I’ve been on both sides of the editing fence. Not only have I edited other people’s work, but I’ve also had my own writing edited.
When I wrote a novel many years ago, it was critiqued by a supervisor, peers, an exam committee and even a publisher. More recently, I’ve had clients or in-house editors provide feedback on my copy or content, often requesting rewrites to sharpen the content or brand voice.
And even though I know what to expect, getting feedback from an editor can still be nerve-wracking. (Frankly, I’d rather put pins under my nails!).
I won't lie. I usually have to take a deep breath and consider each edit carefully and objectively. Which should I accept? Which should I defend? And which could go either way? It’s a process, and if you trust the editor (or you’ve worked with them before), those choices are easier to make.
But there’s one thing I know: using an editor can have a profound effect on your craft, mindset and professional journey. Here are six ways you benefit from working with an editor.
6 benefits of using an editor
Greater self-awareness
An editor will highlight your strengths and weaknesses. A knack for punchy intros? Too many filler words? A fondness for passive voice? You’ll develop a deeper awareness of your writing (and any blind spots) so you can leverage or temper those traits in the future.
Improved writing skills
Most editors explain why they made certain changes, which means you get a mini masterclass in English grammar and usage. Over time, you’ll absorb these lessons and see a marked improvement in your writing.
Resilience
Working with an editor is like a gym routine. It can be painful at first, but it gets easier with practice. Whenever your work is edited (particularly if you're open to the process), you grow and evolve as a writer, making you more flexible and receptive to feedback. If you want to know more about the process, see What to expect when you work with a book editor.
Confidence
Writing is a lonely business, so getting feedback can validate your ideas and ensure you’re on the right track. Plus, having your work reviewed beforehand means you can submit, publish or post without worrying about niggly errors (and the grammar police who pounce on them!).
Time-efficiency
Proofing your own work can be time-consuming, and you may lack the objectivity to make the right choices. When you’ve got a trusted editor by your side, you can leave the minutiae to them while you focus on what you do best: writing.
Professional growth and recognition
Over time, partnering with a trusted editor can improve the quality, volume and impact of your writing. This means more opportunities for publication, business growth, speaking engagements and even awards.
Takeaways: Is it worth using an editor?
You may hire an editor to check for typos and misspellings, but that’s only a fraction of what they do. In addition to bolstering your confidence and resilience, they can also level up your writing, save you time and facilitate professional growth. Not too shabby, right?
So if your book is ready for editing, I’d love to help. Send me a brief and a sample from the middle of your book. I’ll quote you on the project and, if requested, provide a sample edit for A$50.
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