I'm looking for an editor for my novel (140,000 words). I'm wondering if it's better if the potential editor is interested in, and sympathetic to, subject matter and style. If so, how do I go about finding the right one? Or doesn't it really matter?
I'm looking for an editor for my novel (140,000 words). I'm wondering if it's better if the potential editor is interested in, and sympathetic to, subject matter and style. If so, how do I go about finding the right one? Or doesn't it really matter?
In my text (below) I meant to write 'full manuscript review' not 'manuscript submission'. Amazing how easily errors creep in! Yes, I need an editor.
Thanks Emilie, Lorraine and Helen for useful comments and suggested connections. I have the 2016 Yearbook but there are few editors listed - as opposed to agents and publishers. I had also looked at the service under the red tabs e.g.'full manuscript submission' and had first thought of going with it, then had second thoughts. Although W&A do say here they match the editor to the writing it sounds quite anonymous and not as if the writer has a say in whom he gets. An expensive risk. Thus my question.
I'll look up the suggestions. Thanks again.
Robin
Hi Robin,
I would add to Emilie and Lorraine's excellent answers only by saying 'do your research'. There was a thread on here a while back from a writer who had sent her work to what she had thought was a reputable editing company. They took ages to get the corrected MS back to her and, when they did, it was unusable. They still pursued her for payment and it was quite a nasty experience, by the sound of it.
Google is your friend, in this instance! Also, The Society Of Proofreaders and Editors is a really good resource - it's where I found my editor - and their website is www.sfep.org.uk They have a directory of editors with their interests and past experience, so you should be able to build a shortlist of potential editors to approach from there.
Good luck!