So, you've put in the hard slog writing and you finally have a completed manuscript that you want to get published. What next? Have you read and re-read and edited it yourself? Perhaps you have had a manuscript appraisal? Even if you have, it might still be worth taking the extra initiative to have it professionally edited.
An Editor Can Assess Your Manuscript or Edit Your Work, or Both.
For most authors, the sensible next step will be to have an editor assess and edit their manuscript before they start hawking it around to publishers. However, are you ready to edit? Have you thought about what your publishing outcomes and hopes are, and what might be your potential market? Have you considered self-publication or started a website to self-promote? All of these things are worth thinking about as you take your first steps towards publishing success.
Before You Hire an Editor
Before sending your work to an editor, re-read your entire manuscript to ensure that it is in the best possible state it can be in to go to an editor. Remember, editors will figure out the cost of editing your book based on how many hours of work it will take them, so you can keep editing costs down by doing some simple checks:
Writers Should Check Spelling
Run a spell check on your document and correct any misspelled or repeated words (but don't pay a great deal of attention to MS Word's grammar corrections: they are often wrong and lack an understanding of literary writing or context). Any words for which you're unsure of the correct spelling or hyphenation should be checked against the Macquarie Dictionary (Australian editors' preferred dictionary), or the Oxford Dictionary if in the UK. If you're and Australian author who is serious about writing, sign up online at www.macquariedictionary.com.au
For Good Writing, Assess Your Characters Carefully
Think critically about your characters. Are they personable, three-dimensional and not too "perfect"? What are their foibles and peccadilloes? What are their strengths, weaknesses and desires?
Examine Your Plot and Your Writing
Assess your plot. Does it go off on any major tangents? Is there a subplot? If so, is it necessary? Are there any major flaws of logic?
Polish Your First and Last Chapters
Make sure you're happy with your first and last chapters -- the two most important chapters in the book. Both of them should positively sing and leave the reader wanting more ... more of YOUR writing.
Submit to an Editor
Send the first three chapters (or the first 50 pages, whichever is longer) to Karin Cox on karinwork@hotmail.com for a no-obligation quote and brief sample edit of part of your first chapter. If you have a synopsis or table of contents, send that too. If you don't have access to email, you can post the manuscript (printed out in 12 point Times New Roman font and 1.5 line spacing) to Karin. Simply email her for her postal address and please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for its return. To ask Karin a question, click here or see the Frequently Asked Questions about Editing page.