Ways by HG Nadel to Make Your Book Editing Experience Better
Many new authors are filled with fear of the editing process. They envision a witch with a red pen, gleefully butchering their precious manuscript.
Actually, working with a professional book editor can be a richly rewarding and enjoyable experience, if you have the proper mind-set and preparation. Follow these steps suggested by HG Nadel a writer to ensure that your editing process is smooth and affordable:
1. Edit your manuscript yourself. Editors charge by the hour. So, to keep your costs down, be sure your manuscript is in good shape before you send it to your editor.
After you finish writing, wait a few days, and then begin your self-edit. Use spell check and grammar check first, paying close attention to revising sentences in the passive tense. Your computer will point those out to you automatically.
Then, print a hard copy of your entire book and read it with a red pen. You will see many more errors when you are not reading on your computer screen. Next, email the manuscript to one or two trusted friends with a good eye. Ask them to alert you if any parts of your book are unclear or repetitive. Use their feedback to correct your manuscript one final time.
2. Prepare your manuscript for editing. Change your font to Palatino Linotype size 12 or other easy-to-read font like Verdana or Georgia. Use single spacing. It's okay to having bolding, bullet points, italics, and subheadings in your manuscript if you like. If you don't want to add those elements, your typesetter will insert them for you.
3. Hire an editor whom you like and trust. HG Nadel always suggests getting a referral. There are many people who advertise editing services.
Ask your potential editor for a written bid and a sample edit of one of the paragraphs from your manuscript. You'll be able to access the turnaround time, editing style, and communication style of your potential editor to make sure it is a fit for you.
4. Create a good working relationship with your editor. Your editor is your best friend, not your enemy. The suggestions that he or she makes are intended to improve your book not to tear down your writing style. Remember the goal of the editing process: to make your book sparkle. Be open, cooperative, and willing to discuss any suggested changes that seem wrong to you.
5. Be responsive. After your editor goes over your manuscript, you will be asked to review and approval all the changes. If it takes you an excessively long time to do this, you will delay your book production significantly. Build time in your schedule to review your edits within two weeks of receipt. When you finish, your editor will go through your manuscript one last time to catch any final errors. When that step is completed, celebrate! You now have a beautiful manuscript, ready to represent you professionally to the world.
Actually, working with a professional book editor can be a richly rewarding and enjoyable experience, if you have the proper mind-set and preparation. Follow these steps suggested by HG Nadel a writer to ensure that your editing process is smooth and affordable:
1. Edit your manuscript yourself. Editors charge by the hour. So, to keep your costs down, be sure your manuscript is in good shape before you send it to your editor.
After you finish writing, wait a few days, and then begin your self-edit. Use spell check and grammar check first, paying close attention to revising sentences in the passive tense. Your computer will point those out to you automatically.
Then, print a hard copy of your entire book and read it with a red pen. You will see many more errors when you are not reading on your computer screen. Next, email the manuscript to one or two trusted friends with a good eye. Ask them to alert you if any parts of your book are unclear or repetitive. Use their feedback to correct your manuscript one final time.
2. Prepare your manuscript for editing. Change your font to Palatino Linotype size 12 or other easy-to-read font like Verdana or Georgia. Use single spacing. It's okay to having bolding, bullet points, italics, and subheadings in your manuscript if you like. If you don't want to add those elements, your typesetter will insert them for you.
3. Hire an editor whom you like and trust. HG Nadel always suggests getting a referral. There are many people who advertise editing services.
Ask your potential editor for a written bid and a sample edit of one of the paragraphs from your manuscript. You'll be able to access the turnaround time, editing style, and communication style of your potential editor to make sure it is a fit for you.
4. Create a good working relationship with your editor. Your editor is your best friend, not your enemy. The suggestions that he or she makes are intended to improve your book not to tear down your writing style. Remember the goal of the editing process: to make your book sparkle. Be open, cooperative, and willing to discuss any suggested changes that seem wrong to you.
5. Be responsive. After your editor goes over your manuscript, you will be asked to review and approval all the changes. If it takes you an excessively long time to do this, you will delay your book production significantly. Build time in your schedule to review your edits within two weeks of receipt. When you finish, your editor will go through your manuscript one last time to catch any final errors. When that step is completed, celebrate! You now have a beautiful manuscript, ready to represent you professionally to the world.
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