Manuscript Critique or Book Editing:
Which Is Best For You?
How will you know what you're doing wrong
until
someone of authority tells you?
A manuscript critique by an experienced editor can give a generalized opinion of
whether or not a new or hobbyist writer is on the right track. By contrast,
thorough book editing by a respected professional is far more specific, providing an in-depth, microscopic view of a manuscript, pinpointing precise areas in need of attention during an intensive rewrite.
Whereas a manuscript critique offers a broad, satellite-level perspective of one’s work, professional book editing provides the detailed roadmap to improve your manuscript and increase your chances of achieving your goals.
Which is best for you? If you’re a serious, more advanced author with a goal of professional publication, skip the manuscript critique and go for book editing.
While both services may provide encouragement, be prepared for critical feedback as well. The truth hurts, but that’s what you want. You can’t learn from praise; only from criticism.
Can you get by without either service? If you’re writing fiction, absolutely not; especially if you’re writing a novel. As the Washington Post notes, "every great novelist needs an editor."
i am Michael Garrett
As Stephen King's first editor and publisher, I've obviously been around awhile. Why should you trust 
me to give you
honest advice? Check out my bio and see.
Unpublished authors can be easy targets for industry scammers who play by a loose set of rules. As a result, you’ve likely been exposed to their tactics already and perhaps have even come to accept some.
Assuming that you are, indeed, ready for the next step and are anxious to
produce a marketable manuscript, be careful or you could easily be misled. To
help you avoid the minefields I offer the following pointers to help you
safely find the best editor at an
affordable price.
Are sample edits really
the
best way to select Book Editing?
Sample edits may not be the most effective method for selecting manuscript services.
While some services use this as a tactic to attract clients, it may not truly showcase their abilities. The value of a full-scope edit lies in the editor's commentary rather than just the markups on a few pages. Major issues in a manuscript cannot be accurately identified through a sample edit. Therefore, it's crucial to focus on the quality of an editor's work rather than minor observations.
True professionals don’t offer free services to attract clients, as their reputation speaks for itself.
Are lists of "best Book Editing Services" or "Top Editors" legitimate?
No, lists of "best editorial services" or "top editors" cannot be considered legitimate.
The only way for them to be credible would be if the compiler had tested the services of every single professional editor out there, which simply isn’t feasible due to the vast number of editors out there. These lists often consist of individuals with personal connections and may not accurately reflect the skills of included editors.
Can Self-Editing Replace The
Need For
Professional Book Editing or a manuscript critique?
No, self editing cannot.
Can you perform surgery on yourself? You do not have the expertise or training.
Certainly, you can and should make any edits that you are capable of. However, you cannot replace the expertise of professional book editor any more than you can perform surgery on yourself.
How can I protect my manuscript from being stolen?
You’re automatically protected by U.S. copyright laws without even registering for them the moment you create a manuscript. For verification go to the U.S. Copyright Office’s Q&A page.
When it comes to your writing, be smart.
Everyone needs an editor, even best-selling authors and
especially
self-publishing writers.
Whether it comes to a simple manuscript critique or full-scope book editing,
please use the advice on this website to avoid the pitfalls that inexperienced
writers often fall into.
The unbiased advice that you'll find on this website is based upon my 40+ years of publishing industry experience.
Get full details and pricing info on my editorial services here.
The unencumbered opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
Michael Garrett's writing advice is right on!
— Kirk Polking, former director, Writer's Digest School
Manuscript Critique Advice: Save Your Money And Go For Book Editing!
Related Articles:
Don't Trust Online Book Editing Searches!
Best Book Editors? Says Who?
The Down Side of Critique Groups!
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