How do you choose the perfect proofreader/copyeditor?
Recently my concerns have been with my own search for a really good proofreader/copyeditor. I have been looking at the best sellers on Amazon, some by top publishers. Well, immediately I now look at their one and two star review section of the book. I’ve noticed on quite a few, how so many of these reviews were given for bad grammar, and yet, they remain to be top best sellers. Now this is interesting, as well as comforting... And I can only wish I had all this kind of information say, about a year ago!
Then there are proofreader/copyeditors I have searched out with "author testimonials" who have books up on Amazon, but one or two of these books edited were given one or two stars for bad grammar. Should one still gamble with that editor? After all, some of their other books they edited don’t have any mention of poor grammar. Should you still use them, and hope your book isn’t the one that gets the poor editing? What do you think?
This isn't a post about editing yourself a zillion times, although that helps. This is a post about choosing outside editing help.
Are copy editors/proof readers really an individual experience that’s so very different for everyone?
Some of you might not want to part with your proofreader/copyeditor. You might be happy with yours, and so, intend to keep them very busy with editing your own books only. She or he has enough clients, you might think. Believe me, that too I can understand:) I mean, who needs an overworked, tired proofreader, which now raises futher questions, if you see what I mean.
But how do you decide on a good one? Do you think it’s a matter of paying the right price, or is that neither here, nor there?
Have prices in general become more reasonable since e-books? How much have you paid on a word count/page?
These are some baffling, important questions for authors. You will also need in the process of working with a copyeditor, a certain kind of trust and lots of patience. And with all that is said and done, maybe one shouldn't worry so much about finding that ultimate perfectionist. You know, in some of those Arabic rugs, there is a tiny pair of scissors woven into the pattern of the rug, to show man's human imperfection. (It goes something like that- anyway.)
Well, I'm hoping to narrow my own search down to one or two. Do you have a great copyeditor/proofreader you would like to recommend, who also has many books up on Amazon from various authors? If you like, you can list it here in the comment section, or e-mail me privately. jacquelinehowett@yahoo.com subject line: copyeditor/proofreader.
Some of you might not want to part with your proofreader/copyeditor. You might be happy with yours, and so, intend to keep them very busy with editing your own books only. She or he has enough clients, you might think. Believe me, that too I can understand:) I mean, who needs an overworked, tired proofreader, which now raises futher questions, if you see what I mean.
But how do you decide on a good one? Do you think it’s a matter of paying the right price, or is that neither here, nor there?
Have prices in general become more reasonable since e-books? How much have you paid on a word count/page?
These are some baffling, important questions for authors. You will also need in the process of working with a copyeditor, a certain kind of trust and lots of patience. And with all that is said and done, maybe one shouldn't worry so much about finding that ultimate perfectionist. You know, in some of those Arabic rugs, there is a tiny pair of scissors woven into the pattern of the rug, to show man's human imperfection. (It goes something like that- anyway.)
Well, I'm hoping to narrow my own search down to one or two. Do you have a great copyeditor/proofreader you would like to recommend, who also has many books up on Amazon from various authors? If you like, you can list it here in the comment section, or e-mail me privately. jacquelinehowett@yahoo.com subject line: copyeditor/proofreader.
If the same copyeditor/proofreader comes up often enough with a really good track record, that might be interesting.
Good Luck to all of you on that same road, and happy blog hopping!
Jacqueline.
This is a blog hop
Insecure Writer's Support Group monthly posting, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh. The first Wednesday of every month is when it happens and there are a whole bunch of bloggers who participate. Anyone can join, so feel free to add your name to the list, or just hop around and read the different posts.
