Freelance editing rates are pathetic. Successful authors and editors must aim higher.

Freelance editing rates are pathetic. Successful authors and editors must aim higher.

The Editorial Freelancers Association has published the results of a survey of 1,000 respondents, 30% of its membership. My main takeaway: these rates are pathetically low. That’s not good news for editors, writers, or the quality of books. The EFA’s rate estimator based on the survey is here. Here are some highlights from the survey:…

The easily excited editor
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The easily excited editor

I think the reason I like editing is that I’m so curious and easily excited. I’ve edited books on cybersecurity, medical cures, networking, customer experience, disruption, AI, clear communication, data, ethical management, personal productivity, the future of transportation, and financial advising. Plus two memoirs, one of a musician and public speaker and the other of…

In the shoes of another: reflections on editing and ghostwriting
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In the shoes of another: reflections on editing and ghostwriting

I am very selective about ghostwriting clients and very open to a broad range of editing clients. Part of the reason is that a ghostwriting commitment means living in your skin for six or nine months, while an editing commitment means living in your manuscript for two or three weeks. But it’s not just the…

Why your publisher won’t edit your manuscript — and what to do about it

Why your publisher won’t edit your manuscript — and what to do about it

I’ve now written or edited more than 25 books published by traditional or hybrid publishers. I know what your publisher is looking for, and what they will and won’t do for you. So it’s time for some straight talk about that. Publishers in 2021 won’t generally edit your book. They are looking for a publishable…

The cost of developmental editing and how to manage it

The cost of developmental editing and how to manage it

Developmental editing is the process of making a nonfiction book better in every way — including clarity of ideas, structure, tone, paragraphs, sentences, and words. Developmental editors aren’t cheap. Today, some ideas on how to manage that expense and make the book better at the same time. Cheap editors aren’t a bargain Depending on the…

Be an author, not a sucker:  What services should non-fiction authors buy?

Be an author, not a sucker: What services should non-fiction authors buy?

Face it: if you’re prospective non-fiction author, you may as well have “sucker” written on your forehead. Everyone knows you yearn to be a bestseller and they’re quite happy to take your money to feed that need. Much of what they’re offering is waste. A lot of it is worthwhile. But it could cost you…