? What type of editing do most nonfiction writers want and need?
? What's involved in content and copy editing?
? How does an editor determine a book's objectives?
? How do you find the editor that's the right fit for your book?
? What pricing should you expect from an editor?
? What result should you expect from an editor?
And now the answers.
What type of editing do most nonfiction writers want and need?
Most nonfiction writers approach an editor after the manuscript has been conceptualized and the first draft completed. At this point, they need a content editor and a copy editor. Luckily, the same person usually does both content and copy editing. But if your book idea is still in the ?germination? stage and you'd like big-picture advice, a developmental editor, or ?book doctor,? would be the better choice.
What's involved in the mix of content and copy editing?
Content editing requires a macro view of the manuscript to answer these questions:
? Does the structure, theme, and style support the stated objectives for the book?
? If not, how could these be changed to better align with the book's objectives?
? What are strengths and weaknesses of the writing? What is missing?
? What additions would make it better, stronger, more creative?
A content editor may do a manuscript review and return it to the writer to make changes because it's not ready for copyediting. If the writing doesn't meeting the writer's objectives for the book or has structural problems, it's best to know and adjust the manuscript up front, saving time and money.
A copy editor digs into the nitty gritty of making sentences clear and easy to understand. Like pulling weeds in a garden, the editor searches for every last typo, extraneous expression, and grammar gremlin until the language landscape is uncluttered by word weeds and other distractions. This editor may also add color and design in wording and expression to attract readers, while maintaining the author's intention and voice.
How does an editor determine a book's objectives?
A professional editor asks questions that reveal the heart of your plans, goals, and expectations, gathering information, such as:
? What is the book's target audience, category, and working title?
? What successful books could be used as models for yours?
? Do you expect or intend for your book to be a best-seller? Business door opener? Product profit center for your business? Professional reputation builder? Job networking tool?
Answer these questions for yourself before you contact an editor. What do you want your book to do for others? What do you want it to do for you?
How do you find the editor that's the right fit for your book?
Follow this four-step process:
1. Ask for referrals from those you know and trust in circles where authors hang out and check out authors? websites and blogs.
2. Research names of editors acknowledged or credited in model books already published.
3. Do an Internet search for ?nonfiction editor? and peruse editors? websites, particularly their portfolios. Contact authors listed in the same genre as your book's and ask about their experiences working with particular editors.
4. Request a sample edit from each of the editors you're considering. Do you like the level and style of editing? Has the editor preserved your voice? Do the comments help? Does the writing ?sing? more beautifully?
What pricing should you expect from an editor?
Surveys show the range for an experienced professional editor varies from $50 to $150 an hour. Less experienced editors may charge less but don't tend to dig deep enough into the soul of the manuscript. Some work more quickly and thoroughly than others?but may do more than you want! Sample edits help you compare results and pricing side by side.
What result should you expect from an editor?
You want to be able to say, ?This editing makes me look better than I ever thought I could! My ideas come across clearly and the style fits my personality.? That result gives you confidence to proudly promote your book and make your authorship dreams come true.
The author's platform is her established audience following and the way to reach readers through a large database, syndicated radio show, national television show, magazine column, large and well-known company—in other words, name recognition on a large scale. The larger your platform, the easier it is to find a publisher and sell larger quantities of books. You now have an avenue for getting yourself recognized as an author. Further, you have a way of influencing people to buy your book because they already listen to you.
There are five key elements to your platform that publishers inquire about more than any others to decide whether an author and his or her book are right for them. If you have one or more of these, you are well on your way to a publishing contract.
1. Publishers are interested in a writer if she has her own database of at least 5,000 names, and/or has already sold a product or has a reputation as an expert.
2. More and more, an author must establish that she and her subject have a following with a good blog that is written and accessed and commented on daily.
3. Publishers want authors to be out speaking. Having evidence of significant past speaking engagements, plus a schedule of future speaking engagements is critical.
4. Publishers love authors with previous national media exposure. The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior, so if you have gotten national exposure as an expert without a book, it stands to reason from the publisher's viewpoint that you will be able to do the same and sell your book.
5. The publisher is excited when the author's platform includes relationships with companies or organizations who are or may be willing to buy large quantities of the book. If you can demonstrate that you have a likely purchaser of 5,000 or more copies of your book, you can be fairly certain of a publishing contract.
Publishers will also want to be positive that the author is articulate, is impressive in front of a camera, and preferably already has both national media experience and media training. They want someone with an edge, with a personality that will make her stand out above the crowd.
Publishers will also look for a way to connect the author's topic and expertise with what is happening in the world. If the subject is topical or can be connected with something newsworthy, it has a better shot.
Both Barbara G. Mcnichol & Gail Richards are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Barbara G. Mcnichol has sinced written about articles on various topics from Writing. Barbara McNichol helps nonfiction authors through expert editing and her searchable e-guide, Word Trippers: The Ultimate Source for Choosing the Perfect Word When It Really Matters, available at. Barbara G. Mcnichol's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.
Gail Richards has sinced written about articles on various topics from Writing, Finances and Guide Guitar. Gail Richards is founder of a dynamic website connecting aspiring authors with the cl. Gail Richards's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.