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Publish It Write: Publishing and Writing Tips for Independent Authors

This Month: What a Good Content Editor Can Do For You

By Pat MacEnulty

For self-publishers, finding a good editor is essential. But they aren't the only ones who can use the services of a freelance editor. Almost anyone who is working on a lengthy manuscript needs help organizing, crafting and fine tuning. Some people find that help in a writing group. Others may have another writer to help them, but a lot of writers don't have those resources or else they prefer professional, objective advice.

The type of editing to which I am referring is "content editing." A content editor looks at what you are saying and how you are saying it. Although she will correct grammar mistakes and typos, her main job is to help you organize the structure of the book, figure out what needs clarification or development and decide what needs to be condensed or deleted.

Good content editors are not generally found in the yellow pages; however, many can be found on the internet-so many in fact that you may find the choice mind-boggling. Editors are often specialists or prefer certain genres. The best way to find the right one for you is to ask other writers who have published a book similar to yours.

If you can't find an editor through word of mouth, then start searching the internet. Your editor does not need to be close to home. Editing can be done easily via email, postal mail and phone conversations. In fact, I have never met most of my clients.

What should you look for in an editor? The most important quality in a good editor is that she preserves the integrity of your voice and your message or story while helping you make your writing clear and understandable. When I edited LeChristine Hai's beautiful memoir, In the Arms of Grace, I needed to be careful to keep LeChristine's speech patterns in place. Because LeChristine is from Vietnam, she has a special cadence in her speaking voice. It was important to her that her writing reflect her identity as a Vietnamese-American. Yet it was also crucial that her American readers understand her writing and not trip over awkward or unusual phrasings. We achieved that fine balance, and her memoir went on to win praise from readers and awards from critics.

Your editor should be honest with you, and it's important that you trust the feedback. If your book isn't working right yet, you need to know it before you invest more time and money. And if the editor can't figure out how to get you on track, he needs to tell you so you can decide whether to find another editor or find another pastime.

Your relationship with your editor will be wonderful if the editor loves your book. Ask a prospective editor about her specialty. Does she edit novels? Self-help books? Memoirs? Speculative fiction? Be sure to find out who her clients are. Is your book similar to theirs? Freelance editors often have an extensive resume listing other professional activities (teaching, writing, etc.) that can give you insight into their personal preferences and abilities.

How much should you pay for an editor? For content editing, the Writer's Market suggests anywhere from $800 (low) to $6,000 at the high end for the whole project. Some editors charge an hourly rate, but you should ask for an estimate of how many hours before deciding to go with an hourly rate. I think a project rate makes the job simpler for everyone.

It may be that you are concerned about costs. If you think you have found the perfect editor, let him or her know your budget for editing. Some may be willing to lower their rates or accept a portion of the payment at a later date, especially if your project is not too time consuming.

Let your editor know up front what you would like him to do. Do you want him to make comments and corrections on a hard copy and return it to you so that you can make changes? Or would you like the editor to make the changes directly onto a computer document? Many editors like to work from a hard copy (it's easier on the eyes) but then are willing to make their changes or comments on a computer file once they've read the hard copy version. With the editing options in today's word processing programs, you can even see the changes and decide whether or not to accept them.

The editor-writer relationship can be a profoundly rewarding part of the creative process. Many great writers have acknowledged the invaluable help of a supportive and insightful editor. A good editor is not just someone sitting behind a desk, marking up your manuscript with a red pen. A good editor is someone who sees the hidden gems in your writing and helps polish them so they are visible to everyone.

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Pat MacEnulty is the author of a novel and a forthcoming short story collection published by Serpent's Tail Press of London. She has owned and operated Expert Writing Services, Inc. since Oct. 2000, and has worked as a freelance editor since 1990. Her website is www.yourbookeditor.com.