Window shopping for an editor

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Thanks to everyone who responded to my last post! It’s nice to know I have friends who I can count on to give me advice. This has been a learning process, and there is a lot to learn. Come to find out that I’m really ignorant about what’s involved to get something published. It’s ironic how the more you learn, the more you come to realize that you really don’t know anything. The best that can be said is that I do enjoy learning about new things. I love knowledge.

At least now I have a clearer picture of what I want, what I need, and what I should look for in an editor. What I’m looking for is someone to proofread for me, to catch my spelling and grammatical errors. I’m always finding more, but I know I’m missing most of them. I need a fresh set of eyes, preferably eyes that are attached to a well-trained mind!

I would also love to hire someone to do some content editing for me. It may be a luxury I can’t afford, but I have questions that need to be answered. Is my story coherent? Are there any continuity errors? Where are my weaknesses and what parts should be pruned in order to strengthen the rest of the book?

Part of the problem I’m having is strictly financial. I can’t afford an experienced editor, and it’s an all too common problem, especially for those of us who are getting started. The risk of going cheap, however, is that you find someone out to make a quick buck, who has no understanding of spelling and grammar that they do a lousy job. It would be a waste of money that I can ill-afford to spend!

I have been sent a few resources to peruse. A few friends have also volunteered to lend a hand, which is probably the way I’ll go. I’ll have to be creative, lean on the expertise of those who have been in my position, and accept all the help I can get. Of course, I don’t expect something for nothing. I believe people’s time and skills should be adequately compensated. It’s finding the fair price I can afford which will be the challenge.

Then there’s the issue of finding someone to design a cover, but I’ll worry about that when the time comes.

6 thoughts on “Window shopping for an editor”

  1. Man, so many ideas. I was in your shoes a year ago. What to do! So many important things need to be done, I want my book to be the best it can be, but I’m poor as dirt and all those marvellous things cost so many monies!

    Well, now I’m a year older and wiser. Check out this site, it’s got what you’re looking for (I’m pretty sure).

    http://writerscircle.com/2014/03/tech-tools-for-writers-scribophile.html

    Writers to help you edit and critique your work. For free! Online. You don’t have to take their advice of course, but it might be just the thing.

    Also, depending on what your book is about, I might be interested in taking a look. I’m a professional writer and editor, I’d do it for free in my spare time if it seems like a subject I’d enjoy reading.

    Besides that, there are lots of resources on Amazon and other websites for publishing your book and getting a professional team to do your cover.

    If you want more advice on the process, you can check out my twitter (@PearsonSharp) for tips on publishing, or if that seems too self-promotional, check out @WriterlyTweets, @ChuckSambuchino, and @WritersRelief. Also, sign up on MeetUp and look for writers groups in your area. They’re always happy to critique work and give you feedback.

    Best of luck!

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  4. Have you thought about a Kickstarter or one of those other crowd-funding resources? I tried it and nearly succeeded, but I chose a bad time of year (getting near Christmas) so people had less money to spare. But now might be a good time of year.

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  6. Hi Joe,
    I’m an experienced editor and cover designer, and I’d love to help you finalize your book for publication. My editing rate for content editing and proofreading (combined) is $1.00 per 100 words. My cover designs are $50 for ebook and $100 for print book (front, back, spine).
    If you’re interested, email me at: christine@christinericepublishingservices.com. The same goes for anyone else who is interested in my services.
    Kind regards,
    Christine

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