If you want your self-published book to succeed and make money, there are two things you need: good writing and visibility. Use editors for good writing. Establish an author platform for visibility. (You can find my blogs on what an author platform is and how to build one). This blog is about understanding the variety of editors to choose from, whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction.
Things to know before you do a search
- The label ‘editor’ encompasses a wide array of people. An editor of a film production is not the same as an editor for a news channel. Looking only at books, the labels are still not clear-cut – different countries use different terms to mean the same thing.
- Freelance editors offer different services from one another. For example, some editors fact-check, and some don’t.
- Editing has three levels, and editors can operate at one, two or all three levels. These levels are generally labelled as developmental (or substantive), structural, and technical.
- The developmental level is about looking at the ‘whole’ rather than the nitty-gritty.
- Structural looks at flow and style.
- Technical refers to consistency, coherence and clarity (including spelling, punctuation and grammar) and can include format and layout too. The overall polish is taken into account.
- Editors tend to focus on a few genres, and this will be clear from their profiles and websites.
- Freelance editors may include add-ons you may or may not want, such as fact-checking, typesetting, indexing or cover design.
Below, I’ve created a simple (and hopefully helpful) chart showing the different levels of editing what is involved,
| The Three Different Levels of Editing |
|---|
| Level: Developmental |
| Editorial Assessment O This involves a read-through with the client and sending a feedback report on the strengths and weaknesses on characters, plots, structure, etc. X This does not include an authenticity read (which is feedback on the way marginalised people within the book are portrayed), fact-checking, or other types of services. However, the editor may recommend the use of specialised services. |
| Substantive/development editing O Deeper than an editorial assessment O Deals with the big picture i.e. plot, characterizations and arcs, structure, style, pacing, viewpoints and tense O Feedback and recommendations may be in the form of working directly on the manuscript or notes on the margins O May include line/substantive/stylistic editing (see box below) O May include information and advice about the marketability O May include recommendations to get an authenticity read, an indexer (for non-fiction), a fact-checker X Will not fix punctuation and grammar etc (technical aspects) X Is not an authenticity read, though may highlight issues |
| Level: Structural |
| Line/substantive/stylistic editing O Sentence-level work looking at style, logic and flow O Can include a copyedit service (see box below) |
| Level: Technical |
| Copyediting O Can include line/substantive/stylistic editing O Focus is on logic, consistency, clarity and formatting as well as proofreading O Focus is on reader experience X Cannot fix plot and structure issues, pacing (developmental edits) at this stage of the process, even if they are skilled in this area |
| Proofreading O Final quality check to ensure the product is polished, the writing is clear and formatting and layout is consistent. O Errors are reduced as far as possible X Cannot help fix problems related to substantive/developmental and structural writing issues X Limited in being able to fix copyediting issues |
Edit your work in the right order
The order in which you get your work edited is important. For instance, substantive edits should be done before a technical edit. You would not get the best results (and it would be a waste of money) to get a structural edit before a developmental edit.
Budget sensibly
Successful self-publishing requires investment which means that a decent budget is needed. It’s very difficult to estimate what figure you might be looking at – each book and its needs will vary (word count, level of edit needed, number of revisions needed, etc). But from what I have gleaned, in 2021, a good-looking book that had been copy edited, formatted had its cover designed and proofread cost about USD 3,000, and people reported making the money back (from savvy marketing).
As books in different genres need different types of editing and designing, you may want to begin asking for quotes to help you get your budget in order. If you really cannot afford more than one type of edit, or perhaps it’s a book for just a close-knit group of people, invest in the area you need the most help with and a proofreader at the end.
Check out prospective editors before hiring
Once you have identified an editor/editors, check their credentials (check work portfolios, testimonials or seek references). Request to have a small sample edited to decide if someone is the right fit for you (a good author-editor fit is important). Request a template of their Terms of Agreement (contract, conditions). Editorial work is a tailored service, and you may be able to negotiate aspects of their terms.
Respect your editor’s time and craft
Once you have made your choice, you can keep your new relationship going well by being respectful of their time and craft. For example, try to meet your deadlines or try not to postpone often – remember that they might be declining work to make space for yours, and editors spend time prepping – there is a lot of invisible.
Also, be open-minded to their comments. Your editor is on your side and the side of your readers. If, after calm consideration, you feel that their advice is not correct, that’s OK, As the author of your own work, you make the final decisions.
However, if you find yourself ignoring a lot of their comments, something is amiss, and you may need to take a step back and reflect on what is happening. You may need a discussion with them to understand the comments they have raised.
Further guidance and support for self-publishers
- A more in-depth explanation can be found on the Editors Canada website: https://www.editors.ca/hire/definitions-editorial-skills?fbclid=IwAR3_RbbW4yLwlL5CagmAdzCYAMz6p6jPqDnxmajzW86yEupTKm_Q94Z8Oe8
- The Author’s Guild has great quality information for self-publishers. Some are only accessible to paid members, but I have come across free information and webinars. There’s advice about using services and costs. Have a look around: https://www.authorsguild.org/
- The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) is a membership-based body for self-publishers. It advises, campaigns for, and empowers self-publishing authors. It supports its members with benefits, expert advice and community forums: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/
- Facebook has tons of communities for self-publishers. Some are well-run and lively compared to others. Many are pointless. Join many, lurk around, ditch the ones that don’t serve you. Remember to be supportive and share. Beware of scammers – avoid the dodgy ones offering very low-priced edits.
- Never pay for the full job upfront. Pay by milestones.
Get in touch
If you would like to know more about the services I offer, please get in touch. Or if you just want to talk about this post, I’d love to hear from you. I’m always happy to hear from readers and happy to share further information.