Freelance editors you recommend?

[JennaGlatzer]

Have any of you worked with a freelance editor you would recommend to others?

[maestrowork]

Yes, but I'm not sure if she's still doing editing work. If you're interested, let me know.

[Birol]

I haven't worked with them as an editor/writer, but I would recommend www.wordmountain.com (http://www.wordmountain.com).

[TashaGoddard]

I am one. Not sure if that means I'd recommend me, though. I'm very good at editing non-fiction (in particular textbooks and teaching resources), but have a lot less experience with fiction (a few erotic novels, nothing more 'high-brow' - and some beta reading for friends). I do know lots of other very good editors (my husband included), but again they're all in the non-fiction area. We're all based in the UK too, so have more experience with British English than American (or any other) English. I'd be happy to field any enquiries via PM.

[LRFarley]

I can recommend myself, as well. I am a grammar, punctuation, and spelling wienie.

Bob/lrf

[Birol]

When I said I had not worked with Word Mountain as a writer/editor, I was thinking novels. Word Mountain did provide an overview edit of a short story I wrote. They had wonderful insights.

[JanaLanier]

I haven't worked with Ray Rhamey, but I follow his blog. He edits opening passages on his blog. He'll do entire pieces for a fee.

Here's his blog: http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/wrrriter/
And his website: http://www.editorrr.com/

[TemlynWriting]

I can recommend myself, as well. I am a grammar, punctuation, and spelling wienie.

Bob/lrf

So am I. :) Not sure if self-recommendation is acceptable, but I freelance as well.

[maestrowork]

Of course, I second Word Mountain. The editor is very diligent and she knows her stuff.

[James D. Macdonald]

Laura Ann Gilman
Nancy Hangar
Josepha Sherman

[reph]

I'm a wonderful copy editor, but I have little experience editing fiction. Since we're on the Novels forum, I presume you're asking about fiction editors.

[JohnGalt]

I recommend the Consulting Editors Alliance. http://www.consulting-editors.com

They aren't cheap.

- JG

[Wandering Sensei]

I earn my living as a writer and editor and have edited fiction, nonfiction, and technical pieces. So it doesn't make sense to outsource what I can do myself.

[maestrowork]

I earn my living as a writer and editor and have edited fiction, nonfiction, and technical pieces. So it doesn't make sense to outsource what I can do myself.

The author usually is handicapped when editing his/her own work. That's why publishers hire professional editors.

Now I don't mean you shouldn't edit your own work and polish it the best you can -- write like an artist, rewrite like an editor. But there are things that will slip past you as the author, and a professional second pair of eyes is a good thing to have.

[Daughter of Faulkner]

I have been an editor for years and for an editor to edit his own work is like not thinking that your baby is the most beautiful baby in the world.
You cannot put emotion and attachment aside or be objective to do what HAS TO BE done to publish.

[TemlynWriting]

I feel the same way. It's always helpful to have another pair of eyes to look over what I've written, even if I've edited it myself. I read aloud, which helps me catch most errors, but I always have someone else look it over, even if it's a short nonfiction piece. It's amusing the things that I miss once in a while! :)

[JennaGlatzer]

Thanks for the responses! I'm looking (not for me) for a good developmental editor for fiction who has experience working with publishing houses. Am going to investigate the suggestions thus far.

Thought it would be a good thread for others, too, though-- for anyone who's considering hiring an editor.

[victoriastrauss]

Some thoughts (and cautions) about hiring independent editors are here. (http://www.sfwa.org/beware/bookdoctors.html)

- Victoria

[Wandering Sensei]

I disagree. I'm a professional writer and editor. If I hired an outside editor to edit everything I wrote, I wouldn't earn a dime. I HAVE to be able to distance myself from my own words and edit what I've written. And I've done so for going on 20 years.

If I were a professional electrician, I wouldn't feel that I couldn't wire my own house. If I'm any good, I shouldn't have to hire someone else to come in and do what I earn a living doing.

Now that doesn't mean that it's not a good idea to have another pair of eyes run through it. Even professional chefs have people taste test their creations before they put it on the menu.

[TashaGoddard]

Personally, I wouldn't hire an outside editor either. I'd make use of beta readers for big-picture stuff. But I would have my husband (who is also an editor) do a general proofread for typos, because I do find I miss some of them in my own work. However, if you're being published, your publisher will have your work edited - providing you are able to submit something that is in a readable state and has something they are looking for, I don't think there's any need for an outside editor, paid for out of your own pocket. For some people, though, it might be of use in getting their manuscripts up to the point where it is readable and in a submittable state.

[mistri]

I've done some freelance editing work. I used to work at Harlequin (UK, for a couple of years), so I've done plenty of content and line editing. However, I must admit that I'd rather be writing than editing :)

[Michele]

Hi everyone.

I'm new to this board, but I wanted to add Marjorie Allen to the list. I'm working with her now on final revisions for my ya novel. She's been wonderful. We've passed my ms back and forth a few times. She offered advice and pointed out areas that needed improvement. As a new writer (I've been seriously working at this for about three years.), I feel like she helped me make my work polished and professional.

I'm about to start querying agents and have a few questions. I'll look for another thread to post them, but I wanted to share my experience with Marge.

Thanks.

Michele