Your Story, Only Better

You have been working on your story for months now, maybe even a year.  You have your characters clearly defined, your plot and structure are solid, and you have a strong beginning, no sagging middle, and a solid conclusion.  You are ready to publish, right?

Not so fast.  I have published eight books, and every one of them is better because I had a good editor.

What kind of editor do you need?
There are several kinds of editing.  You may need a developmental editor to restructure the book, make it consistant in tone, or even ghost write the book.  You may need light line editing to fix grammar and punctuation, do fact checking and clean up format and style.  Know what you need and ask for it, because an editor may not do both.

Does the editor help you get a publisher?
Editors generally specialize in a certain genre, and they are probably aware of trends in that genre.  They may be aware which traditional publisher is seeking a book like yours.  But an editor is not an agent.  An agent represents your book to publishers to help you get a book deal.

Won't the publisher edit the book?
If you have a contract with a traditional publisher, they have selected the manuscript because it needs only light editing.  They will provide light editing as part of your book contract.  If you are planning to self-publish, you will need to hire a freelance editor.

Can my friend, mother, associate edit the book?
It may be helpful for you in the process of writing your book to have a trusted friend or relative read it.  Their comments can help you to know if what is in your head is coming out as it should on the printed page.  If you are lucky enough to have someone with great editing skills among your relatives, all the better.  But if you are asking someone to edit, not just read the manuscript, you should pay them for their work.

How do you find a freelance editor?
If you have decided to self-publish your book,using Lulu or CreateSpace you can pay them for help with cover creation, formatting, and editing services.  They will get an isbn for your book and also offer marketing help. You may also find a freelance editor who is independent by doing a careful internet search.  Be sure to ask for references or titles that they have edited so you can decide if the editor is right for this book.

An editor will do wonders for your book.  Your diamond in the rough will truly shine.  It will make the book more professional.  You have worked a long time on this story, so you want it to have the best possible chance to succeed.

Are you ready to publish?  Share your story, only better?  Good luck with your project.