How an Editor helps an Indie Author

As an indie author, you are responsible for writing, editing, marketing and distributing your book. As an author, I assume that the creative writing process is the bit you love, but editing is crucial to ensure your book reaches its full potential.

So, this is where an editor can help. I’m not saying you don’t do any editing (see my Blog, Can you edit your own writing?), you will probably do several rounds of editing before passing your manuscript to your editor! But, an editor will polish your manuscript and, hopefully, you will find them invaluable as they will do all of these wonderful things…

1. Refine your voice

Don’t panic! Your voice as an author is unique and should shine on every page of your manuscript.

Your editor will:

• ensure your writing style is consistent,

• that ideas are clear, and

• your language is readable.

2. Offer structural feedback

As a writer, you will be very close to your book and could miss structural issues that spoil the flow of your story.

Your editor will:

• assess your manuscript as a whole to assess its structure,

• highlight any lack of coherence/consistency and help strengthen characters, storylines, and plots, and

• suggest if any chapters or scenes should be rearranged to enhance the script.

3. Grammar

Even the most experienced writers make occasional grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes. If left, your book will lack the professional polish you dream of.

Your editor will:

• check spelling, punctuation, grammar, and typographical errors,

• check consistency in spelling (British/US), capitalisation, and formatting to ensure your book has a cohesive feel throughout, and

• check sentence flow to remove clunky phrases that could disrupt your reader’s experience.

4. Enhance dialogue and characterisation

As you know, a strong character with a compelling voice can make a book unforgettable. Creating multidimensional characters can be a challenge.

Your editor will:

• advise on character development to help create well-rounded characters that are relatable and engaging to readers, and

• help with dialogue refinement to ensure your characters’ conversations sound natural, serve the plot, and reveal their personalities.

5. Formatting and presentation

As an indie author, you are likely to need support with formatting and presenting your book. Some editors also offer typesetting services. You will want your great book to stand out and look polished to potential readers.

Your editor will:

• often be able to help with formatting suggestions to ensure your manuscript is ready for print or digital publication, and

• help with the overall presentation of your book, from the title to the cover copy, helping you make a strong first impression.

6. A fresh perspective

When you write a book, you often get so immersed in the story that it's hard to view it objectively. An editor brings a fresh pair of eyes and a new perspective.

Your editor will:

• provide constructive feedback that may improve your manuscript by enhancing a scene or fixing inconsistencies, and

• guide you through the editing process, often helping you see your work in a new light, pushing your creativity and improving your writing.

Then, after all that, your editor will save you time and energy!

As an indie author, your time will be precious. Editing is a detailed and time-consuming process that requires skill and patience. While your editor works through your manuscript, you can focus on the next stages – marketing and distribution.

Your editor will:

• work quickly and efficiently to edit your manuscript and

• review your manuscript with fresh eyes, picking up issues you may have overlooked due to your close connection to the material.

So this is why every indie author needs an editor…

Self-publishing offers you, as an indie author, the freedom to create on your terms, but that freedom comes with the responsibility to ensure your finished book is polished. Your editor will help you hone your manuscript to perfection, ensuring that your writing is clear and engaging.

Hiring an editor is an investment in your craft and your career. A great editor doesn’t just fix mistakes; they will elevate your writing and ensure your words stand out for the right reasons. The guidance of a skilled editor is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

I hope this helps xx

If you’re an aspiring author looking to publish your book, I'm here to polish your words and create a professional, reader-friendly publication for you. Let me support you on your publishing journey.

Contact me for a free editing and typesetting estimate, and let’s make your book shine!

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Do get in touch if you need editorial or admin support.