Support for Indie Authors discussion

Hello,

I'm almost finished with my first novel in my three book series! YAY!

I wondered if it would be easiest to have it looked over by an editor first (I edit other's books, but feel it's wise to have someone edit my own) and then sent to Beta's? Or would you do the opposite, Beta then edits?

Not entirely crucial, but I am curious what other's have found to be the smoothest course of action.

Thanks

Emily: It could work either way. I use beta readers for feedback on the story. If they find typos so much the better, but my primary goal is for them to tell me what works and what doesn't. It also depends on what kind of editor you're using and what you expect from that person. If you you anticipate major revisions, then I'd wait on the betas, but if you use your editor primarily for style and typos, then you could do it in either order.

IMHO - Betas before Editors

Betas will help you fix any plot issues for free. Editors will charge you to fix them.

You should get as much free feedback from betas as you can. Fix all the issues you can (including spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.) before hiring an editor. It will mean the difference between getting a light edit or a heavy edit in terms of money spent.

This approach makes all kinds of sense, Helen. I use Betas first and then an editor, and I second Helen's recommendation.

Thank you. Those are great suggestions. I appreciate it.

The more eyes on your manuscript before it goes public, the better. Different people spot issues others miss. Once it goes public, check the critical reviews and go back and fix the issues, then again, then again.

Best regards, Morris

Hi Emily,
I also work as an editor, and I feel that having some Betas before editing is a good idea. If you get it copy edited, but then make changes from Beta reports, then you have to edit it again, instead of just proofreading it. However, if you are in the market for an editor please check out my website: http://silviasreading.webs.com/

Thanks and best of luck!
Silvia

Silvia wrote: "Hi Emily,
I also work as an editor, and I feel that having some Betas before editing is a good idea. If you get it copy edited, but then make changes from Beta reports, then you have to edit it aga..."

I am in the market within the next two months or so. I run an editing business, but as I'm sure you know, I feel more comfortable having different eyes edit my book.

Do you prefer certain genre? Mine is a YA fantasy. My goal is to polish it up over the next three weeks, then send it to Beta's so, June is my editing goal.

I completely understand. You know what you were saying when you wrote the novel,so it might be hard to spot any mistakes. I read everything, and YA fantasy is right up my alley! June is a good time if you decided to work with me, I will be holding an anniversary sale for the month of June!

Hi,

Just finished beta reading a YA fantasy and it has put me in the mood! Please email me at [email protected] so we can exchange details and I can give you information about my beta reading/editing service. Maybe you can send me a sample and we can see if we are a fit!

Thanks,
Sharon

Emily: We don't view this as a serial process. For our books, editors are there to catch typos, awkward wording, etc. Beta readers are there to comment on things like inconsistency, redundancy, and plot holes. We inform beta readers that they are not expected to comment on basic editing and proofing, and that they should expect to see some typos etc.

But we scrub our books pretty well through alpha readers first (which is why there are beta readers), so when we are ready for beta readers, we are usually also ready for an editor.

But it all depends on what sort of feedback you are expecting from beta readers, and to what extent you are willing to make significant changes. If you might do that, the editing pass should probably be the final step (especially if you are paying someone).

And yes, you are quite wise!