Tips For A Successful Editing Experience

If you haven't already, start by reading Writer's Digest's 10 Things a Freelance Editor Might Not Tell You--But Should.

·        Do not, under any circumstances, EVER pay anyone to beta read your manuscript. For real. No, really. If anyone offers to beta your manuscript for a fee, promptly go elsewhere to seek editing or beta readers. If you need help finding beta readers let me know. I'm happy to link you up with some awesome peeps.

·        Do everything you can to make your writing as awesome as possible before you seek editing.  If I'm correcting your use of "pique" on every page, that's where my focus will be.

·        If you are seeking a full or partial global edit, it is also helpful for me to have your synopsis so I can have a sense of where you are headed.

·        If you've received feedback from beta readers, crit partners, or writing professionals (agents, editors) that you need clarified, or if there are certain areas you want to give primary focus in your edit, please let me know up front. I am happy to fit my editing to your needs as much as possible.

·        Wear your big girl panties or big man underoos. I'm offering a service to help you make your manuscript better. I've been through this process myself, so I know how hard it can be to remain open-minded when someone is slashing up your literary baby. Take a step away from the computer. Breathe. Come back and re-read your feedback again. Remember, at the end of the day, my intent is to help you make your manuscript fiercely competitive in an uphill marketplace.


Questions? Post them as comments or send them via the comment form at the top right of my blog! 

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