Over the last few years, I have read a large number of books by present day Indian authors. This did two things: broke my firm belief that all of Indian literature is substandard and brought to light why most of these books aren’t fairing as they should, in the market.
“There Are Two Typos Of People In This World: Those Who Can Edit And Those Who Can’t” ― Jarod Kintz
India has a huge number of under-rated authors who are really good story tellers. They are under-rated for reasons ranging from lack of publicity to poor language in the books. Let’s face it, if I am writing a book, I would want it to be an absolute hit amongst most readers, would I not? Then why not take the extra step to make it perfect?
Writing is no easy job. It drains you, it takes every ounce of your imagination, concentration and discipline. So if you are a published author, congratulate yourself. You did well!
Also Read: Brand Yourself As Authors Before Your Book Launch
A writer is a human, at the end of a day. A good story teller, albeit a human. And even for people who are very careful with their grammar and language, it can be difficult to spot all the errors, with all their focus on the plot and continuity. Happens. Like for instance, I am writing this post. I might not be able to notice some minor flaw which you might already have. And that’s not all that an editor helps an author with! Your editing package will include everything there is to make sure that your book goes out to the market as a complete, polished product – content wise.
Here are the reasons!
- An editor reads your draft as a reader would. So, along with editing and proofreading, you also get first hand reader review on how the plot is.
- As someone who has experience in dealing with plots and giving the correct treatment to them, your editor can help you give the right direction to your plot, if you ever lose track.
- It’s always good to have a second pair of eyes. And, mind!
- It’s difficult (not impossible, but sure is difficult) to edit your own work. Your brain is tuned such that it will read whatever you wrote the first time, as correct.
- You have a story to write. While writing, you are bound to move from past to present, active to passive, first person to third person in your narration. So, do you pause your writing and take care of all this, or do you write the story waiting to be told? You write the story. Let the specialist bring it all together.
- Grammar. Most small publishers (at least in India) don’t care about editing and almost all authors who get their books published through these publishers, are handed the final product with very poor or no editing at all. Don’t depend on your publisher unless one of the big names has signed you or the website specifies editing. Even in the latter, know what standard of editing to expect and ensure that you get that. This is a risk you should not take.
- An editor helps you keep your emotions away from your manuscript. If your favourite character needs to die for the sake of the plot and its readability, your editor will tell you so. If your favourite sequence is absolutely redundant in the plot, your editor will chew your brain until you delete it or re-write it altogether. Yes, we are a bunch of harsh taskmasters, but all for the sake of your wonderful book!
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide To Hiring A Beta Reader
A book is an author’s baby. Would you give your child a mediocre life while preparing her for the future? No, you will give her the best you can. Then why shape your book in a mediocre way and drop it in the market, totally unprepared? Invest in a good editor. Your book deserves only the best.
And don’t forget, mistakes cost money. A well-edited book would earn you lots more. There is an essential checklist you should have handy when selecting an editor for your manuscript, I shall write a post on that very soon!
If you are reading this post and have reached this part, it is a given that you know I am a professional manuscript editor. If you want your manuscript edited, evaluated, help with ideating or writing, or even a ghost writer – drop me an email to editor@samarpita.in and we can have a conversation. There is so much I want to share about writing, editing, and social media for authors – I have so many informative posts planned for the next few weeks – hope you find them helpful. If you do, or if there are things under these topics that you’d want me to write in detail about, leave me a message in the comment box and I promise I will create that content for you.
You can also hop over to author.to/Samarpita and check out my ebooks on how to write better and make a social media presence before your book hits the market. The books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.
A good editor is a must for a good book. Well written post.
This is so true. I regret so much for not using good editing service for my first book
Very right. Good editing brings the best results. On point !
Well written. A good editor can make the book more interesting & intriguing.
I agree with the reasons you have shared!!
You are right. I have read books that were tough to read because of the editing. Hiring a professional editor is very important if you want to succeed as a writer.
Oh I hate when there are several errors I spot as a reader. I cannot review a book and not comment on the grammar and English used. I may not be a professional editor but as an author, I have read my own books more than 20 times before I published them. I think in today’s world, you cannot afford to publish books that are filled with errors. For one, word and Grammarly are there to help you a little bit. Not like the old guys who had to use a typewriter or ink pen to write the whole thing down and scratch it out in case of mistakes or errors.
Actully we are about to finsh a book and its good to know how to bring in an editor and why they can help. Very helpful post.
I completely agree, the book needs a good editing before coming out. The another professional and neutral pair of eyes is must.
Editing is super important, and to do the checks ourself will save us a lot of cost & improve our editorial skills 🙂 rhanks
Such an informative and persuasive article, Samarpita! I’m eagerly waiting to see your checklist for a good editor. #MyFriendAlexa #TinasPicks
Poor grammar is a big turn off when it comes to reading. Editing is the backbone of a good book.
Editing is the most crucial part of the publishing process. Thanks for bringing all the pointers under one frame. This is going to be very helpful for my next ebook publication.
Learning a lot by just reading your posts these days. More power to you and best wishes.
Nice post. Very right you are. The quality of writing and content varies too much in today’s books.
I believe, Book is incomplete without a good editor.
Quality editing is so crucial to have a good book. It’s great that you wrote about it, I am sure writers/ authors would immensely benefit from this post!
Your point is on point. I have read quite a few books that were ruined due to bad editing. It was a struggle to read them. Quality editing is extremely necessary and authors should not skimp when hiring a good editor. It makes all the difference.
Thanks for this post. Currently I am learning editing.
Such valid points on the importance of editors to enhance what we offer in large articles or books… Thanks for sharing
Really good points to remember. I have a story in mind and would check up for your points too
I agree in fact everything your write needs to be edited for better quality outcome and editer being more professional knows it all.
These are all relevant pointers. Many times the story is really very good and as a reader it’s easy to identify if it lacks proper/professional editing, so getting the manuscript edited is a wise thing to do.
Perfectly articulated. I read and review a lot of books and for few of them it is very clear better editing could have lifted the book to a completely different level.
Wow thats a great read. Very informative… I agree a good editor can take ur book to next level
An editor is required to go through many points that we as writers can miss. An editor breathes fresh life into the manuscript.
Of course editing is good and as you rightly pointed out another pair of eyes is always better
Thanks for this information. It’s really very helpful
Agree with the reasons u have mentioned for a book to be edited by a good editor.
As a reader, author, and editor (in order of preference) myself the thing that annoys me most is when a great book/story falls flat just because of poor editing.
This was such a great post to read because I resonate completely.
Having an editor on board before publishing book is a must and with the fact that well edited books are treasured by readers and many readers leave the book in middle if there are many editing and grammar mistakes.
I totally agree with you. I have jad experiences in the past but I still edit myself only and that is mainly due to the time line I follow.
Helps you keep your emotions in check.Thats definitely sign of a good editor.
So true – a new set of eyes and mind will spot what I cannot in my writing…
I totally agree, editing is a crucial part before publishing a book. You mentioned all important points here why we need a good editor. Really helpful post for authors.