I had a conversation
recently with a writer who wasn’t confident about the prospect of acquiring an
editor for her work-in-progress. It seems she’d been burnt before, ending up
paying a substantial amount more than she’d initially planned, plus she felt
that the service provided hadn’t met expectations.
This didn’t surprise
me. Many writers, it seems, dive into this phase of the process with their eyes
shut. They see a colourful, well-worded ad for editing services and dash
through what is a one-way door, committing themselves to what can prove to be an
expensive unknown.
We chatted over a cup
of tea and it turned out she hadn’t shopped around – something I recommend all
writers to do. It’s natural that we want the best of whatever we’re looking
for. Why would we accept something that’s sub-standard or way out of our
financial comfort zone? And why would you jump for the first option that comes
along when there might be several others out there who provide a service that
better suits your needs?
Inexperience, I think,
comes to mind. Once bitten, twice shy, so all the more reason to play a little
more carefully next time around. The internet is an amazing organism, with lots
of good in its infinite depths, but that shouldn’t prevent you from taking a
deep breath before diving into the fray. Shop around – make a list of
prospective editors, freelance or otherwise, then dig deeper to see if their
offered service comes close to what you’re looking for.
If your wip isn’t
solid, maybe you’re in need of a developmental editor who will work with you
to restructure your project, focusing on the bigger picture. If you’ve done
your work and took the time to self-edit and polish the piece, bringing it to a
point where you can do no more, then a substantive/line editor is the one for
you. Copy-editing and proofreading are services that are really only useful
when the deep work has been completed – remember, it’s no good having
punctuation and grammar correct if the work is full of plot holes and cardboard
characters.
Make a list of the
editors who ring your bell – it goes without saying you should keep walking if
they don’t provide a free sample edit. Seriously, why should you consider a
professional if you can’t see for yourself what they can do for you? Choose a
chapter – I’d suggest one from the middle of your wip, and send it off,
including a brief note about yourself (as a writer) and what you’re looking
for. Don’t be afraid at this stage to ask for rates and timeframes, etc. The editor,
time permitting, will leap at this opportunity to exhibit their skills.
If you send your
sample chapter off to six or seven editors, the returns should give you a good
idea of who you’re better suited to. You’ve taken your time and are in control,
which is so much better than being left with a sour taste due to haste borne of
inexperience. My mother liked to say, ‘Decisions made in haste are regretted at
leisure.’ Do your research – make a list of potentials – send your chapter to
your chosen few, then take time to review and mull over their returns. Apply
their edits, as you see fit, and see who works best for you. Once you’re
happy with your choice, it’s time to move on to the next step – contacting the
editor and developing a conversation that will provide you with a clearer
picture of what lies ahead if you decide to commission them. The main thing is
that you have a clear view of every step of the process. A good editor will ensure
that this is the case.
I am always available
to answer any questions about the editing process. I’m also here if you’d like
a free sample edit. Contact me at clearviewediting@gmail.com
and I’ll get back to you asap.
