Books need polishing. Before any writing goes public, it must pass through the editing stage. Editing makes for a flawless reading experience. Imagine skimming through the first two pages of a book, only to find several typographical errors and grammatical mistakes. Not a good experience! This is where editing your book becomes important. To manage a small budget, some new authors choose to self-edit their books. However, self-editing can be detrimental to the finished product.
If you are wondering how to get the best editor for your book, you are in the right place. Here are 4 qualities to consider when looking for a great editor
1. Understand the editor’s specialty
There are several types of editing. They include;
- Developmental editing: A developmental editor helps with the overall structure of the book. From the character development to the plotting of the story, a developmental editor handles it all.
- Copyediting: A copy editor also does a similar job with the developmental editor. They look out for grammatical errors and ensure the style and tone of a story.
- Proofreading: A proofreader does the last editing job. They spot any technical errors or spelling errors in the text.
Decide on which editor to pick depending on your writing needs.
2. Look out for the professional experience of the editor
When hiring an editor, check their qualifications. Ask for references and testimonials if possible. Find out the kinds of projects they have done and see if they match with yours. If they do not, ask for a sample edit for your work to test their skills. When you are satisfied, hire them.
3. Make sure your interests are similar
A good editor might deliver any project well. However, a great editor is remarkable. The difference between both is that a great editor understands the central message of your books and relates to them deeply. Establishing a good relationship with a great editor makes the editing process simpler.
4. Research the cost of hiring an editor
If you have decided on the editor to hire, ask them about their rates. Also, do a quick research about their services and compare with their offer. This clears out any form of doubt or disagreements that may arise in the future.
Once you are clear about the cost of hiring an editor, you can budget accordingly and work on your book. These steps will take you further when looking for an editor.
Want to hire a book editor?
Begin your book editing journey with us from start to the finish. Send us an email at admin@chowilson.com to know more about our services.
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