Lately, I’ve talked to several clients and found out they have made mistakes surrounding hiring a book editor—mistakes that cost them upwards of $10,000, so I created this informational episode so you don’t make those same costly mistakes! 

I share five critical facts every author must know about book editing. First, I address the blind spot reality where you cannot edit your own book effectively because your brain auto-corrects what you meant to write. This cognitive limitation causes repeated mistakes that disempower writing, and missing unclear explanations your brain automatically fills in. Professional writers, including myself, hire editors because even big authors need fresh eyes for objectivity that transforms good books into great books.

Fact two explains the four editing types in critical order: developmental editing first for big picture structure, content, and audience alignment; then line editing for sentence-level clarity and pacing; followed by copy editing for grammar and style guide compliance; finally proofreading for typos before publication. The biggest mistake is authors hiring line editors first then wanting developmental editing afterward, wasting money since they'll need another line edit after adding developmental content. 

Fact three covers realistic timelines for editing. I work on faster timelines, completing developmental edits in one week if you're in a timeline crunch. Good editors book out weeks or months in advance, and rushing editing backfires because rush jobs cost more and deliver less. Work backwards from your launch date and add buffer time since editing is not a once and done process.

Fact four addresses pricing. Cheap editing ends up costing you in missed opportunities because inexperienced editors miss critical issues and one lost speaking opportunity costs more than quality editing. Professional editing delivers higher speaking fees, attracts better clients, and creates immediate opportunities. Red flags include prices significantly below market, editors who don't specialize in your genre, unclear pricing, and "I can do it all" editors claiming every specialty. Authors will want to put aside and invest $2,000-$5,000 for book editing because skipping these damages reputation and costs income.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

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Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have.

The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereto based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.