No matter what you write, you have to edit it. And if we’re honest, there’s nothing more complicated than editing your own piece of writing. That’s when you should collaborate with a professional editor.
Communicating with a skilled and dedicated editor is one of the best ways to get closer to a professional writing career.
Why?
The reality is that working with a competent editor means that some will check your novel and take it from a messy draft to a written work that rocks. A professional editor can also help you boost your writing skills. This, in turn, will save your precious time and money when it comes to your next writing assignment. On the other hand, book editors with poor skills can waste your money and time and even turn into a real obstacle on your way to publication.
So, when you think you’re ready to collaborate with a qualified editor, how do you know how to choose one? Here are some tips:
Know Your Budget -
Before you pick an editing helper, decide how much money you will spend on the service. Ensure to be realistic. If this is your first novel, do not decide how much money you will pay based on how much you hope your work will bring you.
When you know your budget, check the editor’s price rates. If they fail to provide you with their prices, keep searching for better options. Keep in mind that professional editors charge in many different ways. Some will charge you for a page, while others will charge for a specific word count. Before you choose your helper, clarify all the issues to avoid any misunderstanding in the future.
Find out if a Sample Editing is Available -
This point is crucial. Before you choose to work with any editor, make sure they are there to edit a sample of your work for you. As a matter of fact, it is better to approach four or five editors and ask them for a sample before you make the final choice.
If you do so, you will have a clear idea of what they focus on in your work, their style, and whether they can work under time pressure.
Find an Editor in Your Niche -
You are definitely aware that professional writers usually specialize in a particular niche. The point is that focusing on a single niche makes it easier to become a real pro in that field, write better, do more in-depth research, etc. Likewise, a competent editor is qualified in one or two niches, and the reasons are exactly the same.
A proficient editor understands the existing market tendencies and knows how to work following the highest standards. If you’re going to trust someone to edit your novel, ensure they are well-versed in your niche.
How to Work with an Editor?
If you’re wondering how you can work with an editing professional, here are some ways you can do that:
1. If you have a particular idea for a story, a skillful editor will help you plan and outline your work and help you write your story. As a rule, this can be done through coaching sessions, ongoing editing, and Zoom meetings where you and your editor discuss each writing stage.
2. If you have already started writing, but now you’re just stuck, an editor will help you re-find your focus and move forward with your story. They will provide you with a detailed plan of the steps you have to take to accomplish your work.
3. You have finished your work. The editor you hire will read your draft and let you know what works and what should be fixed. They will inform you of what steps to take to boost your novel and make it stronger.
Conclusion - Editing is one of the most creative professions. It’s the job of a professional editor to help you finish a novel that will make your readers excited. If the chosen editor knows nothing about the existing types of editing, keep looking for better options.
And above all, keep in mind that a dedicated and skilled novel editor must always share your goal of making the unique and best work possible.
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