| Since this article about the importance of | | | | across the country for a $1.00 per page |
| professional editing is written by someone who | | | | (everyone I know requires double-spaced material |
| edits text for a living, it would be quite easy to | | | | comprising 250-300 words per page). You can |
| assume this information is self-serving. And while | | | | expect to receive a two to three page, |
| this would be justifiable, this writer can assure any | | | | single-spaced critique of your work. |
| skeptic that this is an honest treatment of what | | | | - The Line Editor (sometimes called a Copy Editor) |
| is necessary to have work considered by a bona | | | | - This person will correct grammar, punctuation, |
| fide royalty publisher. | | | | and syntax. Fees are generally between |
| Using an Editor Does Not Mean a Writer is Inept, | | | | $4.00-$6.00 per page. |
| but Just the Opposite | | | | - The Developmental Editor - This editor will work |
| One of the greatest difficulty some people have | | | | with you from the beginning of your novel, and |
| is the stigma that the use of an editor implies | | | | most provide line-editing as part of their service. |
| incompetence on the part of the writer. Frankly, | | | | Editing at this level can cost as much as $15.00 |
| it's just the opposite. | | | | per page, and it's usually a cradle to the grave |
| Check the Acknowledgments page in novels by | | | | proposition for a particular work. |
| some of the most respected novelists of our | | | | Understand that some editors charge by the |
| generation and see how many times the | | | | hour, and the aforementioned costs will be |
| respective author's editor is praised (and I'm not | | | | irrelevant, but I think most writers will find these |
| referring to the executive editor of the publisher | | | | fees to be representative of the different levels |
| company). | | | | of service. And even many editors who charge |
| And if you check the web sites of some of the | | | | an hourly rate seem to align rather closely with |
| top editors in the industry, you might be surprised | | | | these fees. However, like anything, there are |
| to find names like Nelson DeMille, John Updike | | | | editors who charge more or less than the |
| (who passed away recently), and Stephen King | | | | averages I have indicated (and for which I am |
| listed as clients. | | | | personally familiar). |
| Everybody Uses an Editor, and if They Don't | | | | Also, copy editors in a traditional sense are known |
| They Should | | | | as the people who line up text for printing, and |
| My apology for the trick sub header, but I | | | | while this name is commonly used by line editors, |
| wanted to get your attention. I've only heard one | | | | the distinction is worth noting. Finally, an executive |
| noted writer (who happens to be a female, so I'm | | | | editor, such as an editor-in-chief, is not generally |
| identifying the gender solely for accuracy) publicly | | | | doing any of the editing I described, but running |
| state that no one edits her work. This individual is | | | | the operational aspects of the publishing entity. |
| a Ph.D who teaches at an Ivy League school and | | | | Investing in a Good Editor is the Best Money a |
| has written dozens of novels published by top | | | | Writer can Spend |
| houses. | | | | Writers spend a lot of money on books and other |
| Yet if people like Theodore Bernstein used an | | | | material on how to write and how to become |
| editor, is it realistic to think our pompous writer | | | | published. And they often devote untold hours to |
| friend doesn't also at times just maybe have | | | | reading and/or critique groups. These books, tools, |
| someone catch a glimpse of her work before she | | | | and activities are invaluable, but there is a point a |
| sends it off? I've read some of her novels, and | | | | writer reaches when his or her work requires a |
| she's brilliant, and all the more reason I think she | | | | professional to take a look at it. |
| was feeling her Wheaties the day I witnessed her | | | | Just like talking about one's health, there are many |
| remark, and not telling the whole truth. | | | | instances when discussing it with friends and |
| The Different Types of Editors | | | | associates is great, but it's certainly not the same |
| Before lambasting the independent editorial | | | | as going to the doctor. Seeking the help or advice |
| process as being unnecessary, it might be a good | | | | of a professional editor is no different. It is |
| idea to understand some of the types of editors | | | | eventually necessary--for everybody--and the |
| and what each one does--and what the fees for | | | | sooner a serious author works with a quality |
| each service might be. | | | | editor, the quicker a manuscript can be headed |
| - The Reading Editor - Good ones are available | | | | toward publication. |