Looking for tips about writing and editing your book manuscript? This is a good page to read!

The information is based from the “Editing—The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly” presentation given to Tucson, AZ’s chapter of Sisters in Crime in January 2014.

* What is generally “good” editing?
It’s finding duplicate thoughts, missing word links, and better ways to tell increments of the tale to appeal to a wider readership. Attention to detail is key.

*What’s a proofreader?

He or she has some say over content but generally a proofreader just finds things in writing that impair meaning and clarity.

*What’s a line editor?

They look for logical flow from one sentence to another. They examine clarity, unnecessary words, and will join or break apart sentences or change a word.

*What are some words to the wise?

Don’t get your buddies or writing pals to do your editing, especially the last big round before you submit for publication or as a query to a publisher.

Don’t assume anyone who loves to read or edit will do it for free.

Keep clear of a “clearinghouse” of editors through a firm like Amnet. Build a relationship with an editor much like you would build with a therapist.

Editors know they need to network to find solid and steady work. They will reach out to you and connect professionally.

The average rate is $33 per hour for an editor, but many are willing to negotiate that rate including charging per project to keep the costs down for a writer.

*What type of editor do writers prefer: someone with expertise in the field or genre in which he or she is writing or someone with expertise in editing?

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Want to learn more about the editing process that takes place while your book is going through the publishing process?

Learn more about the editing process including developmental, line, and layout editing; time it takes to edit; and how much a publisher will spend to make your book sparkle.