are TONS of stuff out there like that as well.

Anyway, if anyone can help PLEASE shoot me a PM or respond here with pricing info!

Thanks!

[neilmarr]

The internet is bursting with offers of freelance editorial. But finding a good one ain't easy. A diploma on the wall doesn't mean experience under the belt. Take a look at the recommendations in the Preditors [sic] and Editors website.

Of course, there are various levels of editing from mere copy-editing through to full development editing, so your friend will have to take sound advice on exactly what kind of editing he needs. And quality ain't to be found in the bargain basement.

I've been in the game for coming-up forty-five years and my editorial team is likewise experienced, but we don't accept many freelance commissions, and right now we're too busy to even consider them. But for a few home truths, get your friend to read the wartsn-n-all 'Freelancing' section of our website (http://www.bewrite.net) where 'the worst ad in the world' is actually intended to dissuade inexperienced authors from approaching us. Valuable info for a developing author, though. Our 'For Authors' section, too, will explain some of the main pitfalls in presenting a manuscript.

Likewise, warn your friend about online 'agencies' and 'publishers'. Dem dar waters are swarming with sharks on a feeding frenzy and whose only interest in books lies in authors' check books. Again, the Preditors and Editors (http://www.pred-ed.com) site is an invaluable resource. And the black hats are also named and shamed at the excellent AbsoluteWrite's Water Cooler forums (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/).

Good luck to your pal and very best wishes. Neil

[rhadin]

Finding a good, professional editor is not easy. My company gets applications weekly from people claiming to be professional editors, who do have some experience, but who cannot pass our editing test.

Before hiring an editor, your friend should understand the relationship between an author and editor. To that end, I suggest your friend read Symbiosis: The Authorial and Editorial Process.

After that article, I suggest your friend read the following articles, and the articles that are cited (and linked) therein, that tackle various aspects of professional editing. The more your friend knows and understands about professional editing, the more likely your friend will find a professional editor who matches your friend's needs.

• The Missing Ingredient: Grammar Skills
• Finding a Professional Editor: The Needle in the Haystack Problem
• Great Expectations: A Recipe for Disappointment
• The WYSIWYG Conundrum: The Solid Cloud
• The Professional Editor’s Bookshelf
• Editor, Editor, Everywhere an Editor

Good luck.

[jhempel24]

Thanks for the links everyone, I'll send them along!

[MartinC]

Originally Posted by jhempel24

A friend of mine has written a book, and I think that it's quite good, but does need some editing in order to be close to publishable.

Not a popular view, I know, but it's the author's job to make his/her book publishable. That's what authors do. An editor may (possibly) be able to make a good book sell better.

[shibamistress]

Originally Posted by MartinC

Not a popular view, I know, but it's the author's job to make his/her book publishable. That's what authors do. An editor may (possibly) be able to make a good book sell better.

I agree. It's something I tell my students all the time (I teach creative writing). If they don't make their book publishable, they're not going to get to the stage where someone is going to edit it for them (for free anyway, as they seem to think). What really drives me crazy is the ones who think they don't have to worry about grammar/punctuation, because a mysterious "someone" will fix it for them when they realize their brilliance. Not going to happen!

Still, everyone needs more opinions than their own, so it is good to get a professional opinion, whether from another writer, or if you don't have a writer friend to do it, then seeing professional editing help. Good links here, too!

[jhempel24]

Well, it was a poor choice of words, it's not that the book isn't publishable, but it needs a round of editing or two before being looked at by a publisher I think.

An editor can look at it and see things that I wouldn't be able to in my opinion, and will go through it with a fine tooth comb.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by shibamistress

I agree. It's something I tell my students all the time (I teach creative writing). If they don't make their book publishable, they're not going to get to the stage where someone is going to edit it for them (for free anyway, as they seem to think). What really drives me crazy is the ones who think they don't have to worry about grammar/punctuation, because a mysterious "someone" will fix it for them when they realize their brilliance. Not going to happen!

Still, everyone needs more opinions than their own, so it is good to get a professional opinion, whether from another writer, or if you don't have a writer friend to do it, then seeing professional editing help. Good links here, too!

I guess I take a middle view here.
Yes, any author, even the brilliant wacky artist types, should have and use some self editing skill, or (if they are really on the brilliant artsy side) at least display some passable skill with the craft elements of typing, spelling, punctuation, etc, to make their work readable and understandable.

But it is often very difficult to edit ones own work even if one has GREAT editing skill, and the skill set of an artist/author really is NOT the same as that of a craftsman/editor.

So I think collaborating with an editor is probably the best approach if at all possible.

ApK

[MartinC]

Originally Posted by ApK

But it is often very difficult to edit ones own work even if one has GREAT editing skill, and the skill set of an artist/author really is NOT the same as that of a craftsman/editor.

This sounds like the Eric Morcambe school of creative writing: "Listen sunshine, I'm playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order."

[neilmarr]

Self-editing is a step along the way (especially with help from a live or online peer group of developing authors). It can even make an ms presentable enough to attract interest. But if it does attract interest from a trad and selective house or agent if WILL be fully re-edited and then professionally copy edited and finally proof read by several sets of experienced eyes (but free).

Using a good freelance editor will help attract that interest. But here's a VITAL tip ... never tell your prospective publisher or agent that the ms has already been 'professionally edited'. That's between you and the freelance you hire. Not only does the publisher or agent not want to know, telling him outright will often count as a black mark against you. It carries the same message as 'this has been praised as "brilliant" by tutors on my Creative Writing course.'

For instance, my own wee house has recently taken to adopting ebook rights from major publishers who hold print rights only. The level of editing is, of course, top notch. But, where possible, we ask to start with an author's raw copy. We don't trust even Big House editors.

And that's not just a matter of having our own house-style. You'd be amazed at some of the glaring errors we're coming across when re-releasing out of print books we've recently taken print and digital rights on.

If mistakes are made, we'd rather carry the can ourselves. So far, so good.

Having said that, if you feel your MS does need a pro edit BEFORE submission, go for it if you can afford to. Always give a submission its best shot. It's YOUR work and you've slaved and shed blood and tears over it. Don't sink the ship for a ha'penny's worth of tar. Just keep the pre-edit by a pro tightly under your hat.

Good luck. Neil

[ApK]

Originally Posted by neilmarr

But here's a VITAL tip ... never tell your prospective publisher or agent that the ms has already been 'professionally edited'.

That makes a lot of sense. If you have to TELL some one that you had the story edited (or that your story is brilliant) that doesn't say much for the manuscript, which should presumably say both those things loudly and clearly for itself.

I can see how saying that to prospective publisher would read sort of like saying "THIS IS NOT SPAM !!!" atop a spam email.

ApK

[MeiLin]

My editor is brilliant and I love her. I can write without her but I'd rather not. Happy to share her name if anyone wants it, but since no one else has here I hesitate to do it "in the clear."

Also @shibamistress, are you my BPAL buddy?

[neilmarr]

Well deserved karma to ya, ApK, for picking up on that important point. Bestests. Neil

[Ransom]

After 30+ years of magazine writing, I've come to the conclusion that there are almost as many rotten editors in the world as there are rotten writers. I know of one in particular who didn't even know the English language and was hired sight unseen to work from their home on a Greek island. Her work was disastrous.

[neilmarr]

Yup, Ransom. Everywhere you step in this game these days, the land is mined. You must pick your way through carefully or ... bang ... disaster. Neil