OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
I believe that every author taking indie publishing seriously needs one or more editors. The biggest criticism we face is the so called ‘lack of quality' issue, which is easily combated by professional editing. With new technology giving everyone the opportunity to become an author, guest writer Matt Gartland examines why having an editor is more important today than ever before.
Indie authors need a serious competitive advantage to earn respect and win readers' hearts and minds. Without one, the odds of tilting the indie author playing field in their favor to attract eyeballs, establish credibility and gain loyal readers are impossibly stacked against them.
So what's a smart indie author to do?
Change the game and improve the odds by teaming up with a professional editor. Why?
Because the role of editor is undergoing a metamorphosis just as the role of author. They're companions living in the same new book economy ecosystem alive with common causes and ideals. And when you consider a professional indie editor's complementary skill sets and points of view, the net competitive advantage they offer indie authors is plain to see.
Let's break down how valuable an editor can be to an indie author.
1. Overcome the amateur stigma.
Indie authors have earned an amateurish reputation. The deluge of underdeveloped books rushed into the marketplace fuels this stereotype. As Seth Godin puts it, “When you make it such that anyone can publish a book, which is where we are now, then anyone will publish a book. Which means that the vast majority of books are going to be junk.”
While true for many, this stereotype need not be true for you. Recruiting a professional editor onto your team is a surefire way to escape this stigma.
But it's not automatic. You'll have to work hard. That's the point.
Collaborating with an editor showcases how serious you take your work. Serious work always yields serious results. You'll benefit from constructive critiques. You'll be challenged to write smarter and re-write better. A good editor pushes you on all fronts: your book's nature and structure as well as your writing style.
Here's the big secret: being indie and professional aren't mutually exclusive qualities. You can be both. In fact, given current trends, you need to be both if you're playing to surpass the competition, earn respect, and win readers' hearts and minds.
2. Gain confidence in your book and self.
Self-doubt is the deadliest threat to an author’s work and well being. It decays your confidence, which causes chaos within your manuscript and mind. That leads to any number of unfortunate outcomes including lazy books casually published, incoherent messages that don't stick or spread, or promising books that wither and die on the vine.
Good editors inoculate you from such anarchy.
They leverage honesty to validate and build upon your good ideas. They employ toughness to mercilessly nuke your bad ideas before they metastasize like the cancerous cells that they are. They help anchor your book's premise and orient its direction, steering you in a controlled fashion toward a more considered, professional horizon.
Mind you, professional editors aren't woo-woo cheerleaders; first and foremost, they are stalwart sidekicks that see your potential and push you to unleash it. Legendary editor Robert Gottlieb puts it thus: “A good editor responses to the strengths and needs of the writer. Sometimes, if the writer is particularly strong, that’s just offering encouragement.”
3. Protect your blindside.
Blindsides. We all have them and fear them. And for good reason. Left unguarded, blind spots spawn blemishes, gaffes, mistakes and other agents of chaos.
In writing/storytelling terms, we're talking about open loops that don't close, unbalanced character development, monotone voice, imprecise language, embarrassing grammar mistakes, awkward transitions, stiff messages, and insufferable detail.
Such blindsides are often invisible to writers as they're too close to their writing to see them. Worse, they're prone to apply equal weight to all their writing, believing that every word, phrase, and paragraph is of equal importance.
Good editors serve as strong defenders and reality checks against these insidious forces.
Through skilled line and copy editing, they transform ugly manuscripts fat on modifiers into striking stories fit with decisive language. And through developmental editing, they, as Gottlieb says, “get inside the text and instinctively understand the terms and the vocabulary of the writer, and make changes in those terms and that vocabulary.”
Porter Anderson puts it more bluntly: “People who chafe and complain about good editing are too shortsighted (or too naïve) to understand that what is changed or cut out is never missed by the reader. … As soon as I got hold of that idea – that the missing is not missed – I’d learned to love good editors.”
4. Prosper from competitive intelligence.
A new breed of editor is emerging in the new book economy. Driven to understand innovative technologies, publishing strategies, marketing concepts, and distribution channels, this new editor is more than an editor – he's an editor/producer hybrid.
This advanced form of editor researches and analyzes self-publishing trends like a detective investigating a case. He talks with accomplished authors, self-published and traditional both, as well as literary agents, book designers, publishing mavens, new media theorists and other thought-leaders in the publishing revolution.
Allying with such an editor provides you with a wealth of industry intelligence that many other indie authors may not have access to. From crowdfunding books to profitable book launch know-how, this knowledge is ultra-advantageous to the indie author seeking to wisely navigate the new book economy.
You should self-identify with this hybrid nature and value its usefulness. As an smart indie author, you wear the hats of writer, marketer, publisher, and more. Teaming up with others that are multi-talented and specialized will only further slant the playing field in your favor.
5. Enjoy shared prosperity.
Gottlieb once said about editing, “My impulse to make things good, and to make good things better, is almost ungovernable. I suppose it’s lucky I found a wholesome outlet for it.”
Great professional editors share this sentiment down to their core. As such, your motivations are their motivations. Your readers are their readers. Your success is their success. Your dream is their dream, namely to produce the best book possible, no exceptions.
This ethos transcends book genre, format, even publishing model. Gottlieb, for one, was an editor with traditional publishers. However, I sense that this spirit is coming alive in new and amazing ways in the throws of the publishing revolution.
Now, independent editors co-creating directly with authors have more reason than ever to share intentions. That yields stronger, closer relationships and fuels greater shared prosperity. Such editors don't have traditional publishing employers to fall back on or use as excuses. They're on the front lines with you. That's a very good thing for you.
What's your advantage?
Professional editors aren't the only competitive advantage available to indie authors. But they're a top choice by many of the most talented and successful, Joanna included. She recently said “If you get a pro editor, and take their advice, your book will improve beyond anything you could imagine.”
Ultimately, you must choose how best to compete in our highly competitive new book economy. For what it's worth, Seth Godin offers this advice: “Pay for an eidtor editor. Not just to fix the typos, but to actually make your ramblings into something that people will choose to read.”
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1 2 3 4 Next »A very nice write up, Matt
I've certainly learnt recently that i will need at least one editor if my book will ever see the light of day
If the standard of the self-pub is to get taken seriously then it needs to become of the indie author mantra
Matt (Turndog Millionaire)
Thanks Matt for the comment. Glad that we share a mind on the subject.
Good luck with your book project!
Best,
Matt
"the throws of the publishing revolution" -- wouldn't you like that to be "throes"?
(Feel free to delete this comment. I wouldn't normally be so pedantic, but errors in articles on editing always make me wince.)
Thanks Sarah. We'll resolve soon. Hope you're well :)
Thanks Sarah - and I will leave this in - as it demonstrates that
1) we all need editors - as we can't edit our own work
2) blogging is a form of natural expression that is not a published work and so can be more relaxed. I use a hybrid of US and British spelling as well as colloquialisms and other things that wouldn't be in a polished document. I also think it is critical for bloggers to be able to post quickly and with original expression, without being completely concerned about typos.
I really appreciate the quality of guest post that Matt provided - thanks Matt!
I agree. I wrote a simple ebook for people thinking about self-publishing, and I think hiring a professional editor is an absolute must. You can learn to do most of the other tasks but you need a professional to edit a serious publication.
I read a number of $1.99 and $2.99 mysteries. Most I will never buy the same author again, and the biggest problem editing, though poor stories and writing are close behind. So I go back to my tried and true authors and pay $7.99 or I buy used.
I'm seeing a lot of that behavior - readers choosing to pay more for books from authors they know and trust. I sense this is the publishing pendulum beginning to swing back toward the carefully constructed books that may take a bit longer to produce.
Thanks for sharing!
Matt
I agree with this and personally, I definitely trust that books priced higher are more 'quality', However, this doesn't gel with rankings which definitely slip when price goes up. I have recently raised my own fiction prices to $2.99 for the first book and $4.99 for the second in the series. My ranking has slipped but the income is about the same. I struggle with this pricing issue though, as do all indies!
Hiring an editor is a great idea. Although some people may wince at the price I think editors are generally underpaid if you consider the level of education that's required and how hard they work. (I have worked as a book editor myself, but no longer. I now coach writers who want to produce books or other types of writing.)
Good editors do work a ton. They're arm-and-arm with the writer throughout the process. I agree that, generally speaking, their value remains under appreciated. Hopefully this is changing as more indie authors strive to stand out, get noticed and attract loyal readerships.
Best!
Matt
Editors are definitely underpaid but unfortunately, they are also undervalued. I think editors who have testimonials from well known authors can charge more though.
Some of my absolute favorite clients are indie authors; they're so passionate about their work! I would tell a new author to look for an editor who has experience with both mainstream publishing houses (because that's the best place to cut your teeth) AND with indie authors (because your needs are different).
Good thoughts Allena! The more diverse experiences the better.
Hello Joanna, once again you've shared a compelling post. It's good to have you around. Your thrillers definitely thrill and your writing advice is always spot on.
After years of technical writing I understand the value of professional editing.
As someone not so experienced writing fiction, I appreciate the advice even more!
Matt,
I know you get what you pay for... But How much should a good editor cost?
Non-fiction.
Thanks,
Ryan H.
There are some prices on this page http://www.thecreativepenn.com/editors/ and Matt has information about his pricing here http://winningedits.com/book-editing/
It's 6c per word.
Hi Ryan,
Depends upon the level of editing your interested in. If it's only copy editing, then a lower price point (either per-word or per-hour) can be expected. If it's more strategic developmental editing, then it will be higher.
Some editors provide all levels of editing - developmental, line and copy - which is what I do.
Anywhere between $.04 and $.10 per-word (depending on your needs) is fair for an above average to good editor, higher for elite editors.
Hope that helps.
Matt
I agree with much that was written here, however, a lot of the most important information is missing.
How much should an indie author expect to pay?
What are the criteria for good editor?
How can you interview an editor so that you get your money's worth?
Are editors willing to work for a percentage of sales?
Many indie authors face the situation of being hesitant of investing lots of money upfront in addition to the time they spent writing the novel. More specific information please.
Hi TG, we obviously can't cover everything in one post and Matt has a lot more on his site. There have been a number of editing posts here over time - you can find some of them here as well as interviews with editors
http://www.thecreativepenn.com/editors/
That covers how much different editors are (Matt is 6c per word as above) and also criteria for a good editor. Yes, definitely interview editors and see if they are a fit for you. Many of them also choose projects that interest them so you may also get turned away by a busy editor. I haven't heard of any editors who would work for % of sales. That would be more of a joint venture. You can always ask though!
Hi T.G.
All good questions. Thank you! As Joanna said, we couldn't tackle everything in one article. Hopefully this article anchors the main themes and orients a line of thinking that engenders further research and learning.
Joanna does have several quality articles here about editing and/or with editors. I linked to a few in the article.
A good way to approach an editor is to provide a segment from your manuscript and ask for an editorial review. That way you can get a feel for the editor's approach/process to editing as well as some initial constructive critiques.
For criteria, here's a short list:
* Levels of editing: developmental, line and/or copy
* Niche of material: non-fiction, non-fiction [specific niche], fiction, fiction YA, etc.
* Referrals and/or recommendations
The "work for a percentage of sales" is a model that is beginning to be experimented with by some editors. It's a big risk on their part for a first time author. But for those authors that are more established and/or have a larger audience, then that model may work.
Ultimately, look around and compare options. It's okay to ping a few editors to compare and contrast what levels of editing they do and how they approach the process.
Hope that helps.
Matt
Here is a good source for realistic pay rates: http://www.the-efa.org/res/rates.php
A good editor for an indie author will have experience in both indie and regular, because of the reasons I gave above. Other criteria other than experience is that they are approachable, communicate well, and have excellent references (which show that they can truly undertake an edit).
Interview: well, to know you get your money's worth, see the above. But an interview should focus on you being comfortable with the editor.
No, professional editors won't work for a percentage of sales. However, they will be willing to take a down payment (portion) and then a final payment, or even more spread out.
Investing money upfront
Oops, hit send too fast. Investing money upfront is the trip up in ANY business venture!!
Matt,
I just checked out your website regarding prices.
However, for an 80,000 work novel x 6 cents, $4,800 is a lot of money.
This seems like a steep price to pay for an indie author, and unlikely for most to break even. This pricing automatically eliminates most people, doesn't it?
Hi again T.G.
I don't discount that, per the hypothetical scenario you describe, such an investment isn't significant. It is. But so to is the time and effort of a good editor to undertake such a project.
You can certainly find cheap editors, though I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for.
My price point includes all levels of editing: developmental, line and copy. When you consider that range of effort, then my price is absolutely fair. Certainly do look around, as I advised before. Joanna's editors page is a great place to start. You'll find different models there. You can then compare and contrast.
Keep in mind that some options are editorial factories (for what of a better word), where you may not know up front which editor you'll be assigned. Others are personalized editing studios run by single or very few editors. That's what mine is, for example.
Finally, all smart businesses do use price to a certain extent to filter an ocean of possible clients into their "ideal" target clients. No business - services-based or product-based - can appeal to all customers. Price helps to distinguish this.
I hope these expanded thoughts prove useful.
Thanks again for your questions.
Matt