As an author, and as one of the contributors to the Disciples of Des Moines, I've trained myself in copy editing and proofreading my own work. In fact, that's expected the farther up the "writers" ladder you crawl. You can't ask people to read a rough draft of your Grumpy Cat fanfiction if it doesn't even make sense to you, right? So yes, of course, every serious writer must attempt some level of self-editing.
But at some point, usually a really late Wednesday night spent reading some other jerk's bestseller, crying into the sleeves of your snot-smeared bathrobe and polishing off another pint of cheap bourbon, you decide it's time to crap or get off the pot. It's time to sell YOUR work.
But you and I both know you're a sub-standard editor. I mean really, who are we kidding? No one in your family responds to your texts about reading your material anymore. They cringe at family gatherings (aka funerals) when senile Aunt Dorothy asks if you're still writing those nice short stories. They turn and walk the other way when you come at them with a Kinkos box.
Let's face it, you need an editor. A real one. Whether you're going to an agent, or planning to sell your work through Amazon, you really need to invest in a good editor; someone who is removed from your social circle, separate from your family, and if at all possible, not your friend. You cannot hope to have an honest opinion that is worth the money if you don't plan to pay a little for it.
First thing first - know what kind of editor you need.
1. Substantive/Developmental editors are going to look over your VERY rough draft and provide direction, content suggestions, creative suggestions, and help in that vein. This is not typically a service a good writer should utilize because, after all, you're supposed to be completing the project yourself.
2. Copy editors review for grammar, style, word usage, and punctuation. If you're a serious writer and you have a little experience under your belt, this is the avenue you should take. These kinds of editors are going to read through your work and help you tighten it up.
3. Proofreaders simply review the project for typographical errors.
Frankly, most authors are going to want to hire a good copy editor. Whereas you can usually do without a developmental editor, a proofreader simply does not add value to your expense. You need someone that is going to be frank about word usage and grammar, someone who is going to notice really big mistakes and help get things cleaned up.
Where do you find editors?
They're all over the place, and people are still using Craigslist with good results. Remember that an editor does not need to be in your city, or state. Most editor can work out a price online, charge you via paypal and send/receive information via email
A solid recommendation for good editors is the Editorial Freelance Association.
This isn't some kind of veiled plug for that website, and I have no stake in their success. I simply find their search format easy to use, and there are TONS of editors available for hire out there.
Give them a try if you're looking for an editor. Just remember, behind every good writer is an even better editor. Live by that law, and you'll be selling books in no time. Write on!
(If you have any ideas, or good resources for editors, or if you have contact info for an editor you felt was effective with your piece, feel free to drop it in the comment box)
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