How does one go about finding an editor for a Fantasy Novel?

[Paendragon]

Just curious about this. I see plenty of source books for Literary Agents, and Publishers . . . but nothing for editors. I'm looking for how much it would cost, as much as where to go.

My book is still in the early stages. But when I'm ready, and before I send it off, I'd like to have it read by a pro.

If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it.

 

[snooper]

... If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it.

Google "copy editor" (including the quote marks and tick the little box for your country only, if there is one). Select at leisure. There were eight advertisements in the right hand panel for the UK alone.

If you achieve agreement to publish from a decent publisher they will copy edit for you as part of the deal.

There was a thread a while ago on here on the difference between copy editing and volunteer editing, but I'm too idle to look it up for you.

 

[CopyCarver]

re: request for editor

Just curious about this. I see plenty of source books for Literary Agents, and Publishers . . . but nothing for editors. I'm looking for how much it would cost, as much as where to go.

My book is still in the early stages. But when I'm ready, and before I send it off, I'd like to have it read by a pro.

If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it.

Good Morning Paendragon,

I'm sure your post will draw some attention--from legitimate editors, from wannabes, and from scam artists eager to take your money and run. Unfortunately, it's hard for a beginner to distinguish one type from the others.

As both a professional with 22 years of experience in publishing and an experienced volunteer here at Lit, I would offer offer three pieces of advice:

1) Check out potential editors thoroughly before you make a decision. Ask for references; examine their work; ask LOTS of questions. If at all possible, choose a working pro who has a track record you can examine.

2) Be as specific as possible when discussing your work with a potential editor--both for his/her sake and for your own. Ask questions, and answer whatever questions the editor has, particularly about your goals for the book and your personal style and preferences. There is no one "right" way to edit a book since every book is different and every author is different. While some editorial practices/standards are chiseled in stone, most are judgment calls that need to be made within a larger framework of author preference/publisher needs/market realities.

3) Choose an editor who wants to improve your book without inadvertently hijacking it. It's all too easy for even a competent and well-meaning editor to transform your book into a clone of his or own own work. A "good" edit(i.e. one that helps you work through plot and characterization problems; cleans up glitches in grammar, punctuation, usage, spelling, etc.) can easily become a very bad edit if it loses the author's individual style and voice. The way to prevent this is to select an editor who makes suggestions, explains his/her reasons, and lets you choose between several alternatives rather than declaring that things "have to be done" his or her way. Some absolutes are unavoidable, of course, but generally Kipling was right: there are nine and ninety ways to construct a tribal lay, and the best method is the one that suits your individual taste.

I hope this is helpful to you. If I can be of further assistance, don't hesitate to shout.

Best of luck,

Rob
(a.k.a. Copy Carver)

 

[Paendragon]

Good Morning Paendragon,

I'm sure your post will draw some attention--from legitimate editors, from wannabes, and from scam artists eager to take your money and run. Unfortunately, it's hard for a beginner to distinguish one type from the others.

As both a professional with 22 years of experience in publishing and an experienced volunteer here at Lit, I would offer offer three pieces of advice:

1) Check out potential editors thoroughly before you make a decision. Ask for references; examine their work; ask LOTS of questions. If at all possible, choose a working pro who has a track record you can examine.

2) Be as specific as possible when discussing your work with a potential editor--both for his/her sake and for your own. Ask questions, and answer whatever questions the editor has, particularly about your goals for the book and your personal style and preferences. There is no one "right" way to edit a book since every book is different and every author is different. While some editorial practices/standards are chiseled in stone, most are judgment calls that need to be made within a larger framework of author preference/publisher needs/market realities.

3) Choose an editor who wants to improve your book without inadvertently hijacking it. It's all too easy for even a competent and well-meaning editor to transform your book into a clone of his or own own work. A "good" edit(i.e. one that helps you work through plot and characterization problems; cleans up glitches in grammar, punctuation, usage, spelling, etc.) can easily become a very bad edit if it loses the author's individual style and voice. The way to prevent this is to select an editor who makes suggestions, explains his/her reasons, and lets you choose between several alternatives rather than declaring that things "have to be done" his or her way. Some absolutes are unavoidable, of course, but generally Kipling was right: there are nine and ninety ways to construct a tribal lay, and the best method is the one that suits your individual taste.

I hope this is helpful to you. If I can be of further assistance, don't hesitate to shout.

Best of luck,

Rob
(a.k.a. Copy Carver)

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

The whole process was confusing to me. I don't mind the feedback (I want the book to improve in all aspects) but I'm not interested in losing control of the book, or story.

You've given me a great place to start. I appreciate your help.

 

[Guest]

 

[CopyCarver]

Rob is the best , Paen.

And I'm tickled to see you looking into this!

Thanks, Forever.
Congrats on Ch. 2--up today
Did you get the comments glitch straighhtened out?

 

[Paendragon]

Rob is the best , Paen.

And I'm tickled to see you looking into this!

I had our conversations rolling around in my head . . . I figured I'd come in here and ask.

This your editor?

 

[Guest]