As an author, you know that writing is hard work. You spend hours crafting your sentences, perfecting your characters, and weaving your plot. But even the best writers can benefit from a little help from a creative editor.
As book editors we’ve seen it all. We’ve seen manuscripts that are well-written but lack a compelling story, and we’ve seen manuscripts with a great story but are poorly structured. In our experience, the story is always more important than the structure.
A well-told story can make up for a structural flaw. A reader will forgive a few plot holes or pacing issues if they’re invested in the characters and the plot. However, a poorly told story will never be saved by a good structure.
That’s where creative editing comes in. Creative editing is an editorial process that revolves around improving the ‘big-picture’ and overall quality of the manuscript, guiding the author’s vision, and enhancing the story’s potential to connect with the reader.
Unlike copy or line editing, creative editing is not just concerned with correcting grammar, spelling, or punctuation alone. Instead, it seeks to make suggestions that improve the quality, depth, and emotional resonance of the story.
What is Creative Editing?
Creative editing is a type of editing that focuses on improving the overall quality of a manuscript. It goes beyond just correcting grammar and spelling errors to help authors strengthen their characters, develop their plot, and refine their style.
At its core, creative editing is about collaboration. It is an opportunity for authors to work closely with an editor to gain new insights into their work. By bringing a fresh perspective to the table and taking the time to understand what the author is trying to achieve, our editors can provide constructive feedback that helps to enhance and elevate your manuscript.
Why Hire a Creative Editor?
Here are a some reasons why authors should hire a creative editor…
Improved Quality
A good creative editor can help you to improve the overall quality of your manuscript. They will identify and correct any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. They will also help you to strengthen your characters, develop your plot, and refine your writing style.
Increased Chances of Publication
A well-edited manuscript is more likely to be picked up by a publisher or literary agent. This is because a polished manuscript shows that you are a serious writer who is committed to your craft.
More Time to Write
Let’s face it, writing is hard work. If you’re spending all your time editing, it can be hard to find time to write. A creative editor can help you to free up your time so that you can focus on what you do best which is writing!
Find a Creative Editor
Creative editing can help to lift an author out of writer’s block or address any issues with pacing, plot or structure. Many authors experience writer’s block, particularly when working on long projects, and creative editing can act as a stimulus to reignite creative flow by providing a sounding board for new ideas and an objective perspective on the manuscript.
It is important to note that the creative editing process is not a quick fix. It is a collaborative and time-intensive process that requires authors to be open-minded and receptive to feedback. A high-quality editor will bring their unique perspective and insights to any manuscript and ask pointed questions that challenge the author’s concepts. As such, it may take several rounds of revision before a manuscript is ready for submission or publication.
To reap the full benefits of creative editing, authors should work with an experienced editor who understands the nuances of the publishing process and genre-specific storytelling. It is important to choose an editor whose skills align with your manuscript’s genre and voice to ensure that their feedback is informed, insightful and serves the manuscript’s intended purpose.
Reasons to Hire Us for Creative Editing:
Experienced editors with expertise in a variety of genres. Detailed reports with feedback on plot, character development, dialogue, and pacing. Multiple rounds of revisions until the author is satisfied.
Here’s what our authors had to say..
- Jennifer B.
Thank you so much. This feedback was extremely helpful and I think it will be crucial in assisting me to tell the story I want. I greatly appreciate it! Sincerely,
Jennifer Byrd - Jennifer B.
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- Patricia L.
I took a quick read of the report yesterday and will focus in today. It appears I have a lot of work to do to create a book people will buy.
Appreciate the honesty.
Patricia - Patricia L.
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- John D.
That’s terrific, exactly what I was hoping for (would have been better if I’d sent the final edit version). I would like to purchase another $110 worth in a couple of weeks, if available.
John Dawson. - John D.
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- Bert O.
I have just started book 4 of this series so I will certainly use your pointers! - Bert O.
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- Peter B.
Thank you so much for your manuscript assessment. Very interesting and helpful to read it from the perspective of a professional. I agree with your advice. As I said in my draft submission letter I have spent a large part of my life writing and delivering humorous material as I seem to find much of what people find important to be in fact open to a humorous interpretation. Once again many thanks. Kindest personal regards. Peter - Peter B.
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- Terry M.
Very helpful, I'll read through your edits a few times and may step into Gus' shoes as you suggest and try the three act - although I have possible further incursions in mind for a second book, if I ever write one. Wish me luck, it was all OK when I was writing for family and friends and children's books for grandchildren - who will be gentle with feedback - and when I made the foray into a novel I knew I was not well positioned - I really did write it for a circle of people who would be used to and appreciated my sense of humour and 'who cares about structure' etc. But I will move outside that circle and rewrite. You have been helpful in giving me that kick. Regards, Terry. - Terry M.
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- Claire C.
Thanks so much for you assessment. I have to confess, you were far more positive about my writing than I was expecting!
I have read through the assessment a couple of times and I am about to work my way through the Word version.
I was not surprised by your notes on the opening. It has been haunting me through every edit. Who knew the first line would be the most challenging. Thank you for your thoughts, I will see what I can do to make it more compelling/inviting.
It was also good for you to pick out the section I did on the vows. If you can believe it, it was a lot worse! I went on a crazy tangent, even played around with an illustration. I felt like a blog was inserted into the chapter, but I kept it in because I was trying to show in the reality of vows an entertaining way. I shall remove it happily and explore other ways of making my point.
For now, I have lots to do and I am looking forward to diving back into the manuscript with some direction and perspective from you.
Thanks again. It was really wonderful to read your encouraging words. This was very much a personal challenge for me - to write a story that had been dancing around in my mind for a few years. Knowing it wasn’t a total turd spurs me on to have a go at a second one.
Cheers
Claire - Claire C.
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- Anni T.
Thank you so much for the quick turnaround on your beta read! Your report was very insightful and will help a lot in understanding a reader's perspective. I am so glad the story came together for you - that alone is extremely helpful. Yes, the subject matter is dark, which is always difficult when trying to write a story that is entertaining! I have lines that I won't cross, esp. when it comes to writing about children. I think writing for shock value is a race to the bottom. I'll go back and work on the dialogue that is stilted/unrealistic - yes, it would be awful for the narrator to have to read stilted dialogue! Also, I have to thank you for ploughing through the story despite it being so messy! My editor is finding 100s of errors and many inconsistencies. I've been under pressure to make a deadline for my audio publisher and I've had issues caused by the border closure in Victoria (we were meant to be moving there). I agree with the border closure, but it's been a difficult time - as have these past months been for many, many people. - Anni T.
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- Lisa H.
I am in receipt of your report. I will be looking it over thoroughly tomorrow, but I glanced at some if it already and it looks like it is going to be very valuable toward helping me improve and strengthen my book. I will let you know if I have any questions. - Lisa H.
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- Chris
How fast you work! Thank you for your beta-reading and yes, your revisions. I feel privileged. Your comments are quite encouraging. In light of what you have written, I will only send you the completed work. It will take a few months. Your feedback tells me this: 1. I am in the right direction, the pace is well set, my English grammar and style are adequate, but will need to be revised by a professional. 2. The story summary is enticing. 3. Judging the first chapter, the book has good marketing potential. All that galvanizes me. If I got it wrong, by all means, tell me. I am looking forward to contacting you when the first draft of the Great Inversion will be tweaked and ready, but not professionally revised. Most cordially, Chris. - Chris
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- David R.
Hi Declan, First and foremost, thank you for the quick prompt service to my story collection, Human Being Human Doing. I will look at this over the next few days and email you with any explanation that may be required. Thanks once again; stay well and all the best. - David R.
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- Naomi L.
Thanks, Declan! We will review these reports soon. Naomi @ The Artful Editor - Naomi L.
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- Laura B.
This was VERY helpful. I guess the Beta reader did not know that this is just the first 5 chapters of a longer book. I agree it needs work and that is why people hire beta readers- so they can get feedback and revise, revise, revise. Thanks again.. Laura. - Laura B.
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- Jason U.
Please thank the sensitivity reader for me. The comments are very helpful! - Jason U.
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- Jodi L.
I just read your comments and am feeling deeply grateful. You've given me a new confidence that the subtleties I was hoping to convey are coming through to a caring and thoughtful reader. I will certainly work on the few words you suggested reconsidering. One one of them ("knacker") I was wondering about myself ... whether it had too many other meanings to be clear in that context. Indeed I struggled with hating to use the language of the era, but knowing it was how the characters would speak. I am glad you felt that was a reasonable choice. Also, as this was a new epilogue (after several tries that weren't working all that well), I am quite grateful that you've given it a stamp of approval. I do feel that I'm finally ready to send this book to agents... to let it out of my own little world. It's been a very long road of discovering this challenging craft, and readers like you make it worth it. Many thanks to you, and I quite expect I'll get back in touch for the next one. Rinse and repeat.... that's a writing life! - Jodi L.
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- Tony M.
I wasn't expecting your email for another couple of weeks. What a pleasant surprise. I've yet to read the reports but I look forward to it. Thanks also for the developmental editing suggestion. Are we talking like a mentoring role? Either way, I might actually take you up on that as I've been looking for such 'guidance'. [...] Anyway, I'll get on to these reports and will be in touch. Oh, and it's still my intention (in the distant future) to seek a manuscript assessment. But, first things first. Thanks very much. Tony. - Tony M.
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A creative editor can help you to take your manuscript to the next level.
Benefits of Hiring a Creative Editor:
Help you to identify and fix any plot holes or inconsistencies. Offer suggestions on how to improve your pacing and structure. Help you to strengthen your characters and make them more believable. Polish your writing style and make it more immersive. Provide you with feedback on your manuscript and help make it the best it can be.
Creative editing is a collaborative and creative process that adds value to any manuscript. It is much more than just correcting grammar and spelling errors.
Creative editing helps to refine an author’s story, gives the manuscript a unique voice and emotional depth, and increases the manuscript’s potential for publication.
At its best, the creative editing process results in a story that deeply resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re an author seeking to elevate your manuscript, consider investing in creative editing to make your story shine!
Our team of experienced editors are committed to providing you with the highest quality service possible. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with the quality of our work, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We will work with you to address any issues or concerns and either redo the service to your satisfaction or provide you with a full refund. We are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and helping you create the best book possible. You can have full confidence in our commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
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Experienced editors with expertise in a variety of genres.
