I was just reading your ask on editing. I happen to be a lone writer and very shy about my work, so far. I will share it with my family and friends but when it's done. Could there be a third party that could read my story for editorial purposes, a third party that is trustworthy?
(Here’s the post the anon is referring to)
I’m the same way. I’m very shy about sharing my work with anyone, until I feel that it’s at a place where I’m truly proud of it. And that means I go a very long time before anyone but me reads it.
There are people you can pay to edit your work. Google “novel editing services” to find a few reputable companies that will do this. There are also some freelance editors you might use, but unless the editor has genuine testimonials or client feedback, I’d be wary. If I remember right, @write-like-a-freak does editing at discounted rates for her patrons if you want someone in the Tumblr writing community.
Honestly though, to get to a point where you’re ready to pay for editorial services, you need to be ready to hand it out to agents/publishers, or preparing to self publish. I’m not going to go into the nitty gritty of publishing or finding paid editors since that isn’t our blog’s focus, but I hate to see writers shelling out money for editing services on rough drafts of their books. There’s so much more you can do to get it ready on your own or for free before you start forking over your hard earned money.
First, allow yourself some time to make some changes on your own. When you finish a draft, take some time before you start shopping for an editor, no matter how confident you feel. Let it sit for at least a few days, and then read it from start to finish. If you make it all the way through without finding problems that need addressing, then find someone.
Second, find some writer friends. In my opinion, the best time to do that is during NaNo months, November in particular. NaNoWriMo is packed full of meet-ups in your region, so you can get together with other writers, hang out, and just write. Building connections through NaNo can sometimes create long lasting friendships, but because writing is what brought you together, you’re able to be honest with each other and give each other sincere critiques.
I met a writer through work, and I just read her manuscript for her. She offered to pay me, but I insisted I’d do it for free since I know her. So in turn, she offered to read something for me when I get to the point I’m ready. Reading novels for your writing friends often means they’ll read for you in return when the time comes, so be sure to make yourself available :)
If you’re planning to edit your novel with intents to publish, I cannot stress enough the importance of a writing support system. Having friends who are also writers gives you access to readers you trust, and who can sympathize with your editing woes and struggles. There is nothing more encouraging than chatting with another writer about a scene you’ve been slogging through or a character that you’re dying to kill off because you can’t stand them anymore. And there’s something so liberating about answering the question “Any plans this weekend?” with “I’m hoping to do some writing” and have someone that just gets it.
I don’t know if I really offered any additional info in this post, but hopefully it helped!
-Rebekah
