In need of an Editor

[Dilorenzo]

Okay, so I've been going back and forth on this for too bloody long. Fact is that I haven't actually been able to write anything since finishing the last book and... well, I want to again.

Plus, Erieann going ahead and self publishing kinda gave me a push to just get this done.

See, I've figured that the last two manuscripts I wrote are an albatross around my neck and seeing as I'm not in a Monty Python sketch, that's not a good thing.

I self published the first one, but it had zero editing. I just wanted to "get it out of the way." I haven't done so for the second one, though I had my wife look over the final draft I'd written to help with my grammar. Cleaned it up a little, but...

What I really want to do is pull down the first one, and get both edited, and self pub both again. What I wrote, in each book, would not find a mass market audience, and a publisher would have a hard time, according to what I've been told, finding a place to pigeonhole the books. Only thing is, I can't, and won't, write pigeonhole, so, I'm left with self publishing and hoping that they find a small, but appreciative market.

They still need to be edited though, and I'm having a hard time finding a resource that could tell me about editors, or allow me to compare prices and the like.

So, long story short, anyone with any experience getting edited outside of the publishing community, can you give me any pointers. Any help is appreciated!

[AnaKhouri]

I'd offer to read it myself, but I'm bit swamped with my own work at the moment. I have never had a professional editor look at my stuff (outside of magazine and publishing company editors who ask for some changes) or paid anyone to do it, so I can't help you there. I do remember seeing ads for editors in the back of The Writer and Writers Digest, but don't know if there is a resource for vetting them (maybe look at Preditors and Editors or AbsoluteWrite, both websites?).

If you would prefer free help, I've discovered local writing groups at libraries and bookstores are a tremendous help, especially if their members tend to be experienced.

Sorry I can't help more!

[Carina16]

While I don't have any experience in editing in the traditional sense, I do editing for several fanfiction groups. Though I wouldn't be much help past spelling, grammar and punctuation. I have plenty of time on my hands so if I would be of any help, just let me know.

[Pedersen]

BookstoreEscapee has been known to offer up proofing/editing from time to time. I don't know if she has time for it right now, but you might ask her. I know she charges to do it, but I don't know rates.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

You can go on Goodreads and find professional editors pretty easily. They are not cheap.

If you want a less pricey option, pay friends. I'm actually paying three of my readers (who write well themselves and whom I trust) some cash, free books, and swag from my Cafepress store.

A friend of mine published a gaming book that sold a ton of copies and did that very thing.

[Dilorenzo]

Thanks folks. Got some things to look into. Even if I do get a good price, none of this is gonna happen soon - I have to save whatever it'll cost before hand.

And Kink, I really did try with the friend thing. All I got was "it's good," with only confusion over the word treacle.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

You gots to pay. You get what you pay for. You ask "what do you think?" and get a pat on the head. You take some people who you already know what they think (the people I hired are longtime, loyal fans. Clearly they already think "it's good." I explained what I needed, what I expected, and what I can pay. Three people I trust and who take writing very serious stepped up to the plate. They understand what I'm doing and why I need proofers. I'm gonna expect the thing returned to me brutally marked up with a red pen.

[Dilorenzo]

No, I mean I offered to pay - got told not to worry. Resulted in treacle. Hence why I'm gunning for a price range and a somewhat more professional approach.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Ah. Yeah, that would be pretty frustrating.

[Dilorenzo]

Can't get too mad - he's my best friend and all, and genuinely enjoyed them. So even if I never sell a copy of either, at least one other person seems to like what I when I bang away at a keyboard.

[Pedersen]

One tactic I use with people is to say something a bit different: "Look, I know this sucks, but can't put my finger on why it sucks. Help me out?"

At that point, they're being told to rip it apart. If they can't find anything, then it's already better than I hoped. it might still suck, just not as totally as I thought

[RecoveringKinkoid]

You know, that would work. That's an excellent idea.

[houdini]

How long are they? And what subjects?

[Jester]

I can, and will, edit for spelling and grammar. Content, as far as overall direction of the book, I can't guarantee for. I can try my hand at that, though; if you are willing to email me the first manuscript, I will edit it and send it back, and see what you think.

If you don't like it, don't use it.

If you like it, all I'll ask for is for you to send me some Dragonslayer beer, which is made in your area, and which I had--and loved--many years ago.

I have no professional editing experience, but when it comes to proofreading, spelling, and grammar, I am, pardon my arrogance, damn awesome.

I'm in if you want. Your call.

[Chanlin]

I don't mind being an alpha reader if you don't mind slow feed back. As for editing, I am otherwise occupied editing things for a friend right now.