Friday, January 25, 2013

Have you taken the professional editor route?

When my crit partner told me that he got his manuscript professionally edited before querying, it made me wonder why I didn’t think of that option. I am sure if I had gotten my manuscript professionally edited it would have made a huge difference to both my story and writing.

Crit partners bring such a lot of insight and give an amazing feedback on our stories, they make us work on our weaknesess, just imagine the good a professional editor can do to our story.

Getting our manuscripts professionally edited does increase our chances of being published, whether we submit to an agent or approach a publishing house directly. I have tucked away this idea into my mind for my trilogy. In the near future, I will be travelling that path.

Now, on another note, I want to share with you all about a literary agent whose work I have admired from a long time and who has also been on my list of agents to query. Mary Kole, one of the well- known literary agents, who is now with Movable Type Literary Management, and had earlier worked at Andrea Brown Literary Agency, has started a manuscript editorial and consulting services from this year.

I have been following Mary’s blog Kidlit for many years. Mary offers wonderful advice on all aspects of writing: from plotting, creating tension, pace, antagonists, character arcs, story lines to query letters. I can honestly say that the examples Mary gives on her blog are like attending creative writing lessons. Her advice is spot on and coming as it is from an agent’s perspective it helps writers in a big way. I have personally benefited a lot from her blog.

Mary’s book Writing Irresistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers has garnered rave reviews from writers and readers. Most of my writing friends online have recommended it to me.

Whether a writer is seeking a sharp eye on their query letter or a comprehensive editorial review of their entire manuscript, Mary’s editorial and consulting services can get the writer closer to their publishing goal.  Mary’s editorial work is meant to be educational, encouraging, actionable, and geared to helping a writer achieve their dreams. Check out Mary’s website for details.

Have any of you taken the professional edit route? What did you feel about it? Do you think it got you closer to your publishing goal? Please share your views as it will help us make our decisions.

21 comments:

  1. A very valuable tip indeed Rachna:)

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  2. I haven't taken the professional editor route. I've just relied on critiques and beta reads. Not sure if I would want to pay for the editing though I am sure it would help a manuscript. It's a hard decision but if you really feel it's a good one to do, you should go for it. At least once in awhile.

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  3. I think as more writers take the Indie route, getting professional editing will become more the norm. Too many self-pubbed books still feel amateurish because of al the little errors, I think.

    mood

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  4. I didn't realize everyone didn't get a editor. I think it's so important!

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  5. I'm sure it would've helped! Seems like a good idea anyway.

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  6. Better shop carefully. I know of people who were greatly disappointed in what they got for their money.

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  7. Hi friends, my concern about taking the professional editor route is what if the editor wants me to make drastic changes to the story line and plot? I am okay with grammatical errors being corrected, with chunks of exposition being chopped. My main concern is changes in the story line, that I may not be comfortable with.

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  8. I did have my first book professionally edited and I heartily recommend having it done. Most are very encouraging and can really help hone the story and possibly increase the chances someone will be interested.

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  9. I did have a professional critique done of my mss a few drafts ago :-) It was very helpful in showing plot weaknesses and character issues, and I'm glad I did it, although it led to more rewriting. So I give the process a thumbs-up. I also want to give a shout-out to Mary Kole. I haven't read her book yet but I was privileged to have a pitch session with her at a SCBWI conference and she was wonderfully helpful and encouraging!

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  10. I did get an email from Mary Kole (I think because I had queried her months ago) about her editorial services--that might be a good route for you.
    Also Authoress on MSFV is now editing the first 3 chapters for a small fee.
    I think it's a good way to go. I had a professional editor look at my ms that I wrote before my latest. I had her look at the whole thing--I would go with having someone read a few chapters first, and see what you think of their services before you pay for more. Just a thought. Though I would think in Mary's case, you know exactly what you're getting.

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  11. Since I'm a teacher with very little budget, I never did look into the professional edit route before getting pub'd, but I it's awesome! Any 'professional' feedback you can get before it goes to agents and editors is a plus:-)

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  12. Yet another food for thought post. Much thanks.

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  13. I have friends who have used a professional editor and were very pleased. When I get that far, I'm thinking I may do the same.

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  14. Yes, I think that a professional editor would add that polished touch to your work. It makes perfect sense. But I'm just wondering about affordability... what are the average rates for a professional editing service?

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  15. I had a professional editor go over my short story collection and her advice was invaluable. I'm definitely considering having my YA novel edited once it's finished, though I've no idea by whom. Thanks for adding the first name on my list!

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  16. It definitely helps to get your material edited, but doesn't necessarily translate into getting an agent. That's still up to you, but it does teach you write a few things about yourself as an author. There are a lot of editors out there so really shop around:)

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  17. I haven't yet, but I'm planning to do so soon.

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  18. I've never gone this route, but I agree it could be hugely beneficial. If you can find the right editor, this is a really great way to get your book into shape!

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  19. One of my CPs has worked as a professional editor, so her advice is invaluable. The key to remember with any editing that in the end the author has the final say.

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  20. Because I'm planning to self publish, I plan to hire an editor. Many successful self published authors skip on this step, but I don't want to take the chance of missing out on what could be an even stronger story and stronger writing.

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  21. If the editor tells you you must make drastic changes. Changes you don't feel good about. Then don't Rachna. I mean that. I suppose it is a good thing to get a professional POV. But what about the first three chapters Then you'll be able to see if the editor is a good fit for your story without loosing a bunch of money. If the editor is a good fit, then you can have her/him to look at the entire novel. I haven't done this, but would love to give it a try under the conditions I just mentioned to you. Have a lovely day, pal.

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