top of page
Search

5 Reasons Why You Should Hire 'The Right' Editor

  • Writer: Sarah Burgos Maron
    Sarah Burgos Maron
  • Nov 6, 2020
  • 3 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2020

Hiring a professional editor can be an intimidating experience for any writer. After all, it often involves entrusting your work to a complete stranger, and the cost isn't something to scoff at either. But here are five reasons why you should consider hiring 'the right' editor as an investment for your project rather than a mere option.


#1. It Saves You Time


The average manuscript lives to see three drafts (or more) before it's accepted for representation. As such, it's crucial to put your best foot forward from the start, lest you risk waiting months to receive an automatic rejection.


Now, you can choose to edit and refine these drafts yourself; however, the cost of it is your time and energy. And if you already find yourself struggling to find a balance between your work and family life, that can prove to be a grueling task to add to the bunch.


So, why stress? By hiring the right editor, you can rest at ease knowing a professional has got your back, without having to expend any more of your precious time in the process.

#2. It Saves You Money


The cost of hiring the right editor for your project can be staggering. Because of this, many writers try to take on the editing process themselves to avoid a hefty bill.


There's nothing wrong with this approach, but without the proper knowledge or expertise, it's possible some important factors may be missed. When this happens, it may only become noticeable once the query rejections start rolling in.


Fearing they may have done something wrong, these same writers may seek out less expensive options first, before hiring a qualified professional. This leads to them accruing an even higher bill than they may have had originally, due to the earlier attempted work arounds.


Avoid this type of stress and additional expenditures by passing your work off to the most qualified professional from the start. Your work and your bank account deserve it.


3. It Grants You Access to Insider Knowledge


Writing should be a fun and therapeutic experience. However, there's a lot of trial and error on the path to success, and the learning curve can be steep.


By hiring the right editor, you're reeling in an unbiased expert, who's perhaps spent years mastering their craft. Their objective assistance can prove to be your gain when it comes to figuring out the who, what, when, where, and why in an ever-changing industry. And the right editor's tutelage may help you develop your skills faster than you could ever do alone.


4. It Can Introduce You to Your #1 Cheerleader and Coach


Editors tend to become invested in their client's projects, and they love to see and hear about your growth and success. Add in 'the right' editor to your wings, and it brings a whole new meaning to the situation.


The right editor will be with you every step of the way, focused not only on your current project's evolution and needs, but on your future as well.


And in an industry known for telling writers they need to have a 'tough skin' in order to make it, it doesn't hurt to have another player on your side of the court.


5. It Opens Up Life-changing Networking Opportunities


Although the right editor may not be able to get you a direct publishing deal or a promise of representation, they can help you with the initial reference or introduction, which can put your query letters and publishing proposals miles higher than the rest.


And if you end up having a long-term relationship with your editor, you'll always have someone to count on for the most up-to-date industry information. Not to mention any discounts they may offer as a result.


Comments

bottom of page