Comments on: The Inside Scoop: Working with a Freelance Editor

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:44:40 +0000

A very clear explanation of the editing process, while retaining a little of the mystery of the editor’s craft. As a freelance editor, people are always asking me what I actually do: it’s hard to convince them there is more to it than adding in commas.

By: Margaret Reardon

Margaret Reardon — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 20:32:48 +0000

I am a freelance editor who finds few clients who can afford a complete edit including copy, substantive, developmental editing and proofreading. To save them money, I offer an analysis of their work for a low fee, which lets them know how much editing work is required. They are then free to make as many changes and corrections as they can on their own so I have as little to do as possible.

By: Alex Zamorski

Alex Zamorski — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 20:43:44 +0000

In reply to Hollie Overton. Hey Hollie, Congrats on completing your first novel! I'm glad to hear that you found a freelance editor that you enjoyed working with and that you felt provided type of feedback you needed. Keep up the great work and THANK YOU for reading this article! -Alex

By: Hollie Overton

Hollie Overton — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 05:21:58 +0000

This was really insightful. Having spent the last year completing my first novel, I knew I needed fresh eyes to edit the manuscript before I sent it to my agent. I recently hired a freelance editor and I had a great experience. She provided great insights but didn’t overstep when it came to offering creative suggestions. I’d definitely use a freelance editor again.

Of course now I’ve gotten notes from my agent. Back to the drawing board… Writing is rewriting isn’t it? 🙂

By: Alex Zamorski

Alex Zamorski — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 12:37:21 +0000

In reply to Shelby. Hi Shelby, Gosh, that's so nice to hear! Thank you. I am so glad that you found my little article helpful :) Best of luck to you finding an editor. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me direct.

By: Shelby

Shelby — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:40:33 +0000

THANKS for this easy-to-understand article about your process. I am close to the edit point and, while I still have fears about finding the right editor, at least I have an idea of what to expect through the process. Your information on this site is incredible.

By: Alex Zamorski

Alex Zamorski — Wed, 21 May 2014 19:03:39 +0000

In reply to Elaine Luddy Klonicki. Thanks so much for your comment, Elaine. Sample chapters are definitely important for both the editor and the writer. If I receive a sample that I know needs major developmental work, I send it on back with constructive feedback for the writer and invite them to come on back when they're ready for the next step.

By: Elaine Luddy Klonicki

Elaine Luddy Klonicki — Wed, 21 May 2014 03:34:25 +0000

Very nicely done, Alex. I edit nonfiction only, but the process is the same. I always ask for a sample chapter to see if it’s actually ready for editing. Very often I find that it’s not far enough along, and make suggestions for strengthening the work before I look at it again.

Sometimes there’s a kernel of an idea, but it’s not fleshed out enough or there’s not enough content for me to do even a substantive edit on it. I always try to say something positive and encourage the writer to come back to me once they’ve done some more work.

By: Alex Zamorski

Alex Zamorski — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:55:12 +0000

In reply to Jo Carroll. I hope you find this post helpful, Jo! Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have about the editing process :)

By: Alex Zamorski

Alex Zamorski — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:52:44 +0000

In reply to marlene adelstein. Thank you for you comment, Marlene!