Embarking on the editing phase of your writing journey entails more than just preparing your manuscript for public consumption. It requires ensuring that you are equipped with the essential steps to accomplish this feat. In order to do so, it’s crucial to approach the editing process with diligence and thoughtfulness. A simple yet effective approach to ascertain your readiness involves identifying your expectations from an editor, recognizing your manuscript’s specific needs, and gauging your current position in your writing journey. Failing to do so may lead you astray, steering you towards the wrong editor or readership, and inevitably hampering your timeline. In this article, we’ll delve into each of these facets, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the editing adventure that lies ahead.
Defining Your Editing Goals
Primarily, it’s imperative to clearly outline your expectations and objectives. Not all forms of editing are equal, necessitating a precise understanding of your needs to align them with the appropriate editor. This process assists in narrowing down the specific type of editing required, be it structural editing to enhance the plot or character development, or grammatical editing for spelling and punctuation refinements.
For instance, if you’re seeking a structural edit, a copyeditor might not be the best fit. Developmental, line, or substantive editors are better suited for this purpose, based on the degree of editing needed and the contribution you seek from them. To prevent misunderstandings, when approached by someone offering editing services, inquire about the scope of their service, request sample edits, and address any queries that arise. These steps will enable you to discern if you’ve chosen the right collaborator for your writing journey.
Discovering the Editing Landscape
When I embarked on my own writing journey, I was unaware of the various layers of editing. The term “proofreading” was so pervasive that I erroneously believed it encompassed everything from fact-checking to restructuring for readability. Uncovering the distinct levels of editing provided me with clarity on the editing process and the expedition ahead. If you’re unfamiliar with the fundamental four types of editing, take a moment to familiarize yourself with them, allowing you to set clear expectations as you search for suitable editors.
Meeting Your Manuscript’s Needs
Believing your book is ready for a copyedit doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right stage for that type of editing. As previously mentioned, different editing stages are necessary, and overlooking any of them can not only postpone your completion timeline but also increase costs. For instance, if you opt for line editing without first undergoing developmental editing, you might face rejection of services or suggestions for further developmental steps.
Therefore, it’s vital to discern your manuscript’s actual needs in contrast to your perceived requirements. This discernment will save you both time and money in the long run.
Editor or Reader: A Critical Choice
It’s possible that your manuscript requires readers rather than editors, depending on the type of edits carried out. Similar to editors, not all readers are the same; they serve distinct purposes. In my article “4 Types of Readers,” I explore different reader categories and their roles. When selecting a reader, ensure their role aligns with the type of edit you’ve undergone.
For example, if you’ve recently completed developmental editing, seeking a beta reader would be a prudent step. Conversely, after a copyedit, you’re prepared to share your manuscript with ARC (Advance Reader Copy) readers, although this might be a step too advanced. Alpha readers, beta readers, and sensitivity readers are pivotal during the editing phase, as their feedback informs your subsequent editing steps and what an editor will encounter in the future.
Harnessing Community and Personal Insights
A manuscript that’s 75% complete might not be ready for line editing, copyediting, or developmental editing. However, it could benefit from the perspective of alpha readers, members of your writing community, or even friends and family. This is where individuals like me come into play. Beyond editing, I also provide coaching and guidance. In fact, I’m launching a program soon dedicated to providing authors with an in-depth analysis of their stories to enhance them further. Feel free to reach out and inquire about “Master the Narrative.”
When you approach an editor, it’s expected that you present a fully polished draft. An editorial assessment might also be beneficial in this context. If you’re feeling the need for an edit due to a creative block, revisiting and refining sections yourself or seeking input from an alpha reader, editorial assessment, or your writing group can be invaluable. These fresh perspectives catch what you might have overlooked.
Choosing What’s Right for Your Manuscript
Ultimately, comprehending your objectives and your manuscript’s unique necessities will guide you to the appropriate editor or reader. If you’re not yet prepared for editing but are mid-journey, numerous service providers and community resources can offer support. For those ready for an editor, check out my article “Choosing an Editor,” which offers insights into selecting an editor that aligns with your needs.
Embrace this phase of your writing voyage with confidence, armed with the knowledge of your aspirations, your manuscript’s requirements, and the array of resources at your disposal. This will undoubtedly pave the way for a refined and compelling final manuscript that truly resonates with your readers.
