How to Minimize the Cost of a Book Editor

Whether your goal as an author is to self-publish or to seek out a traditional publisher, choosing a professional editor to evaluate your work beforehand is a worthy investment. However, fees can range anywhere from $25-$75+ per hour, depending upon your manuscript's editing needs. To curb those costs, take a glance at the following tips on how to minimize the cost of a book editor.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. To cut the cost of an editor significantly, consider putting in the extra effort yourself before handing over your manuscript. In other words, read a few of the many available books on developmental and line editing and then give your manuscript a few more self-edits.

2. Make the initial cuts. Because many editors charge per page or per word, you may benefit from cutting out unnecessary parts of your manuscript ahead of time. Because making cuts is almost always a necessary part of editing (for the sake of better continuity), you might wish to begin learning how to make those first reductions yourself (again, there are many available editing books with tips on how to decide what needs to be cut from a manuscript).

3. Decide whether an editor who charges by the hour or by the project is best. Be sure to ask for free sample edits and for a clear project estimate.

4. Ask for an itemized list of services. Most editors offer a variety of services, from editing a manuscript line by line to actually offering advice on how to make the entire piece more coherent. Be sure that you are aware of exactly what you'll be paying for, and decide (based on your experience) how much editing you truly need.

5. Utilize critique groups. While certainly not a replacement for a professional editor's services, critique groups may save you a great deal of time and money when it comes to developmental editing. Readers may be able to suggest where certain areas begin to lag, what needs to be cut, and what basic elements could be improved upon. They may even be willing to point out grammatical errors. (You can find a free online critique group through a simple Google search).

6. Never assume that higher fees equal better services. Always research an editor's education, professional experience, and relationships with previous clients. A freelancer is not required to obtain a certain degree or to have any experience in publishing before she can begin offering her services at the industry-wide accepted rates. Always do your homework before hiring anyone. (Do keep in mind that editors will, however, almost always come from varying backgrounds and educational levels.)

7. When possible, use the same editor continuously. Once an editor has invested her time in one of your projects, she will be able to use her knowledge of your style and preferences with any of your future projects. This may mean that less work will be required, which in turn could mean a lower fee. Also, an editor who knows she can expect regular work from a client may be willing to offer a discounted rate for future projects.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that the above tips are generalized and may not apply to everyone. Keep an open mind, work with an editor you are comfortable with, and invest in the time of a professional who can polish your piece until it is ready for the public eye.
• Remember that you are paying your book editor for being that crucial second set of eyes. She can look at your book objectively when you cannot, so be open to constructive criticism.
• Choose an editor who values the integrity of each piece she edits. An editor should guide, not rewrite (unless, of course, she's a ghost writer).

Resources

• How to Plan a Fiction Novel

[justscott]

on 8/4/2009 Good advice for hiring an editor. Helps out a lot!

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 8/4/2009 Good tips for hiring an editor. It's very important to use the same editor throughout the project if at all possible.