Do I need to hire aN editor if i'm going to query publishers?

If you want to pursue the traditional publishing route, you might be wondering: is it worthwhile to hire a editor on my own?

The answer is absolutely!

It might seem like working with a copy-editor before querying publishers is the wrong order in which to do things. After all, if your manuscript is accepted for publication, a publisher will usually do their own editing anyway.

However, unless you are an established author with an existing relationship to a publishing house, new writers generally have to prove they have strong writing skills before a publisher will invest in their work. This means submitting a manuscript that is near-ready for publication. Publishers usually won't even consider manuscripts that are in need of heavy copy-editing, especially if they come from unproven writers.

The competition to get published is fierce. When querying a publisher with your manuscript, you want to put your absolute best foot forward. Big publishers receive thousands of manuscripts per year, and it's hard to stand out even if you have a great story to tell.

A copy-editor will help you submit a manuscript that:

• has consistent language and strong ideas
• has good flow and a logical plot
• is free of grammar and spelling errors
• is formatted for readability

A copy-editor can also help you write an enticing blurb or plot summary to include with your query letters.

Going through the editing process with a professional copy-editor will put your manuscript a league ahead of the rest and help you fulfill your dream of being professionally published.

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