So, you’re about to embark on a quest to write the next great American novel. You realize, though, that since you don’t have a publisher, you’ll need to find a freelance editor. Before you begin your search, ask yourself the following questions:
Once you answer these questions, the next step is to go about finding the editor. Where to begin? There’s an excellent website, run by the Editorial Freelancers Association, that you might want to check out. It lets you search for a member editor by name and/or skill set, with dropdown menus to let you click the specific requirements you’re seeking. It even includes an option for computer hardware and software expertise. Once you receive the results of your search, each name is hyperlinked to the member’s profile. It could not be easier. However, the list is limited to members of the association, so it’s not necessarily exhaustive.
Many times the publishing service provider will offer editing services as a part of publishing packages. This is true at companies like iUniverse and Trafford Publishing. But if you are truly self publishing and not using such providers… or if your provider is more of a print on demand service and less of a publishing service…you may want to check out some other online resources. Here are a couple of websites that you can consult to get the feel for what freelance editors and literary services companies offer. This is not an endorsement of either one, and there are countless others from which you can choose, but both of these sites are well done:
Don’t forget to also consult friends, read articles and blogs, and communicate with other literary professionals. A good freelance editor should be able to share a verifiable resume and should have referrals. He also should offer a safe and secure way to make payment (PayPal, for example.)
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