Levels of Edit

There are different levels of edit. Before you hire an editor, make sure you know which kind of editing they are going to do - and whether or not your manuscript is ready for that type of edit. Insist on a clear explanation, because the types of edit are somewhat fluid.

If you're not quite sure how to tell your story or present your non-fiction work; or you're stuck part way; or you're finished but not quite satisfied with the project as a whole, a coach or consultant may help.

Developmental editors, substantive editors, structural editors, content editors, and book doctors may provide that type of global recommendation, but be clear if that's what you want. They also do closer developmental work, where they zero in on problems and offer solutions. They may do some line editing to demonstrate how revisions should be made. They may do major revisions or revise the organization of your work. (This is still primarily using your words, not creating new material from scratch like a ghostwriter would do.)

Line editors come in when you're satisfied the manuscript is shaped the way you want it. They work at the sentence and paragraph level to improve style and language. You might hire someone specifically as a line editor, but more often this kind of editing is done by the developmental editor once major revisions have been completed or as part of the copyediting service. Just don't assume it's being included - ask.

Copyediting is the nitty gritty detail work - spelling, grammar, punctuation. Ask if they include checking references and/or accuracy. Do they create a style sheet to keep the manuscript consistent throughout? Do they make corrections, or give notes for you to do that? Do they review the file in publication format?

Proofreading is a final check for typos and other errors. It should be done when the project is in publication format. It's best if they are familiar with publishing and genre conventions. If you're self-publishing, repeat proofing when you have a physical "proof" copy, before the book is released for purchase. If you're working with a publisher, ask if you can have a proof copy before the publication date. Sometimes errors that are missed on a screen pop right out once they're on paper.

Make your manuscript your best work. If you self-publish, make it every bit as good as a traditionally published book.

The Editorial Freelancers Association has a rate table. Read the disclaimers.

Before you hire an independent editor

Understand levels of edit

Before you hire an independent editor, know what kind of editor you need. A first draft is not ready for a copy edit.

First consult with a developmental editor who will look at things like structure, flow, and continuity. You may decide to do revisions that would need copy editing again. Why pay for that twice?

Choosing an editor

Once you know what type of editing you need, ask for credentials, examples, and references. Most online websites where you can get creatives cheap do little or no vetting – that’s up to you. A short free example should be offered – look at it, see if it’s what you want and expect for your money. Check The Alliance of Independent Authors watchdog list rating - it won't have every editor listed, but you can avoid any that have been red-flagged.

Before You hire an independent editor:What can you do yourself?

Why pay an editor to do things you can do yourself?

list terms that might slow an edit

This includes foreign language phrases, words requiring an accent, unusual names, terms specific to the topic, etc.

check research sources & quotes

Make a citation list that includes author, title, publisher (and their location), publication date, page numbers used overall in your research and specific pages for any direct quotes. Do this even if it's "just" a quote used in fiction, even if it's a picture book. You need to give credit, whether it's formal footnotes or a bibliography or a note on the copyright page.

While you're making that list, make sure direct quotes are accurate and clearly shown as such - and that you have avoided careless rewording of large tracts of text (aka plagiarizing).

images

You can’t legally just clip and paste from the internet. For every image, list the source, documentation that you've gotten written permission to use it in your book, and how to give credit for it the way the source requires.

While you're going through your images, make sure you've used "insert" to put images on the page. Cut and paste can become an issue later.

Levels of Edit

The world goes on while we write: The term “buckets of rain” became real to me in 1972, when Tropical Storm Agnes stalled over Pennsylvania for days. So I checked – total rainfall that caused massive flooding back then was less than Houston got in the first twenty-four hours. Cousins – glad you’re safe.

On to levels of edit. I’m going to repeat one piece up here:

Don’t submit rough drafts for critique or editing!

If you’re working with a critique group, it’s rude. If you’re paying for an editor, it’s a waste of money. Always read, revise, and correct to the best of your ability first.

At least use your word processor’s spelling and grammar checks. These are flawed – you need to look at each suggestion before accepting corrections – but there’s no excuse for asking people to read something that looks like you threw letters and words into a blender, then poured them onto the page. Grammarly has a free app that gives feedback on grammar and Natural Readers has a free download that will read your documents aloud. It’s mechanical and makes pronunciation errors, but if you have a problem with commas, you’ll hear if you’re missing pauses or have too many.

Sheri McGuinn I write. http://www.sherimcguinn.com http://www.amazon.com/author/sherimcguinn

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