Annoyingkid
Banned
If the editor is better than you, then why are they editors and not successful writers?
If the editor is better than you, then why are they editors and not successful writers?
Because editing and writing are different skills.
Let me help you with an analogy, do you think Tom Brady's QB coach (Josh McDaniels) is a better QB than Tom Brady?
I am curious, have you ever spoken to a very successful writer about the importance or role of their editor?
Or perhaps you were just trolling with that question and I have fallen into your trap?
A good editor can minimize the flaws and make the strengths shine because they have an objective viewpoint of the work.
I was replying to someone else who said it.
You and the prior poster keep bringing up sports. It doesn't matter how knowledagable or skilled you are at a sport if you're too old to play it. No one expects a coach who is clearly too old, to be able to play the sport at that level. Writing and editing are not activities that rely on youth in the same way. Saying the editor is better than you is ludicrous. It's just a different perspective that's all. Better than you at what? Finding grammar mistakes? Grammar programs can do that very easily. Fixing problems in your own story? How about no. Editors and writers are not in competition in any way. Editors are there if writers feel they need that boost. But if a writer knows exactly what they want, paying for an editor is senseless. If a publisher wants to assign you one then great.
Except they often don't. Friends, all too often, want to soften the blow. An editor doesn't. A related maxim is that you don't hire your friends as attorneys because they too are too close to the situation to be at their absolute best. The relationship should be fairly arm's length and professional, in my estimation.Writing groups have objective viewpoints of the work. Beta readers. Friends. Who don't charge you.
Writing groups have objective viewpoints of the work. Beta readers. Friends. Who don't charge you.
Now I know you are trolling.
Age has nothing to do with it. McDaniels and others at any age were never as good athletes as the people they coach. There are reasons for that, but I suspect you aren't interested in learning about coaching theory.
I am quite confident in saying:
a) "Most professional editors are better at editing than most authors" and
b) "Using a good quality editor greatly enhances the possibility of success of selling your work either to a publisher or to the public."
I notice you never did answer the question about if you had ever spoken to a successful writer about their editor(s).
a) "Most professional editors are better at editing than most authors"
b) "Using a good quality editor greatly enhances the possibility of success of selling your work either to a publisher or to the public."
Troll? Are you a freelance editor is that it?
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They're not necessary to sell a work to a publisher. In between modern grammar and spellcheck programs, writers groups, writing forums, beta readers, you don't need to pay an editor before you submit. If your story has problems an editor can fix then the publisher's editor will fix it. I've listened to freelance editors and heard what they can and can't do. I'm not against successful writers having their editor assigned to them and using them. I'm against paying for it out of pocket. Now if a self published writer wants pay them and can afford it, hell, do what you want with your money. But for people who struggle, don't feel like you have to have one. You don't. You know your story best, you know where the problems are, any uncertainty, use the internet, use your writing group, use the feedback from beta readers and do some research.
If you’re submitting for traditional publication, a self-hired editor is more of the optional, competitive-edge tool we’re talking about here. You could self-edit, get beta readers, and count on an assigned editor by the publishing house. You still need to win over an agent (or win the lottery) and having a professionally-edited work could help that.
When I feel I’ve got the right novel, I’d be happy to throw down a bunch of money on it. I want my books to be the best they can be. But my first novel? I’m not sure yet…