Figuring out how to find an editor is a vital part of any writer's publishing process. Different editors bring different techniques to the table; hence, it is crucial to keep in mind the nature of the written text and the medium through which it is to be delivered to the reader.
Any aspiring writer and novelist will be able to tell you the value and the importance of an editor in the entire process of content creation. It may not seem apparent at first, but an experienced reader will instantly be able to tell if the words have been edited and proofread or not.
From the writer's point of view, it is absolutely necessary to involve the services of an editor, as it is qiute possible to introduce typos and errors while writing. If these errors persist in the text, it certainly does not reflect well on the writer himself.
Finding the right editor is not a difficult task by any means, but it is important to settle for a suitable one. He should have enough experience in the domain and a good command over the language in which the text is written.
Depending on the nature of the text that you have written and the platform on which it is to be published, you can scour several sources in order to find the best one possible.
Ways to Find an Editor
When it comes to picking the best sources, there are many different options for one to explore. These range from freelance editor pools over the Internet to professional organizations that provide them for hiring.
It even involves legalized publishing houses who provide a team. As mentioned before, you must decide for yourself the level of professionalism that you require before you set out to search for an editor. This will depend on what you have written and where it is going to be published.
A simple search online will give you many freelancers who operate in your locality. It goes without saying that you must interact with them before hiring them. You must get an idea about their previous experience and their qualifications.
The fees they charge will also depend upon these factors. It will be better if you can actually meet them in person. You can even visit some writing conferences and events in order to interact with potential editors; you are sure to meet many worthy candidates at these sources.
If you are approaching a publishing house or a professional organization for the purpose of publishing your novel, they will assign an editor to you from their payroll. In most cases, these are qualified professionals who have had enough training and experience in the field, so there is very little chance of them letting you down.
Other Factors to Consider
★ Remember that the editor merely serves as a link between the writer and the reader to ensure that there are no glaring errors in the text. If he or she demands a change in the idea of the text, the writer must put his/her foot down.
★ If you are paying him for his services, you must demand complete honesty and scrutiny. Ask the editor to give you feedback on grammar, dialog construction, passive voice, flow of events, point of view, and other similar corrections.
★ Do not judge them by their price. It is true that a more experienced editor will charge more, but just because one of them is charging less, it does not mean that he is inefficient. Also remember that they all charge differently; some by the hour, some by the pages, and some by the words.
★ Maintain a good rapport and ensure that you are constantly communicating with each other. Many feel that once the text is in the hands of the editor, his/her work is over.
This isn't true; the writer has created the content and has a right to know what's going on throughout the editing process. The writer will have ultimate authority over any major changes.
Once you have found an editor, you must strive to achieve perfection by maintaining a constant flow of information between both the parties. Since there are so many different sources from where you can get one, there are many differences in technique and output that you may witness.
Remembering who you're writing for and how seriously you take your project will aid you immensely in this endeavor.