Short & Sweet Reasons Why You Need an Editor
So without further ado . . .
Bestsellers have all had editors at one point or another during the process. In fact, many of them have had multiple editors. More editors don't always translate into more book sales, but without ANY editors, you are almost guaranteed low sales and no repeat customers.
Have you ever read a book that "could have been" great, if only it had gone through a round or two of copyediting?
Not sure about the "could have been great" but definitely would have enjoyed enough to buy more by the author. Most I see in this category are self-published.
ReplyDeleteReturning your A-Z visit =)
Unfortunately, that's true about the majority being self-pubs. I do find the occasional error in trad pub books (because no book is 100% error free, as a general rule) but when people are in a rush to publish or don't value what a solid edit can do for their story, they shouldn't expect readers to overlook the errors.
DeleteLynda, I always hate to comment on poor editing when I review a book that was entertaining. Still, it's a shame that more attention wasn't paid to editing.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame, for sure, but poor editing is one of those things I feel is essential to mention in a review, since that may influence whether someone should spend money on the book or not. If the book is good otherwise, I'll be sure to list the good stuff but will mention that it lost a star or two because of x issues. I know you take extreme care with the editing of your books . . . it's got to be frustrating to see others show a lack of concern for it in theirs.
DeleteHi Lynda - certainly some of the books I read need to be edited ... so can definitely see the need for an editor or two ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteAlways, always, always. I just don't know why some people think it's a step to be skipped.
DeleteI've quit reading a book because it was so poorly edited. I also think writers should be considerate of readers in their crit group and offer a submission that is polished and not just words thrown on the page. Lynda, thanks for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteJQ Rose
I hadn't considered the critique group aspect! That would be a place where I'd be paranoid about showing my best, most polished work to peers. How irritating to have to put up with that from others if you're sharing your best. It would feel like a waste of time.
DeleteI've also quit books that were poorly edited, or not edited at all. Why people still think they can do that is beyond me.
Don't know if it could have been great, because I couldn't finish it. I once started to read a steampunk novel that included contact with some historical figures. Our intrepid hero is going to visit Alexander Graham Bell, and as he's walking up to the door, he begins to reminisce about their days in college together, the way Bell dressed, what he liked to eat, a supposed fling he had one summer, and all that rot. This went on for about six pages before he knocked on the door, by which time I had already checked out.
ReplyDeleteSome authors, I guess, having done all this research, can't bear to dispense with any of it, and they feel they have to give it to you in one huge dump. I can't imagine any editor would stand for that. Of course, it isn't only obscure indies that fall into this particular trap. Witness Kevin Costner's Wyatt Earp to see it in action on the big screen.
YES and yes again! Just because the writer learned it all during the research phase doesn't mean we need to know it all to enjoy the story. I have a problem with the "reminiscing" passages when someone is talking to another, and by the time they answer, I've forgotten what the question was and have to go back to see what the "Yeah, I guess you're right" is even referring to.
DeleteI told you recently about an unedited, self-published work I almost edited, but the author was in too much of a hurry to wait for me to do it... although I would have done it ASAP. He didn't even wait one day from when I made the offer. Anyway, it wouldn't have been great, no matter who edited it, but a few major plot points and annoying little gaffes like using "shuttering" instead of "shuddering," to name only one, made it quite a disappointment.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about "shuttering"? I see that all the time! I think your author buddy missed out on some decent help. Hope he doesn't end up regretting it in a big way and blaming you somehow.
DeleteFor me, it will be a TOP priority to hire an editor(s) when I'm ready to publish "one-day-in-the-hopefully-not-too-distant-future"!
ReplyDeleteI'm terrified at the thought of a non-edited book with my name on it being released into the big wide world! *shudder*
I don't know how authors feel comfortable doing this...
I don't know how some of them do it either. Some don't know, but some just don't care.
DeleteYou're planning the right way, though!