5 Signs You’re Ready for Book Editing
This guest post was written in collaboration with Isobelle Lans of Inspired Creative Co.
Congratulations on finishing a draft! Now, you know eventually you’ll need to hire an editor, but when will your book be ready for that next step? You’ll always find more things in your book to change, adjust, or fix, but how can you know when it’s time to hand it off to a professional? Here are 5 signs to help you know when you’re ready for book editing.
1. You’ve done as many drafts as possible without going crazy.
It is possible to overdraft our books. We can get so hung up on making it perfect and constantly tweaking it that we never end up satisfied. Eventually, you need to accept that you can only do so much on your own before it becomes nit-picking. The next step is to send it to a second pair of (professional) eyes.
2. You aren’t sure which direction to take your book and need help.
Perhaps you’ve written so many drafts and made so many changes that your mind is just all over the place and you’re at a loss for what to do and where to take the story. A fresh set of professional eyes (an editor) will help you see the forest for the trees and guide you in adjusting what you’re too close to see.
3. You have beta readers’ feedback but want another opinion.
Beta readers are amazing. They are so helpful in pinpointing what is and isn’t working and how your book is being received as a reader. But they’re not editors. Having someone with industry knowledge suggesting what will work best for your book is invaluable. Remember that an editor is an advocate for your readers, your book, and for you! It is crucial to work with a trained editor who can help point you in the right direction.
4. You feel like you’re ready to start querying.
You’ve drafted as best you can and now you think an edit is the next step before querying. Having an editor look at your book will also help you know if you are where you think you are; they should be able to talk to you about whether your book is ready or if more work needs to be done.
5. You feel like you’ve done everything you can to improve your book.
You have drafted and revised and cleaned up your story to your best ability and now it is ready for someone else to take a look at. You may feel at a loss, knowing that something needs to be done to strengthen the book, but you’re not sure what. Enter an editor.
If you’re in need of fiction editing, contact Isobelle at hello@inspiredcreativeco.com.
If you’re in need of nonfiction editing, contact Carly at carly@cattediting.com.
Isobelle Lans is a UK-based fiction writer, editor and book coach. At Inspired Creative Co., she works with writers at all stages of the writing journey to help them hone their storytelling skills and write their best books. Isobelle believes in nurturing a writer's talent and personalising her approach to editing and coaching to each individual. You can connect with her on Instagram where she shares writing advice and insights, or you can learn more about her on her website.