Editing is essential for professionally produced novels and narrative non-fiction. From ensuring the story is engaging through strong narrative arc, characterisation, writing style, plotting and pace, to perfecting word choice, spelling, punctuation and grammar; these are the processes a novel must go through if it’s to make that vital first impression – on a literary agent or commissioning editor, or on a reader if you’re publishing independently.
A literary agent or the commissioning editor at a publishing house is much more likely to react positively to a manuscript if it’s already been professionally edited. They see so many: properly edited work immediately stands out. No matter how wonderful your novel is, it’s at a disadvantage if it’s not been edited compared to work that has.
If you’re publishing your work independently (self-publishing), readers are used to high standards and are more likely to review books and buy again from an author whose standards are similar to traditionally published novels they read. Properly edited writing engages readers and leads to good reviews, recommendations and higher sales. It also tells prospective publishers – and independent publishing is an important route to traditional publishers, for writers eager for a contract – that you take your writing seriously.
Even authors who’ve had a contract previously but are looking for a new publisher tell us they’ve benefited from their new work – and their submission package, too – being given a good tweak and polish from a professional editor.
So whether you’re after representation and a traditional contract, or you’re going to plough your own furrow, editing these days is essential.
Editing is a broad term for quite different processes.
Or maybe you’re ready for our Submission Package Special? We will highlight any major weaknesses in your submission package up to 10,000 words, copy-edit it, make comments on your synopsis and query letter and copy-edit them too. We’ll even help you write an elevator pitch. Cost: £395. Email for details or see the item in Extras.
Send us 5,000 words and what kind of editing you’re ready for – developmental or copy-editing – and we’ll provide a quote.
A very detailed assessment of the novel, usually consisting of both a long report and comments to the manuscript (MS) itself.
This is the stage where we look at the nuts and bolts of the prose, such as grammar, word choice and punctuation, and much more.
Got a question? Not a problem, check out our Q&A page for the most frequently asked questions.
