AliceBaine
Dreamer
Hey everyone,
I've finally reached a point in my book where I've done all the editing I can do myself. As much as I want to say it's good enough, everything I've read says you have to get a professional editor to review your book.
I'm leaning towards self-publishing, and have been using Reedsy's marketplace to find an editor.
This is the graph Reedsy has to help you pinpoint what type of editor you should look for.
Originally I thought I needed a copy editor, but I recently spoke to a friend who works as an editor for Harper Collins. She was insistent on saying that you need to start with a developmental editor as that's what all accepted manuscripts go to first in the traditional field.
The editors I've spoken to already (copy editors) have said my book looks to be in great shape, and is ready for the copy editing stage. But I'm a little hesitant they're just pumping my tires in the hopes of landing a job.
Anyone have any sage advice on finding/working with editors when self-publishing? Do you go for a developmental editor, or skip straight to the copy editing?
Deep down, I think I'm afraid a developmental editor is going to try and restructure my entire book, yet at the same time I'm worried I'm too emotionally invested in my book to spot what might need changing/improving. Then there's the financial aspect of paying for multiple editors.
It's a very overwhelming stage in publishing a book. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I've finally reached a point in my book where I've done all the editing I can do myself. As much as I want to say it's good enough, everything I've read says you have to get a professional editor to review your book.
I'm leaning towards self-publishing, and have been using Reedsy's marketplace to find an editor.
This is the graph Reedsy has to help you pinpoint what type of editor you should look for.
Editorial assessment | Developmental editing | Copy editing | Proofreading |
---|---|---|---|
Manuscript evaluation | Develop your book from bare concept or first draft | Brings completed manuscript drafts to a more professional level | Final editing before publication |
A one-off report on all aspects of the manuscript | Major restructuring | Consistency | Grammar |
Good first step if you are unsure what you need | Clarify concepts | Attention to style / tone | Spelling |
Improve characterization | Fact-checking | Punctuation | |
Assess plot | Grammar | Usage / diction | |
Development focus on craft | Punctuation | Error-free | |
Improve accuracy | Usage / diction | ||
Learn more | Learn more | Learn more | Learn more |
Originally I thought I needed a copy editor, but I recently spoke to a friend who works as an editor for Harper Collins. She was insistent on saying that you need to start with a developmental editor as that's what all accepted manuscripts go to first in the traditional field.
The editors I've spoken to already (copy editors) have said my book looks to be in great shape, and is ready for the copy editing stage. But I'm a little hesitant they're just pumping my tires in the hopes of landing a job.
Anyone have any sage advice on finding/working with editors when self-publishing? Do you go for a developmental editor, or skip straight to the copy editing?
Deep down, I think I'm afraid a developmental editor is going to try and restructure my entire book, yet at the same time I'm worried I'm too emotionally invested in my book to spot what might need changing/improving. Then there's the financial aspect of paying for multiple editors.
It's a very overwhelming stage in publishing a book. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!