This is incredibly helpful. Honestly, the different KINDS of editors hadn't even occurred to me.
Right now I'm on my third go-around with book one. The plot and my writing style changed enough in round two that a third draft was needed. I'm not sure if that puts me at LINE or COPY. they both seem to fit.
The kinds of editing services aren’t always clear or obvious, and I want authors to feel empowered to know and ask if/when they seek editorial services.
Line and copy editing can overlap. If you feel like you have two writing voices in the current draft, line editing might be the best fit. But if you’re able to edit and have things flow in one voice, copy editing might be all you need.
I’m putting it on one voice… or sort of… I mean the perspectives are all over the place, but for the work as a whole I went from sort of a narratory kind of style to more of an internal monolog kind of style.
Back when I was at high school, I remember this happening a lot to me - I write something, I go back to reading it 1 year after or so, and I feel like "Nah, this doesn't work".
However, I've been feeling very differently about my current novel cycle - even if the first couple books date as far back in time as 2014 (the Italian origina, not the English translation), reading them now still feels like reading a real novel. Even when there are passages I didn't quite remember, they never struck me as something I wish I wrote differently.
I dunno, maybe it's just me, but I'd be tempted to take this as a sign that the novel does not need a dev edit but, at most, a line one to check for syntax and similar stylistic issues.
That has to be such a wonderful feeling to read your previous work and feel impressed and happy with it! I agree with you - that seems like a clear sign that you’ve grown into your writer’s voice and learned to trust your instincts. If you are considering re-editing those older works, it sounds like a copy edit might be the avenue. No need to fix what isn't broken. :)
Looks good. What I need is some beta readers to check out any of my book and give me honest feedback. That would help me make the decisions. Trouble is, I have no idea where to find people who actually read.
Yes, one might think a place like Substack, but that seems less and less like the case.
Websites like Revvue and Booksprout are great places to get ARC readers and line up honest reviews after you launch. You can also use sites like Upwork and Fiverr for pre-launch beta readers.
Wow Allison! This post answered so many questions for me. In fact, I’m getting ready to create my next newsletter about the agony of editing from my perspective. I can’t afford to pay a professional editor, let alone 2-3 editors, so I’m hobbling along on my own.
However, I don’t want to self-publish a train wreck either. I feel an obligation as a writer not to pull down the impressions of self-published work as amateurish.
Thanks for your post! It gave me a lot to think about.
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad this was timely for you. Thanks for being here.
I completely understand budget constraints, especially these days. Use the linked resources in this post, too. I try to share as much as I can here to help those who are flying solo. And if there are other resources I can create, please let me know.
I never give my book to an editor until I feel the reading flows without energetic resistance. I simply feel it in my body when something tightens. Then I keep revising until that knot dissolves. When there are no knots left, I know I’ve done everything I can from my side.
This is incredibly helpful. Honestly, the different KINDS of editors hadn't even occurred to me.
Right now I'm on my third go-around with book one. The plot and my writing style changed enough in round two that a third draft was needed. I'm not sure if that puts me at LINE or COPY. they both seem to fit.
I’m so glad this is helpful!
The kinds of editing services aren’t always clear or obvious, and I want authors to feel empowered to know and ask if/when they seek editorial services.
Line and copy editing can overlap. If you feel like you have two writing voices in the current draft, line editing might be the best fit. But if you’re able to edit and have things flow in one voice, copy editing might be all you need.
I’m putting it on one voice… or sort of… I mean the perspectives are all over the place, but for the work as a whole I went from sort of a narratory kind of style to more of an internal monolog kind of style.
I’ll be excited to read it when it’s ready for the world. I’ve enjoyed hearing about it during our lil chats on here.
Well I do have some bits posted here... not in order though. I'd be more than happy to see what you think when I finish!
I’d love that.
Back when I was at high school, I remember this happening a lot to me - I write something, I go back to reading it 1 year after or so, and I feel like "Nah, this doesn't work".
However, I've been feeling very differently about my current novel cycle - even if the first couple books date as far back in time as 2014 (the Italian origina, not the English translation), reading them now still feels like reading a real novel. Even when there are passages I didn't quite remember, they never struck me as something I wish I wrote differently.
I dunno, maybe it's just me, but I'd be tempted to take this as a sign that the novel does not need a dev edit but, at most, a line one to check for syntax and similar stylistic issues.
That has to be such a wonderful feeling to read your previous work and feel impressed and happy with it! I agree with you - that seems like a clear sign that you’ve grown into your writer’s voice and learned to trust your instincts. If you are considering re-editing those older works, it sounds like a copy edit might be the avenue. No need to fix what isn't broken. :)
Looks good. What I need is some beta readers to check out any of my book and give me honest feedback. That would help me make the decisions. Trouble is, I have no idea where to find people who actually read.
Yes, one might think a place like Substack, but that seems less and less like the case.
Websites like Revvue and Booksprout are great places to get ARC readers and line up honest reviews after you launch. You can also use sites like Upwork and Fiverr for pre-launch beta readers.
This post might help too: https://allisonink.substack.com/p/how-to-ask-for-beta-reader-feedback?r=57fhy8&utm_medium=ios
Wow Allison! This post answered so many questions for me. In fact, I’m getting ready to create my next newsletter about the agony of editing from my perspective. I can’t afford to pay a professional editor, let alone 2-3 editors, so I’m hobbling along on my own.
However, I don’t want to self-publish a train wreck either. I feel an obligation as a writer not to pull down the impressions of self-published work as amateurish.
Thanks for your post! It gave me a lot to think about.
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad this was timely for you. Thanks for being here.
I completely understand budget constraints, especially these days. Use the linked resources in this post, too. I try to share as much as I can here to help those who are flying solo. And if there are other resources I can create, please let me know.
You got this!! 💪🤍
I never give my book to an editor until I feel the reading flows without energetic resistance. I simply feel it in my body when something tightens. Then I keep revising until that knot dissolves. When there are no knots left, I know I’ve done everything I can from my side.