Careers: Writing/Editing

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/13/2011


Question
Hi Cathy,

I have a completed manuscript that I would like to get published into a novel. Can you recommend a good editing service to help me with the grammar and sentence structure of my manuscript?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi, Jerry!

Well, if you're seeking out a commercial publisher you might see on the shelves in a bookstore, an editing service is the LAST thing you want to hire. Why? Because if an editor learns that someone else corrected your grammar and sentence structure, they won't want the book because they have have no way of knowing whether you can duplicate the quality when it comes time for the edits they're going to want. Editors at publishers don't actually change the text of a book. They just send you a letter telling you what they want done. Then it's up to you to make the changes to their satisfaction.

And really---if you're paying for an editor, which can run from $2.00-$5.00 per page (either by the page or by the word) of double-spaced text---you won't be making much money. You'll wind up paying out your advance to a third party, every single time. Tough to earn a living that way.

However, if you're planning on self-publishing, or just want to learn what you're doing wrong on the first book so you can duplicate it yourself later, then an editor can be a good thing. (But again, the good ones don't actually make the changes. They'll just tell you what to correct.) In that case, I can recommend one amazing editor I know (she was formerly my editor at Tor). Her name is Anna Genoese and here's her website link. http://www.annagenoese.com/

She's not cheap, but she's really good.

Hope that helps! Good luck.

Cathy  

Careers: Writing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.