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Increase Your Success Ratio:
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Editor
By Christine Cristiano
A common reason for a manuscript rejection is a lack of
proofreading and editing skills exhibited by the writer.
With the competitive climate of the freelance writing
community, hiring a professional editor can make the
difference in your work being accepted or filed away for
eternity.
The Editor is Your Friend
Most writers think of an editor as a faceless entity whose
sole purpose is to mercilessly slash your prose until only
a few scattered words remain on the page. However, if you
hire an editor and he succeeds in making your prose more
presentable, professional and marketable – your editor will
become your best ally.
The Editor’s Job
An editor’s job is varied ranging from straight proofreading
and copyediting to more complex forms of editing. A
proofreader will check for typos, misspellings, and
punctuation whereas a copyeditor makes corrections to grammar,
punctuation, sentence structure, style, cross referencing,
fact checking and style formatting per the Chicago Manual
of Style, MLA* or APA**. A substantive edit is more in-
depth; the editor will proofread, copyedit, eliminate
wordiness and jargon, and recommend changes to improve the
clarity and readability of the piece. A developmental editor
works with the writer from initial project concept including
preliminary drafts, information organization, and structuring
of the manuscript.
The Money Factor
Many writers, regardless of experience, are often reluctant
to hire a professional editor due to the cost factor. Yes,
an editor’s services will cut into your profit margin but it’s
a necessary expense if you’re planning on submitting your
manuscript to a high-end publication or book publisher. This
is not to say that your submissions to lower paying markets
aren’t worthy of an editor’s eye; however, it doesn’t make
financial sense to hire an editor for an article that’s
targeted for a $20 payout. In this case, you might seek the
services of a writer friend or critique group.
An editor’s rate will vary depending on the type of service
to be performed, manuscript length, and complexity of the
manuscript. According to the Editorial Freelancers Association,
an editor’s rates are $20-$35/hour for proofreading and basic
editing, $25-$50/hour for substantive editing and $32-$60 for
developmental editing.
Finding a Reputable Editor
An Internet search of the term ‘editor’ will produce hundreds
of prospective candidates but beware as not all contenders are
created equal. Ideally, a professional editor who advertises
as such has some qualifications behind the title such as a
degree in journalism or related discipline and practical
experience. However, some writers become proficient editors
although their educational background may not reflect it so
don’t be quick to dismiss these qualified candidates. Also,
consider some excellent editors are not writers but possess an
incredible knack for rules of grammar and style.
To ensure that an editor is creditable and experienced:
--Request a copy of the editor’s resume or CV. Check for any
membership in associations such as Editorial Freelancers
Association (US) or Editors' Association of Canada and visit
the association’s website to verify that the editor is a member
in good standing.
--Ask for references of previous clients and scout around for
references from sources other than those provided by the editor.
Ask a local writer’s group for referrals or post a request on a
writing forum.
--Request a list of verifiable projects and samples that the
editor has completed. If the editor is hesitant to provide you
with any details of their expertise, move on to to another
candidate.
--When you find an editor who is compatible with your project,
request a written contract outlining the work to be performed
and the pay rate
--When submitting your manuscript to a literary agent or
publisher, a reputable organization wouldn’t require you to
have your work professionally edited for a fee. Furthermore,
be wary if you’re required to use their services instead of an
independent editing service.
A professional editor is a worthy expenditure and can become
one of the best resources to help you on your publishing journey.
*Modern Language Association of America
**American Psychological Association
The Editorial Freelancers Association
http://www.the-efa.org
Editors’ Association of Canada
www.editors.ca
BIO
Christine Cristiano hangs her hat in Ontario, Canada. Her
work has appeared in hundreds of print and online publications
throughout Canada and the US. Please visit her website at:
www.freewebs.com/christinecristiano
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