Congratulations! You completed writing your book. Putting the final period on your manuscript is absolutely something to celebrate.
Have you hired an editor?
Before you rush into publishing to start using your book to market your products and/or services or as your lead magnet for speaking engagements, be sure you engage a professional editor. There are five reasons why editing is the most important step of your publishing journey.
1. Objective
Your editor doesn’t have an emotional tie to your material. What you’ve written is YOUR story, so, of course, you feel attached, perhaps even sentimental.
Your editor doesn’t share those feelings. Their only concern is making sure your book tells a complete story that is as error-free as possible, and they will make the appropriate comments and suggestions to get you there.
2. Critical eye
Editors take a critical eye to your work, correcting errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. At the same time, your editor will ensure what you’ve written is aligned with your ideal reader and your intended message.
Your editor should also be sure your tone and style are consistent throughout your manuscript. If you begin in a casual tone but transition to a more academic voice, your editor will flag the change and make appropriate suggestions.
3. Fresh perspective
Because you’re so close to your material, it’s really hard for you to recognize areas for improvement. Your editor, on the other hand, will help improve the clarity, flow, readability, and overall structure of your book.
For example, if your manuscript lacks congruency—you leave loose ends or introduce people/characters and then never mention them again—your editor will make note so you can address these issues. Ensuring the end of your book is thematically consistent with the beginning is another benefit of hiring an editor.
4. Saves time
Your editor will also save time you could use to devote to other areas of your business. Instead of writing and re-writing the same chapter over and over and over and over again, you can … just … write. Your editor will catch errors and inconsistencies you would undoubtedly miss because, again, you’re too close to your own material.
5. Quality product
When you spend money on anything, you expect the best quality for your dollar. You need to think about your book as a product that will land in the hands of a reader, or, your end consumer. They spent their money on your book and expect the best in return.
Think of your editor as your quality assurance. Together, you’re creating a book that has the potential to change someone’s life in all the best ways, so shouldn’t it also be as error-free as possible?
Final thoughts
Editing also protects your brand reputation.
Consider this: Would you trust doing business with someone who produced a book riddled with typos, mistakes in subject-verb agreement, and punctuation that doesn’t make sense? I’m going to guess the answer is, “No.”
Hiring an editor will result in a manuscript you can confidently take to publishing and use as a tool to help grow your business.