By Elizabeth M. Garrett
Months
ago, I stood before a Christian writers group and read a devotional I’d
written. I felt sure I had polished it to perfection. Before I had even begun
to delve into the “meaty” part, I noticed an error. Ouch! I had included a scripture
and had just read over a typo.
As
authors, being familiar with what we’ve written can be a great detriment when producing
a final product.
Have
you ever written a manuscript, polished it, and felt it was ready for print,
when you realize you gave a secondary character two different names? Or, maybe
you spelled a proper noun three different ways. When you reviewed it, you knew
what it was supposed to say, so you just read right over it.
Most
writers I know feel a true calling to write and publish.
While many have a real gift for the writing craft, they’re still not perfect. Although
the product might have a compelling story line or provide helpful information, the
writing quality plays a large role in whether or not a reader stays engaged
until the end. A good editor can make the difference.
Published works often take weeks, months, maybe
even years to develop into a final piece. Producing a book with quite a few errors
or weak writing would be a shame after putting so much time and energy into
something. I’ve also known writers to spend lots of money for editing, only to
have it re-edited due to so many errors.
When
searching for an editor, I encourage you to request a free sample edit and
review credentials and references. Also, I suggest you interview people to see
who would be a good fit. Receiving
constructive criticism of any kind isn’t easy, much less when it pertains to a
project saturated in your blood, sweat, and tears.
Following are five things I recommend you look for in an
editor:
1)
Someone who will suggest revisions, but
will maintain your writing style.
2)
When suggesting a change, he or she will provide
reasons.
3)
Someone who will challenge you in your
writing and help you become a better writer.
4)
Someone whose goal is to strengthen and
polish your work, not rewrite it.
5)
An encouraging person with candor, tact,
and integrity.
In
today’s crowded publishing marketplace, a quality product will go a long way in
setting your manuscript apart. Having a good editor with whom you have a great
working relationship can play a vital role in your publishing success.
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