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by Audrey Owen
Editor for Self-Publishing Authors
Choosing to use an editing service might be
the make or break decision in the success of your ebook.
Do you know why
- Editing is important?
- What an editor does
- When to approach an editor
- How to choose editing services
- What to expect for your money?
First of all, the technology that makes it
possible to for you to self-publish your ebook is a double-edged
sword. On the positive side, you can write and produce your
book. On the negative side, so can everyone else. This makes
the buying public justifiably suspicious of the quality of ebooks.
To make your book successful, you need to
make it stand out. You need a unique idea or at least a unique
slant on an old idea. You need to express your idea clearly.
You need a good-looking product. You need to have a good marketing
strategy.
It’s the clear expression that editing
services are all about.
Some people are so caught up in the idea of
making an ebook instead of a tree book that they forget that
the content still has to be worthwhile.
If an author takes an idea for a book to a
trade publisher, professionals decide whether or not the idea
is likely to sell. Others work with the author to make sure
the book is written in the best possible way.
You deserve the same level of professional
advice. A good editor will tell you honestly if your idea seems
to have appeal. Then the editor will work with you to make sure
your idea is written in the best possible way. You will want
your work to be more than just error-free. You will want it
to be compelling.
Trade books go through several rounds of editing.
In each round, the writer usually makes revisions. Here are
the typical steps the editorial staff will take a book through.
Substantive editing: The
substantive editor looks at the structure of a text. Are all
the aspects of your topic dealt with adequately? Have you answered
the points critics will make? Is there a logical progression
in your argument? Are your points crystal clear?
The substantive editor gives information,
often in point form, as “Fix Notes.” These notes
tell the writer what changes will make the work better.
Line editing: The line editor
is the artist of the editing world. This editor makes sure that
your writing is as clear as possible at the paragraph or sentence
level and that it is pleasant to read. This is much more than
making a work correct. There is a world of difference between
power and elegance and correctness.
Copyediting: The service
of the copy editor is what most people think of as editing.
This professional makes sure your work is correct. All spelling
and grammar are checked for accuracy. This comes after the other
two stages. Just as polishing comes after the detailed carving
on custom-made furniture, copyediting comes after structure
and wording are complete. Copyediting too soon is a waste of
time and money.
Proofreading: Proofreaders
check the final copies before they go to print. They check all
details including things like consistency of layout, headings,
margins, fonts, etc. They also catch any errors the copy editor
may have missed.
There is one other form of editing, just
for self-publishing authors.
Educative edit: The editor
becomes a tutor to the writer, offering advice tailored to that
specific writer. As the writer improves, the editor needs to
do less work. In this editing service, the writer submits relatively
small sections of text at one time, works on it, then takes
what was learned on that section and applies it to the next
section. Usually after a few sections are completed, the writer
can move on to more traditional and less costly services.
When you approach an editor will depend on
your style and your confidence in your own writing ability.
Some people want an expert opinion before they begin to invest
time in the actual writing. Others can move straight to line
or copyediting. The lines between these various editing services
are not as clear in practice as they are laid out here. What
is important is that you know about the levels of editing so
you can make an informed choice.
Once you know which editing services you need,
you still have to find someone to deliver them. If you do a
search for editing services, you will find thousands to choose
from. Be aware that there is no standard test someone in North
America must pass in order to claim the title of editor. (I
am not aware of the standards in other jurisdictions, but I
suspect they are similar.) Here are some things to consider
when choosing an editor.
Stables vs. Individual contractors: There
are companies with stables of editors. In most cases, these
companies charge the client a fee and then pay the editor a
percentage of the fee. The percentage is often less than 50%.
If you use a stable, you may feel there is
some back-up if you are unhappy with the editor’s work.
If this is important to you, check that the business offers
redress if you are unsatisfied.
The relatively low fee for members in the
stable may mean you get an editor with lower qualifications.
Some stables give tests to editors to ensure competence. If
you use a stable check to see how the members are chosen.
If you choose an independent editor, check
to see what guarantees the editor offers. Does the editor belong
to a professional association? Although there is no way to certify
editors, those who care about the profession tend to band together
to promote high standards. Investigate references.
Whether you go with one of the big stables
or choose an independent contractor, make sure you know which
services you are getting. The terms used in this article may
be used differently by other editors. Be sure you and the editor
you choose mean the same thing by the terms of your contract.
Editing is both an art and a science. Substantive
editing, line editing, and educative editing are more artistic
in nature. The science comes in the copyediting and proofreading
stages.
In substantive editing, line editing, and
educative editing, you are paying for the experience and talent
of the editor just as you would be if you were buying a portrait.
In copyediting and proofreading you are paying for a clean text.
There is a huge difference in the abilities
of editors and there is also a large range of fees. On top of
that, there are at least three ways of determining fees.
- Hourly rates
- Rates per word or per page
- Contract prices
You and your editor will need to agree on
terms. Most reputable editors will offer some way for you to
check their work. A sample edit of some of your work is the
best way to know how well you will work together.
It is common for an editor to ask you to pay
at least some of the fee in advance. In return, you should ask
for a firm completion date.
Some editors will allow you to query their
comments. Others will expect you to pay for such queries. Again,
make sure you know the rules before you pay.
In the past, it was recommended that you and
the editor sign a contract. With so much business happening
on the Web, many now rely on agreements reached through email
to constitute a binding agreement. However you and the editor
decide to work together, be clear about what you will get for
your money.
The credits found in many books mention the
name of the editor. This is not required and is not a formality.
Writers depend on their editors to make them look good. They
are grateful when the editor does a good job. Your book deserves
the services of an editor you will appreciate.
Audrey Owen, editor at Writer’s
Helper, offers a full range of editing
services. Her Web site includes many free writing tips and
other resources for self-publishing writers. This
article © Audrey Owen 2004
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