Editing Services

by Amy Mager
7th March 2018

Hello, I have already used services here for professional advice, I have had a First Draft Review and am working towards the Mid-Way Review this month.

I had great feedback and advice on the first review, but was wondering whether authors stick to the same editor once a review is received, or do I just submit and potentially get someone different?

Not quite sure how it works.

Is it good to have the same editor so they can track your progress/have already read the first part? Or leave it to the 'writers and artists' association to delegate my work to whoever is available? Potentially having more voices on the subject, but haven't seen the changes I've made?

If I were filthy rich I would buy everyone's opinion - but alas.

Thank you for any replies :D

Replies

Hi Amy,

Do you use beta readers at all?

I usually send my first draft (well, my first draft after I've edited it several times) out to a group of readers, who each then give me their feedback. If several people flag the same issue with plot or characters or whatever, then I know it's a problem and can address it. While you can pay for beta reading, I have a group of friends, several of whom are also writers, that I send out my books to, then return the favour when they need it.

Editing is expensive, so I usually don't send anything out to an editor before I've had it beta read and extensively edited it myself - however, every writer works differently. If you don't feel that your editor 'gets' your book, then working with someone else is probably the best thing to do. However, finding an editor with whom you enjoy working is a great thing, and I wouldn't then send my book to someone else simply to get a different viewpoint - that's what beta readers are for.

Hope that helps!

And good luck with the book

Helen

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Helen Jones
13/03/2018

Hi,Of course people commission new services when they don't suit. But buying everyone's opinion would give you a myriad of opinions in which your gem of originality would be lost. This sounds like you're asking how to assess the services you're using.

It's your voice, your project, so the editing should be done to bring out that voice. This means you need to have confidence in the aims objectives and goals of your work, allowing you to make sure you are clear about what kind of feedback you want.

If the advice and editor doesn't do this for you, then yes, move on. If the advice and editor does, and you seem to have found someone who suits you, hang onto them.

Best of luck with it.

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Roslyn Renwick
10/03/2018

Hi Amy,

If you would like to work with the same editor, then please do email us directly at writersandartists@bloomsbury.com and we can organise this for you.

All best,

W&A Admin

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