Ten misconceptions about choosing and working with an editor
- My work is flawless
This is something I hear often. It’s not that I want to prove you wrong. I want to show how we can bring your work close to perfection as possible. - The editor will do all the editing
You can count on us as your partners. Together, we will accomplish remarkable things. Sometimes we will rewrite paragraphs. Together, we will decide which paragraphs and sections work. Perhaps we will revert to the paragraph’s original structure. We decide - I don’t need to check up on my editor
I pay them.
Example sentence: Intermittent Fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. IF is not a diet in the conventional sense and doesn’t restrict you to certain types of foods. Typical IF methods involve eight to 16-hour fasts or fasting for 24 hours.
Not true: IF restricts you to certain foods during your eating window. - A skilled writer doesn’t need an editor
There are poorly written books out there, particularly of the self-publishing type, that a reader would never consider the author a skilled writer. A skilled writer understands the need for a skilled editor. - An editor will make my book flawless
If you want your book to be strong, clean, professional, and appealing to reach your audience, you need a professional editor. Flawless? Editors know that each book cannot be perfect. But we can strive to be perfect. - I don’t need the expense of an editor
I had my wife, dad, neighbour, or high-school English teacher read through my manuscript. More than likely, they didn’t read it. They are less likely to offer any “correcting” comments. If they say they found nothing, they probably didn’t read it. A professional editor’s primary connection to the book is the manuscript itself. - All editors are the same and can edit any book
Different editors have unique skills, and unique editing skills demand various commitments of time and energy, so cheap isn’t better. - I hired an editor. Now it’s ready for publication?
Since we have both been working on it, our eyes may be hurting. It’s time for proofreading (Will there be any mistakes? Yes, this is a human experience). - Editors are difficult
I beg to differ. - I’m a competent writer. I can self-edit
We are too close to our work. An editor is fresh. I’ve written six non-fiction books, and I’m grateful to my editor.
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