As a developmental editor, this is really encouraging to hear. I'm glad you had such a positive experience! And for people who don't have thousands to spend on an editing service, there are loads of smaller companies / freelancers who offer much more affordable rates - we just don't have the option to give you the free sample at the beginning :(
It's so good to have a developmental editor comment! And you're right, there are tons of freelancers out there and as a freelancer myself (I started a marketing/PR company 10 years ago but it's always been just me or me + 1 at the helm) I feel this.
For someone wanting to look at hiring a freelancer, how would you suggest they find the right one for them and vet them? Just a simple google search or is there another way?
As an aspiring author currently editing my first nov this was a helpful read. So glad the development editing process was so beneficial to you and gave me a better idea on what to expect.
this is a great post!! currently writing my book as serialized fiction here on substack and will then compile it, so this post helps a lot! will be saving it for future reference
That’s so cool!! I really admire you doing that, I get so nervous even showing my friends my drafts — it takes so much courage to put it out there like that!
I highly highly reccomend beta readers as well, and finding a good support group that way. I've been using Bianca Marais' beta reader matchup (which I'm now realizing I should link in here) and that's been SO helpful for getting my weaknesses pointed out to me.
That's a really good idea, I'd like to look into that around the end of next year. It's not much good asking friends - although a bit of praise now and then doesn't hurt! 😅😁
This is it, isn't it? I might have to look for one for Europe though, time zone wise.
haha exactly!! I love a good ego boost from my friends but the beta readers will really help identify those weak spots.
Yes, sorry, meant to link here too. 🤦♀️ That's the one! She tries to pair you up based on time zones —we actually have someone from Europe in our group now, and the rest of us are on the East Coast of North America, so it's worth trying. I've had groups not meet via Zoom as well and just do written critiques when the time zones or schedules don't align and while I do love Zoom with the right group, even having that written critique and line edits helps a lot.
Not every successful developmental editor is wildly expensive. I'm not! And I have a long list of author testimonials on my website www.jennyredbug.com
As a developmental editor, this is really encouraging to hear. I'm glad you had such a positive experience! And for people who don't have thousands to spend on an editing service, there are loads of smaller companies / freelancers who offer much more affordable rates - we just don't have the option to give you the free sample at the beginning :(
It's so good to have a developmental editor comment! And you're right, there are tons of freelancers out there and as a freelancer myself (I started a marketing/PR company 10 years ago but it's always been just me or me + 1 at the helm) I feel this.
For someone wanting to look at hiring a freelancer, how would you suggest they find the right one for them and vet them? Just a simple google search or is there another way?
Exactly. Same here.
This is great information. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I'm so glad it helped!
will be checking out cornerstones !!
I hope you find it helpful!
As an aspiring author currently editing my first nov this was a helpful read. So glad the development editing process was so beneficial to you and gave me a better idea on what to expect.
I'm so glad it was helpful! What genre are you writing? It's always so good to connect with others working on their debut!
Rom-com 😊
me too!! It’s kind of on the line of rom-com and Women’s Fiction. So good to meet another rom-com writer!
this is a great post!! currently writing my book as serialized fiction here on substack and will then compile it, so this post helps a lot! will be saving it for future reference
That’s so cool!! I really admire you doing that, I get so nervous even showing my friends my drafts — it takes so much courage to put it out there like that!
hopefully we can read your books one day
ahh the dream!!! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing , Angela!
You’re welcome, thanks for reading!! :)
Love the insights! And YAY you!
🥰
Thanks for the insight!! And kind of good to know that I'll have to do without for financial reasons 🫣
I highly highly reccomend beta readers as well, and finding a good support group that way. I've been using Bianca Marais' beta reader matchup (which I'm now realizing I should link in here) and that's been SO helpful for getting my weaknesses pointed out to me.
So that's an option too!
That's a really good idea, I'd like to look into that around the end of next year. It's not much good asking friends - although a bit of praise now and then doesn't hurt! 😅😁
This is it, isn't it? I might have to look for one for Europe though, time zone wise.
https://www.biancamarais.com/beta-reader-match-up.html
haha exactly!! I love a good ego boost from my friends but the beta readers will really help identify those weak spots.
Yes, sorry, meant to link here too. 🤦♀️ That's the one! She tries to pair you up based on time zones —we actually have someone from Europe in our group now, and the rest of us are on the East Coast of North America, so it's worth trying. I've had groups not meet via Zoom as well and just do written critiques when the time zones or schedules don't align and while I do love Zoom with the right group, even having that written critique and line edits helps a lot.
Not every successful developmental editor is wildly expensive. I'm not! And I have a long list of author testimonials on my website www.jennyredbug.com
Thank you Madeline! That is so so sweet and exactly what I needed to read before I switch from Substack to novel edits today 😭.
Your ongoing support means so much to me. Proof that Substack creates real friendships and support systems. 🖤