Just recently I was asked to do a manuscript review, and the “proposal” from that author caused me to pause. There were a few things I asked before agreeing or disagreeing to that “offer.” I asked about the word count and genre. After getting the short answer in his reply, I realized there were several things that I asked this author to think about that he had previously failed to consider. I wondered how many of you out there need this quick checklist.
This is vital! You don’t want just any editor reading your stuff; you want an editor who knows your genre and the specifications and obligatory scenes that are required for that genre. Word count will determine length, which determines the amount of time you are asking an editor to spend on your manuscript. It is mandatory that you think of this before you “offer” any money to your editor.
But even after an editor knows those two things, you, the writer, should do some leg work before you even request an editor to work on your manuscript. An editor is a very expensive investment in your writing endeavor, please don’t make the mistake of finding just any editor to fit in your budget, because you may just get what you pay for, and that isn’t always good.
First, get to know your genre in and out. Listen to me! Most editors will charge per word or page. If you give an editor a manuscript and you are already 20,000 words over the genre expectation, you are paying way too much already. So, please understand what the expected word count is on your book. There are loads of informative websites and articles about word counts and what is expected for your genre. Please don’t overlook that or think you are the exception to the rule. That chapter may be beautifully crafted, and it may have taken you four months to write it. But if your editor reads your book and needs to make cuts, many things will be trimmed, including that beloved chapter. Cut your word count to the bare bones!
Second, have beta readers go through your book before you hire an editor. Has anyone else read your precious manuscript? Not just anyone, but someone who can be honest with you—brutally honest. You need someone that can tell when your plot is slow, or a character isn’t connecting, or your sentences are sticky. Paying an editor by the word can get costly. Please make sure you get others’ opinions and you have revised this beast. DO NOT EVER SUBMIT A FIRST DRAFT TO AN EDITOR. Get your final draft to where you feel you can do no more without that pro.
Third, determine your goals. What is your end game with your book? What are you shooting for? Are you just wanting to write to have a book out there in the world and you don’t care if you sell a single one? Do you want to be on a best seller list and make some money? Do you want to make a little money but the priority is to protect your art? Do you want to indie publish or traditionally publish? Do you even understand what the pros and cons are of each of those decisions? Each one of these has a different path. Each one of these paths require a certain level of commitment and monetary investment. If you don’t have a predetermined goal, you don’t know what kind of editor to invest in. When it comes to vetting your editor read Top 5 Tips on Finding Your Editor. It will help you make sure you get the best fit for your project.
So, before you put your hard-earned money into an editor, please make sure you have a firm grasp on where you are and where you are planning on going. Make sure you have had beta readers look over your manuscript, and know your genre. Don’t leap before you look.
For more information on this topic watch this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube at Read Write Random.
