Is it worth using an editor?

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: being edited has had a profound effect on my craft, mindset and professional journey. Here's why it's worth using an editor:

• Greater self-awareness: An editor will highlight your strengths and weaknesses. A knack for punchy intros? Too many filler words? 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 tough gym routine. It's 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 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 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 an editor can improve the quality, volume and impact of your writing. This means more opportunities for publication, business growth, speaking engagements and even awards.

  
  

Are there times when an editor isn't necessary?

In my opinion, rarely (and that's not just because I do this for a living). I've used editors to review my own writing, including my website copy and blogs. Why? Because even editors need editors! When you're writing, it's almost impossible to see your own blind spots. Your brain compensates for words or letters that aren't there.

That said, if you're writing for pleasure, you don't need an editor. I'm talking about journalling, creative writing or letters/emails to friends. But if you want your words to reach a larger audience, either online or in book form, then editing is a must.

Note: In the age of AI, you're probably wondering if tools like Grammarly, Gemini or Copilot do the job of an editor. To a certain extent, yes. They can polish your writing and remove obvious errors. However, they're not great at picking up context cues or reproducing your voice, which means that errors can still slip through (for example, Grammarly almost always turns 'copy' into 'copies' when we're talking about copywriting).

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 sharpening your message, they bolster your confidence, save you time and help you build the recognition you deserve. Not a bad investment, 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.