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Does a Self-Publisher Need Editing Services?

by Audrey Owen

Choosing to use an editing service might be the make or break decision in the success of your book.

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?
   

Why editing is important

First of all, the technology that makes it possible to for you to self-publish your book 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 self-published books.

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.

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.
 

What an editor does

Trade books go through several rounds of editing. In each round, the writer usually makes revisions. Here are the typical steps an 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 a relatively small section of text, 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 to approach an editor

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 about when to contact the editor and what to expect when you do.
 

How to choose editing services

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.

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 pay scale 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.
 

What to expect for your money

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.

Copyright © 2004 Audrey Owen. Used by permission.

Audrey Owen, editor at Writer's Helper, offers a full range of editing services. Her website includes many free writing tips and other resources for self-publishing writers.
 

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