Considering Working with a Fiction Editor?
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
As an aspiring author, you may find yourself struggling with deciding whether or not to hire a fiction editor. You might be worried about the cost, or maybe you're just not sure if you're ready to take that step in your writing journey. You’ve likely heard that working with a fiction editor can be one of the most beneficial things you’ll ever do for your creative writing, though there’s a little more to it. Here, I’ll give you a detailed look at why you should consider requesting feedback from a professional fiction editor and how it can help in your pursuit of traditional publication or self-publishing. But be warned, not everyone may be ready for the rigorous feedback that comes with it.
The Benefits of Hiring a Fiction Editor
First and foremost, a fiction editor is a trained professional with a keen eye for detail. If you’ve researched the right person who knows your genre and target audience, you can cut through a lot of the possible pitfalls of hiring a fiction editor. The right professional will have the ability to hone in on opportunities for growth in your manuscript—ones you might have missed because writers are notorious for having blind spots about their own work. Whether you’re struggling with plot holes, logic flaws, or flat characters, a fiction editor can bring these issues to your attention and offer suggestions on how to rectify them. On top of that, a fiction editor can also help with larger issues such as pacing, structure, and your overall narrative choices. By working with an editor, you can ensure that your manuscript is the best it can be before submitting it to literary agents or self-publishing.
Feedback from a Third Party Perspective
One of the biggest benefits of working with a fiction editor is the feedback you will receive from a trusted source who can see the work more objectively than its creator can. This means that you’re getting an unbiased critique of your work that doesn't come from a friend or family member who may sugarcoat their opinion. A fiction editor has no personal attachment to your manuscript and can offer honest feedback on what works and what doesn't. This can be invaluable as it can help you identify your personal writing habits and foibles, and give you insights on how to improve your craft.
A Fiction Editor Helps You Grow as a Writer
Working with a fiction editor can also help you grow as a writer. By working with someone who has more experience than you (as many fiction editors previously worked at literary agencies and publishing houses), you can benefit from their knowledge and expertise. You can also gain a better understanding of the publishing industry and what editors and agents are looking for in a manuscript. Additionally, an editor can offer submission strategy consulting for standing out in the slush pile. In short, working with a fiction editor can be a great way to invest in your writing career.
But Are You Ready for Editorial Services?
While working with a fiction editor can be incredibly beneficial, it's important to figure out whether you’re ready for it. If you're just starting out as a writer, you may not have the perspective necessary to handle the rigorous feedback that comes with editorial services. Writing is a craft that takes time to develop, and it's important to be patient with yourself. Additionally, if you're not willing to make significant revisions to your manuscript, working with a fiction editor may not be the best option for you. It's important to be willing to take constructive criticism and use it to improve your work, and to be willing to dive into what could be a major revision. If that doesn’t sound appealing, consider working with a critique partner or taking a writing workshop first.
It can be daunting to think about working with a fiction editor because you might not know if you’re truly ready to take your writing to the next level in such a targeted way. But by investing in editorial services, you are investing in yourself and your writing career. Working with a trained professional can help take your writing to the next level—one where you might then be ready to submit to literary agents or self-publish without worrying that your story could be stronger. And while it's important to be aware of your own writing limitations, it's equally important to challenge yourself to grow as a writer. A good fiction editor won’t just point out your weak spots, they’ll motivate you to expand your horizons. So, if you're ready to take that step, I encourage you to find a fiction editor who’ll collaborate with you for the long haul.
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