Every author needs an editor. Yes, even you need an editor. I’ve found this to be especially true with those new to writing that have never taken formal courses on it, didn’t major in creative writing or English Lit, and those that don’t read a lot in their genre. But even experienced, formally educated writers who are voracious readers need an editor when all is said and done. It’s just a matter of how much editing and what type will be needed.
Let Go of Your Ego and Realize You Need an Editor
Setting aside your ego doesn’t imply that you’re big headed. It means you need to realize that because you are the author of your work, you are inherently biased. You don’t see things others see, and you possibly do see things others don’t. But you write for other readers, not yourself. So your work will need to adapt to that. Did you know that every great novel, every best selling book, has benefitted from the work of an editor? It could even be said that these works were masterpieces, classics and best sellers BECAUSE of their editors. It makes you realize that it’s okay that you need an editor too, doesn’t it?
Trust the Process
Make sure the editor knows your vision and intention. Usually, there will be notes made by an editor concerning this if it’s not made clear by you. Letting your editor know your vision and intention lessens confusion and gets you both on the same page.
- Also, expect that a style guide may be needed for usage, spelling and grammar. This helps facilitate consistency in style. It helps a lot especially if you are using uncommon words, names, and other style choices unique to your book.
- Editors will likely offer opinions and advice when analyzing your manuscript. You should also expect honesty from your editor about how much work will be needed. For instance, whether you’ll need to develop your manuscript further, or if it’s in pretty good shape besides content editing.
- Editors will generally offer an example of their edits for you before they begin. This isn’t always the case. If you have been referred to an editor, you may just get back a critique and overview (this is what I do often) along with a quote for the work. Either way, some idea of expectations will be established.
This is why the editing process will take time. You will edit your manuscript before sending it to an editor, the editor will edit. Then more edits may be done on your part. You will also likely need a proofreader once your book is ready to go to print. These aren’t the same editors that edit your manuscript originally, most likely. There are many types of editors and many phases of editing.
So the process takes time! Another thing to remember is that unless you get lucky, editors can’t always fit you into their schedule right away. So factor this in as well. In other words, plan ahead and be prepared for the process.
Your Editor Will Have Questions and Feedback Too
Unfortunately, your book is not complete simply because you’ve finished writing the end. I know, it’s a lot of work, isn’t it? Most manuscripts go through about 3 or 4 rewrites before they even get to the final editing!
You should also remember though, that you don’t HAVE to accept changes, but you should think deeply on it.
Editors know books. They are familiar with standards and conventions and they know what makes a book readable, and relatable. This makes their opinions and feedback worthwhile.
You Need an Editor Because They’ll Make Your Book More Marketable
An editor does more than look for typos. They can help shape your book, making it both more readable and more marketable. They turn manuscripts into presentable and publishable books!
Remember though, an editor is not a critic. But they do know what works and what does not. They want to make your book the very best it can be. Because editors love making your work shine!
The Most Common Mistakes I See as an Editor
Aside from disasters in formatting, the below mistakes are the most common I see when editing everything from blogs and articles to fiction and nonfiction manuscripts. So keep these in mind as you’re working towards preparing your manuscript for editing.
Word Salad
It can be a real slog to get the words in your head down on the page. Sometimes this results in forced writing. One of my creative writing professors at college called this type of writing strained and overwrought. This can happen when we want to make our work more interesting or unique. It can replace good tone and pace with forced descriptives, and a lot of commas and mixed metaphors. Try instead, to let the words flow. A good trick is to read your work out loud and see if it still makes sense, and has a nice rhythm to it. If it doesn’t, maybe move on to the next passage or take a break and come back to it later.
Too Many Words
A mistake right up there with word salad is simply using too many words that aren’t necessary. This makes writing redundant and hard to read. It can take readers out of the story because they have to work too hard to decipher the meaning of what is going on. Now, of course, there are writers that do this and readers that love reading dense texts. But those writers are highly skilled and experienced. It also comes naturally to them and works with their style. That may not be the case for you. Eventually your style will establish itself. There is a difference between dense and complicated and wordy and confusing. My advice is to think like Hemingway. Less is more. If readers can see the tip of the iceberg, they know what’s underneath.
Outdated Terms and Usage
Another common mistake I see with new writers is using outdated terms and language usage. For instance, idioms and similes that often aren’t relatable and even offensive in our modern era. Think using the term Oriental to describe a person. If you have to use them, use them for a purpose. They should only be used:
- In dialogue to represent a character that would use them
- For close third person POV
- First person POV
Even in historical fiction, or nonfiction, using terms of the time is best avoided unless it’s in dialogue.
I also often see overuse or misuse of hyphens and quotations. This usage of hyphens was more common in the past, but it is considered outdated and incorrect now. I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of Strunk and White’s Elements of Style. The newest edition possible is probably a good idea.
Inconsistencies in Tense and Point of View
This one happens a lot and it really takes the reader out of the story and it screams of lack of focus and care. It can be hard to keep up consistency in tense and point of view over the course of a long story, I know. But that’s why you’ll read and reread your manuscript before you even hand it to an editor. Read it out loud, as I mentioned earlier. Also, do yourself the favor of reading up on the purpose of tense and point of view in storytelling. The tense and POV can shape a story! Understanding their purpose and their correct use and parameters will change everything!
I think it’s easier to avoid common mistakes like these when you know what those mistakes are and how to look for them, so I hope this is helpful. However, you still need an editor. You also still need to read your own work, again and again before it ever goes to an editor!
Basically, you’ll be sick to death of rereads and revisions and you’ll still have to do more. But in the end, it is absolutely worth it because it will make your book the best it can be. Don’t you want to put out something that you’re really proud of? I’m sure you do. Your editor feels the same way, and we want to help you do it.
Below are some books I recommend for new writers, that help make you a better writer. There are countless books on the craft of writing out there, but these are some of the classically recommended. If you plan to write in a specific genre, look for those guides too! But start with these. Also, practice! Read a lot. Write a lot. Take the courses available to you.
Elements of Style – Strunk and White
On Writing – Stephen King
The Emotional Craft of Fiction – Donald Maass
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction – William Zinsser