Revise Text: Seek an Editorly Revision
Finding the Right Editor for Your Self-Published Novel
Self-publishing a novel can be an exciting journey, but it's crucial to ensure your manuscript is polished and error-free. Even seasoned professionals like editors and proofreaders may miss a few minor typos in a self-published book.
To find a professional editor for your self-publishing project, follow these key steps:
- Identify editors with experience in your genre. Look for editors who have worked on novels similar to yours. Their genre knowledge ensures they understand specific style and audience expectations.
- Review their portfolio and ask for sample edits. Check their past projects and request a short sample edit of your manuscript. This helps you evaluate their editing style, clarity of feedback, and whether they respect your authorial voice.
- Verify credentials and professional membership. Trusted editors often have formal training and belong to associations like the Editorial Freelancers Association or Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP).
- Consider communication style and process. Discuss how they handle edits, preferred software, communication frequency, timelines, and payment to ensure smooth collaboration.
- Use reputable platforms or directories. Associations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association offer directories where you can find vetted editorial professionals.
Additionally, you can find experienced freelance editors who specialize in specific genres by searching professional websites or editor profiles, like that of Debbie Emmitt, an advanced CIEP member who edits historical fiction, mysteries, and memoirs.
Remember, finding an editor is crucial to catch debilitating infelicities in a self-published book. It's important to find an editor who has not had a real-world relationship with the author. Friends or relatives may not provide the necessary harsh criticism for editing.
Your editor should not hide bad news or constructive criticism from you. A good editor should be hardhearted, willing to deliver criticism that may be difficult to hear. They, reading from an external perspective, are always on the lookout for inconsistencies and other errors in a story.
It's advisable to find an editor before publishing your book to allow time for necessary rewrites. The article "How to Find a Good Editor" by Emily Nemchick, found on this very blog, offers good straightforward advice.
Richard Risemberg, the author of the guest post, is a writer who has survived long enough to become either a respected elder or a tedious old fart, and is still at it. His novels can be found at Crow Tree Books.
For more advice and lists of professional editors-for-hire, you can refer to the article "Where to Find a Self-Published Book Editor" on the Self-Publishing Review website.
Books can provide valuable insights on genre-specific expectations during the self-publishing process. To broaden your understanding, consider reading books written or edited by professionals who have experience in your chosen genre.
Moreover, the world of entertainment extends beyond novels; it also encompasses the diverse editing expertise available for self-published books. Thus, finding the right entertainment-focused editor is essential for polishing your self-published work.
