So You Want to Find an Editor
Okay, imagine this, your book is as polished as you can get it. Your brain is fried and you’ve read it 1015 times. You have it practically memorized. Is it ready for an editor and how does editing a book work?
You know that it needs something. Are the characters developed enough? Do you have point of view errors? Is the plot exciting enough? Is it clear enough?
An editor can always help with that. There are several options for editors. Let’s go over each one!
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing is one of my favorites! A developmental editor will look at the big picture things. How are the character arcs? Does the dialog increase tension and move the plot along? What is the main character’s goal? What’s stopping them from getting their goal? How’s that pacing?
A developmental editor will take your book up a level or two. They will help you take that brand new book baby and polish up, strengthen it, tighten the plot and make it even more amazing.
A good developmental editor will stay true to your vision for the book. They will help you take your ideas and make them even better.
Line Editor
The line between a line editor and a
developmental editor can be a bit blurry, but a line editor looks at the individual lines of the story. They focus on the flow. The point out areas where perhaps the words are a bit jumbled or the plot could be clearer. They smooth out the individual bumps.
A good line editor will stay true to your voice. They will help you make your voice as clear as possible.
Copy Editing
These editors are the true champions of the writing world. They are the wranglers of commas. They confirm hyphens and double check spelling. Their job is to make sure all your proverbial ducks are in a row.
A good copy editor knows the rules. They also know when to break the rules because even the best writing rules could be bent a little in the right situation. Story comes before mechanics, but it has to be planned, not an accident.
Stay tuned for more advice on how to find the right editor for you!
Need an editor right away? Check out Editorial Freelancers Association
