How to Save Money on Editing
For many indie authors, budget is major concern when thinking about hiring an editor. And understandably so! Professional editing requires a significant investment of both time and money, but there are several ways authors can stretch their editing dollars to make them go a little further.
Aim High
My first tip is that you devote your editing dollars to the highest level of editing you can afford. Trying to save money by investing only in proofreading, for example, can backfire. After all, if your book has serious structural issues or is confusing in places, the fact that the commas are in the right place will not win you any points with readers. A bigger-picture level of editing, such as a developmental edit, will give you more bang for your editing buck. For a quick overview of the main types of editing, see What Kind of Editing Do I Need?
Consider a Manuscript Evaluation
If a full developmental edit is still too costly, you may want to consider a manuscript evaluation (also called an editorial assessment). A manuscript evaluation is like a mini developmental edit (DE). Whereas in a full DE, an editor will give detailed feedback on an entire manuscript, making notes and suggestions in the margins, an editor conducting a manuscript evaluation will give the author an overview of the biggest structural issues affecting the book via a feedback letter (typically five to ten pages in length). This takes significantly less time than a full DE and therefore is significantly less expensive.
Maximize Self-Editing
Another way to save money on professional editing is by doing a thorough self-edit to get your manuscript in the best shape you possibly can before hiring an editor. There are a number of inexpensive resources that can help you accomplish this. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Editing Secrets of Best-Selling Authors by Kathy Ide
- How to Edit Your Novel by Karin Beery
- Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Brown and Dave King
Professional book editing, like most other professional services, does not come cheap. However, a well-edited book can save you time, prevent costly reprints, and help you publish with confidence. If you’d like to learn more about how I can help you achieve your publishing goals, let’s chat!
