Editing is like pruning the rose bush you thought was so perfect and beautiful until it overgrew the garden. (Larry Enright)
Working out what you need
For many authors, publishing a book can be a daunting and confusing prospect. In theory, it can involve a wide variety of stages, including: planning; first draft; literary consultancy; book coaching; book doctoring; structural editing; beta read; authenticity read; copy-editing services; final draft; design; proofreading … and all before eventual publication.
A book may need all, most, or just a few of the above. But no two books will ever need the same level of intervention.
Why might you need professional input?
Whatever the ultimate goal for your work, a professional fiction editor can assist with the aspects of your text that are likely to be the most troublesome, so that you have an opportunity to consider and address them before continuing on your publishing journey.
make sure your writing is fit for publication, self-publishing or submission
ensure that your story is clear and easily understood
check your text is correct and consistent
recognize where your work succeeds and where it could be improved
circumvent unnecessary and avoidable criticism
Related literary consultancy services can also:
provide feedback on big-picture issues (plot, characters, pacing, etc.)
contextualize and clarify where your material fits in the wider publishing world
adapt your text for specific readerships
fix problematic areas of text
Choosing the right service
A good editor will not force an author to buy lots of expensive services they don’t need. They will look at your text, discuss where your text would benefit most from some help, explain why, then allow you to decide what is right for your book.
Most importantly, a good editor is invisible and will use their expertise, qualifications and experience so your text can achieve its full potential and speak for itself.
Unsure what you need, or if you even need editing services? Advice is free, so why not contact me and find out more?
All images courtesy of www.freepix.com
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