When to Hire an Editor For Your Book? Writerful Books, 29 March 20163 October 2023 Welcome to the new frontier of publishing and book editing with the explosion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT. This encroaching digital technology such as AI book editing services mean that your publishing journey and writing process can now be undertaken by an AI bot without ever once engaging with a human editor. The question of whether this is the way to go has been discussed by many experts in the field of publishing such as commissioning editors and literary agents. For most aspiring authors, the prospect of getting their manuscripts picked up by a literary agent or signed by a traditional publisher can be disheartening. Many of the authors we’ve worked with have experienced first-hand the dreaded ‘slush pile’ – when a manuscript never quite reaches a publishing house’s desk, regardless of how much effort, time and hopes are put into it. It’s true, traditional publishing companies tend to be choosy about which projects they bet on and the selection process can be brutal – but the self-publishing process can provide a more equal playing field, if you have the right tools and professional advice required. If you’ve spent a significant amount of time creating and crafting your manuscript, you need to take the time to find the right editor – otherwise, all your hard work may be in vain. Why Hire an editor? Clarity: It’s easy to get lost in a sea of words and lose the meaning behind them. Line editors make sure that your words make sense, while also improving grammar, punctuation, style, syntax and the overall flow of your writing. Development: If you feel you need to develop and refine your ideas, Writerful Books’ developmental editors can provide detailed feedback and guidance. Objectivity: It’s a game of hit or miss when asking family and friends to read and critique your story and there’s no guarantee that they’ll be able to pick up on subtleties in your work. An experienced editor is best placed to study the details of your work, detect flaws and recommend ways to fix them. Experience: Professional book editing is a skill, and one best left to professionals. Having your manuscript edited or proofread by someone who is experienced in the field will give you better chances of success. Refinement: With readers coming to expect a certain level of quality, it’s important to be ahead of the game. Having superficial errors in your manuscript could damage your reputation as a writer, so let an editor pick these up before you submit your book to agents and potential buyers. Language: Our book editors are native English speakers and understand the nuances of the language – they will get your book the attention it deserves. Resources: Traditional publishing companies often haven’t got the resources to edit a large number of manuscripts in-house. This is why they expect authors to have had their work edited before submitting it to them. Specialisation: Being a good writer does not necessarily make a good editor. Editing is a specialised task, requiring skills and in-depth knowledge for a successful outcome. Time: It’s easy to get lost in an unending cycle of editing and rewriting. Hiring a professional editor will save you time and energy, leaving you with more time to focus on other areas of your project. Success: As with any project, success is not only the outcome but also the process. Our editing services strive to support you in making your work the very best it can be, increasing your chances of success and helping you achieve your publishing goals. Our book editors understand the importance of a well-written book and the importance of making sure that it is as perfect as possible before submitting it to agents, publishers and potential buyers. Our team of experienced editors is here to offer professional assistance and guidance, turning initial drafts into clear, concise and perfect literary works. Our book editing services provide extensive feedback that takes into account of your book’s story-line, characterisation, flows and structure, as well as grammar and style. We also offer core assessment packages, tailored to fit your project’s requirements and budget. Here’s what our authors had to say.. - Rebecca A. Thank you very much for your work. It is clear to me you have read the manuscript thoroughly and I appreciate your direct feedback. I already feel excited about the potential for improvement you have outlined that I wasn't able to see on my own. What's more, I've also seen clear evidence that I made the right decision in deciding to get a manuscript assessment from your detailed comments alone. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you again. Rebecca - Rebecca A.Read Moreread less - Lulu K. Thank you so much for the report and for all your observations within it. Having this professional guidance is what I have been yearning for since I started writing the book. I am an early school leaver and also suffer from dyslexia so I knew there would be many grammar mistakes as well restructuring to be done. I sometimes overwrite things as what I am trying to express gets tied up in my mind in knots of confusion. - Lulu K.Read Moreread less - Janene W. Thank you for these timely reports. Please pass on my thanks to the beta reader for his or her report. It was extremely helpful and I think I've gained a much better insight into my manuscript from his/her useful and honest comments. I have read them and have been chewing on the comments. There are many points listed in the reports that align with my instincts regarding the manuscript. These give me areas I can directly attack as I head into my next draft, and I appreciate that. - Janene W.Read Moreread less - Sharon J. Dear Declan, I just wanted to thank you for your positive comments. Young Eagle Rising has taken me four years to write and I am delighted my efforts have given the story an authentic flavour and that you found it a worthwhile read. From the beginning I made up my mind William would not use the word 'Indian' and that I would stay as far away as possible from any 'John Wayne' portrayal of the Native Americans. I have only one question: do you have any advice on who I should sent it to for editing? Writerful seem to help with every stage which is very appealing to someone like me as I know little about the publishing world, but I'm sure there are many editors out there equally as good. If I choose Writerful Books, can I mention you have read it? Many thanks again! - Sharon J.Read Moreread less - Vanessa R. Thanks so much, I really appreciate it. Your report is so thorough and encouraging. I will write more on the weekend when I’m not so tired — a new school year has started here and I’m a teacher and my mind is already fried. - Vanessa R.Read Moreread less - 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.Read Moreread less - 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.Read Moreread less - Tom F. Sorry it has taken so long to get to you. I’ve been swamped with day-job work. I also want to thank you for reading and providing thoughtful comments. - Tom F.Read Moreread less - Rudy S. Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I wanted to say the notes were extremely helpful and gave me alot to think about. I don't know if too much time has passed by now but I thought I should try. My only question for the reader to clarify on is that I forgot to mention that this book is the first of a planned series. And she said the characters didn't feel developed, and i'm just wondering if knowing that changes anything? I hope the Covid didn't knock you around too much and that you're feeling better. I've read the notes and first wanta thank you for the feedback. I genuinely appreciate it. - Rudy S.Read Moreread less - Maria G. Thank you very much for this. I find it quite helpful, and instructive. Especially the bias, it was definitely not intended. I simply did not realise it. Neither my editors. So, I will work some more on the story, and will take on board all the other raised questions. - Maria G.Read Moreread less - William Thank you so much for the invaluable feedback on Zoa's Arks. I am grateful for the cogent points you brought up. - WilliamRead Moreread less - Thea O. Thanks for sending it through. The beta reader is the first person outside of family to read it, so I was expecting it to be torn to shreds a bit! I'll be able to go through their comments a bit more closely over the weekend but it looks like I've got plenty to be getting on with! Cheers, Thea - Thea O.Read Moreread less - David J. Thanks for that, your reviewer made some pretty encouraging comments and I can see the sense in the bits they criticised. I've made notes of a few things I'm going to modify or even remove. I hope you are also well. Kind regards, David. - David J.Read Moreread less - Lhexa D. Thanks for the report. This novella was based on my adolescent understanding of Catholicism and American slavery, so the parallels are deliberate. I won't change dialogue, since it's meant to reflect indoctrination, but I will change the pertinent prose. I will also follow up on some of the other suggestions. Thanks, you've been very helpful. Lhexa - Lhexa D.Read Moreread less - 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.Read Moreread less - Pat K. Thank you for the valuable feedback on both the strengths and weaknesses of Windshift. I'll be working on those improvements during the weeks ahead. Thanks again, Pat. - Pat K.Read Moreread less Load More No matter what stage of the book-writing process you’re at, we recommend that you hire a book editor to help make your manuscript the polished, successful book it deserves to be. Our book editing services are the way to go if you want to take your writing to the next level and increase your chances of getting your book published. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) These FAQs are meant to provide authors seeking a book editor with essential information and guidance. They aim to address common concerns and queries authors may have about the editing process, the role of an editor, the benefits of editing, and the costs involved. The goal is to help authors understand what to expect when working with an editor, the impact of editing on their manuscript, and how it can improve their chances of success in the publishing industry. Our goal is to empower authors with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about hiring a book editor and to ensure they have a smooth and productive editing experience. When should you hire an editor for your book? It is recommended to hire an editor for your book once you have completed the initial draft and revised it to the best of your ability. This ensures that the editor can focus on fine-tuning and enhancing your work. Do I really need a book editor? While it is not compulsory, a book editor can greatly improve the quality and marketability of your book. They offer a fresh perspective, identify and fix errors, improve structure and pacing, and ensure coherence and consistency. Is it worth it getting a book editor? The value of a book editor is subjective, but many authors find it worth the investment. An editor can elevate your book’s quality, increase its chances of success, and save you from potential embarrassment caused by errors or weak writing. At what stage should writers edit? Writers should typically edit their work before seeking professional editing. This includes self-editing and soliciting feedback from beta readers or writing groups. Editing at least once before hiring an editor helps ensure you present your best work. Should I hire an editor before querying? It is not necessary to hire an editor before querying agents or publishers. However, having a polished manuscript increases your chances of attracting their interest and demonstrates your commitment to producing a high-quality book. What to do before hiring an editor? Before hiring an editor, it is crucial to revise and self-edit your manuscript thoroughly. This includes checking for grammar and spelling errors, improving clarity and coherence, and addressing any major structural issues. Do editors read the whole book? Yes, professional editors read the entire book to provide comprehensive feedback and suggestions for improvement. They analyze the plot, characters, dialogue, pacing, and other elements to ensure a cohesive and engaging reading experience. Does an editor rewrite the book? Editors will not rewrite your book. Instead, they offer suggestions, revisions, and guidance to help you improve your writing and storytelling. The extent of their involvement depends on the specific editing services you choose. How much does a book editor cost? The cost of a book editor varies depending on factors such as experience, expertise, and the level of editing required. Rates can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Our book editing fees are competitive and come with a satisfaction guarantee. Request a quote below. How long does it take an editor to edit a book? The time it takes an editor to edit a book depends on various factors, including the length of the manuscript, the complexity of the content, and the editor’s schedule. It can range from a few weeks to several months. Discussing timelines with your chosen editor is essential. Do I need a literary agent or editor first? It is not necessary to have a literary agent before hiring an editor. You can choose to work with an editor independently to improve your manuscript’s quality before seeking representation or publication. Do literary agents get you editors? Literary agents can help connect authors with editors, but their primary role is to represent authors to publishers. While some agents provide editorial feedback, it is not their main focus. Authors can hire an editor independently or find one through a literary agent’s recommendations. Do I have to hire an editor before querying? Hiring an editor is not a requirement before querying agents or publishers, but having a professionally edited manuscript can increase your chances of attracting interest. It demonstrates your commitment to producing a high-quality book and can make your work stand out. What to do before sending a book to an editor? Before sending your book to an editor, it is essential to revise and self-edit it thoroughly. This includes checking for grammar and spelling errors, improving clarity and coherence, and addressing any major structural issues. This ensures that the editor can provide more targeted feedback and suggestions. Should I pay an editor for my novel? Yes, hiring an editor for your novel usually involves a fee. The cost varies depending on factors such as the editor’s experience, the level of editing required, and the length of the manuscript. It is essential to discuss fees and payment terms with your chosen editor before beginning the editing process. What do editors look for in a book? Editors look for various elements in a book, including strong and engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, consistent pacing, clear and concise writing, proper grammar and punctuation, effective dialogue, a well-structured plot, and a cohesive and engaging narrative voice. They also focus on eliminating errors, improving clarity, and ensuring consistency in style and tone. Why is book editing so expensive? Book editing can be expensive due to the expertise and time required to thoroughly review and improve a manuscript. Editors invest their skills, experience, and knowledge to enhance the quality of your work, which justifies the cost. Will a publisher edit your book? Publishers typically provide editing services as part of the publishing process. However, the extent of their editing may vary. It is important to note that having a professionally edited manuscript before submitting to publishers can increase your chances of acceptance. What are the benefits of a book editor? The benefits of a book editor include improved writing quality, enhanced storytelling, increased marketability, and a higher chance of attracting literary agents and publishers. Editors offer objective feedback, catch errors and inconsistencies, and help you refine your work to its fullest potential. Note: The answers provided are general in nature and may vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It is always recommended to research and consult with professionals in the publishing industry for specific advice. Feel free to reach out with any questions or queries you may have or the request an obligation-free quote below. Hire an Editor Here Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastEmail *Service Required *Creative EditingDevelopmental EditingManuscript AssessmentManuscript EvaluationOther ServiceCountry / Currency *Australia (AUD)Canada (CAD)Ireland (EUR)United Kingdom (GBP)United States (USD)OtherWord Count *Brief Synopsis *What Are Your Publishing Objectives? *Submit Your Manuscript Click or drag a file to this area to upload. EmailSubmit * Acceptance of a manuscript electronically does not automatically imply any contractual obligations. Some editing jobs may take up to six months to complete depending on the workload of individual editors and length of the manuscript. Editing will only commence once a client agreement form has been signed and costs agreed upon. Writerful Books offers affordable editing services to authors within Australia (Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney), in all major centres in Ireland (Cork, Belfast, Derry, Dublin, Galway, Waterford) and the UK (Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Sheffield) and the US. Our book editors edit fiction as well as non-fiction. We can tailor our editing services to match your requirements. Articles Book Editing ServicesHire a Book Editor