{"id":4558,"date":"2019-09-12T17:02:18","date_gmt":"2019-09-12T07:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bookwritingcoach.com.au\/?p=4558"},"modified":"2019-12-05T17:12:13","modified_gmt":"2019-12-05T07:12:13","slug":"what-can-a-book-editor-do-for-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bookwritingcoach.com.au\/what-can-a-book-editor-do-for-me\/","title":{"rendered":"What Can A Book Editor Do For Me?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Throughout the extensive process of writing, some writers may question the need for an editor. They may wonder if they can edit their manuscript themselves and ask, \u2018What can a book editor do for me?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While\nit\u2019s certainly prudent to redraft a manuscript several times and self-edit before\nconsidering the next step, it\u2019s worthwhile pointing out what value a\nprofessional editor can add to your manuscript. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people may not know the true extent of what an editor can do for them. Editors are far from simply professional spell-checkers and proofreaders, as many may assume. While that is part of the process of editing, it is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Exactly Does A Book Editor Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An editor corrects errors,\nand improves and polishes a draft manuscript, refining sentences and wording to\nensure they are precise, clear and effective. They look for consistency in the\nstoryline, cut what doesn\u2019t work \u2013 which often first involves a discussion with\nthe author \u2013 and suggest rewording or repositioning to ensure the audience gets\nthe most out of the read and that the point of the narrative is maintained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Publishing Knowledge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Editors with many years\u2019 experience are likely to have ties throughout the writing world, including with publishers, literary agents, book design services and book promotion services. They\u2019ll be able to advise on the different types of publishing, including what may suit you and your manuscript best, and explain the different aspects of the publication process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An editor who is invested in the success of your manuscript will provide you with an improved manuscript and a better chance with submissions and possibilities of publication. Next time you ask, \u2018Do I need an editor?\u2019 or \u2018What can a book editor do for me?\u2019 keep this in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, you might like to read this blog for more information about publishing: How Can I Publish My Book: What Are My Options?<\/em> http:\/\/bookwritingcoach.com.au\/how-can-i-publish-my-book-what-are-my-options\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Copyright, Legal, Ethical Issues in Manuscripts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What writers may not know is that an experienced editor can also alert you to any potential red flags within your manuscript, ranging from copyright and legal issues to ethical dilemmas, and refer you to the appropriate experts for further advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know, for example, that it is a breach of copyright to use song lyrics in a book without seeking permission to reproduce? No matter how much you love the song, no matter how well it suits your story, it is still another artist’s creative effort and as such, it is subject to copyright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The above is just a brief overview of what an editor can do for you. Check out these other blogs by editors4you that may help answer more of your questions: Questions to Ask Book Editors <\/em>http:\/\/bookwritingcoach.com.au\/questions-to-ask-book-editors\/<\/a> and Four Things Writers Need to Know About Book Editors<\/em> http:\/\/bookwritingcoach.com.au\/four-things-writers-need-to-know-about-book-editors\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Doesn\u2019t A Book Editor Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What\na professional editor does not do is attempt to change your author\u2019s voice. After\nall, that is one of the features of your manuscript that makes it unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An editor should also critique<\/em>\nnot criticise<\/em> your work, providing firm but kind, respectful, valuable, objective\nsuggestions and advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I Need A Book Editor?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you plan to publish your book, quite simply an editor is vital \u2013 whichever type of publishing path you decide to follow: mainstream publishing house (not so easy), subsidy publishing or self-publishing. You\u2019ll find more information on these options here: How To Get Your Book Published <\/em>http:\/\/bookwritingcoach.com.au\/how-to-get-your-book-published\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An editor is your first\nreader and your first critic. They ensure your manuscript is up to publishing standard\nto satisfy discerning readers and publishing houses.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time Frame For Editing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In\ncase you\u2019re wondering, the answer to \u2018how long will it take to edit my manuscript?\u2019\nis not<\/em> \u2018how long is a piece of string!\u2019 Previous clients have occasionally\ntold me that they have submitted their precious manuscript to an editor and\nthen months later, the edit had progressed so little that they cut their losses,\nasked for it back and went searching for an editor who would give them a definite\nand realistic time frame and just get the job done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A professional editor\nwill need to sight your manuscript to give you both a time frame and a\nquotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Variables to consider: <\/p>\n\n\n\n