Hi
So, this will be a different type of post than I normally do, because I need some advice (this explains the picture of the wondering dog I hope π)
Being an Norwegian I am not sure about a lot of things when it comes to trying to get a book published in USA/England. I understand that you send to literary agents first (we actually don’t do this is Norway, probably because it is a super small countryβ¦). Before you send to literary agents is it common to pay for professional editing? Since English isn’t my first language I would also be super happy if anyone knows a good copy editor that they can recommend? π
Cheers
Hilde T
(And another picture of an animal that seems to be wondering about something, I never get to use these images in other posts so hereβs my chance π)
If you like the images that have been used to illustrate post they have been edited, but they are from morguefile.com. The first photo is by Darnok and the second photo is by GarborfromHungary.
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I am certainly no expert but yes, I would work with an editor before shopping it around to agents and publishers.
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Thank you for the advice π
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You’re welcome.
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Lots of people self-publishing nowadays. If you’re going ebook, you can work via the likes of Amazon and iBooks and place your own work. There are also crowdfunding sites for authors who will help you publish and print. If you want to go the traditional route, I really recommend a copy of the Writer’s Yearbook, an excellent guide to editors, agents and publishing companies. Good luck with it Hilde! I’ll be rooting for you!
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Thank you for the advice ππ
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Yes, I would definitely have it edited before trying to sell it to a literary agent. Good luck!!!!
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Thank you for the advice. π Would you do just copy edit or more?
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You are welcome! Copy editing is the most common type of editing but it really depends on what you are looking for, I’ve included a link that talks about the different types of editing. Maybe there is something here that will help you π
http://penultimateword.com/editing/types-of-editing-defined/
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I did think just copy editing, just wanted to hear what you guys were doing. π
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π It’s always good to get ideas from other writers.
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By the way do you know any good sites to find an editor, I got a tip about Reedsy, but if you know any copy editors you would recommend that would also be great? π
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I have no idea π I wish I could help!
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No worries, had to ask. π
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π
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Hilde, not too long ago some Blogger posted a review of Grammarly, and I’ve seen several other posts promoting it and extolling its virtues. Not having made any serious attempt to get published and being a former English professor, I have little need for a copy editor myself so can’t recommend any, sorry.
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I guess being a English professor would make things a bit easier π
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If youβre going to just go with copy, ought to pass it through some beta-readers, too. Angrier beta-readers the better. Good luck!
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Thank you for the advice, I will do that. π
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In comparison to Norway, Australia is huge but we also don’t use literary agents. It’s different if you want to approach the US market. All I can say is good editing is essential so best to pay a professional.
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It does sound like a good idea π.
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I have used a professional to critique my work. I have to say I haven’t sold those manuscripts. So using a paid editor doesn’t guarantee an agent or publisher accepting our work. But if you can afford it, it’s a good idea to have another pair of eyes look at your work
Right now I’m in an online critique group. None of us are published. Some write better than they critique and vice versa. See if you can find a critique partners online.
I’m trying to find an agent. In the US, many publishers will look at material submitted by an agent only.
What kind of book do you want to publish? for adults or for children?
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Thank you for advice, it was very useful! π I have also been a bit skeptical of using a professional to critique my work, but I have thought of copy editing. I am writing a book for adults called Sunflower Land. π
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Hi. Try the writers workshop website in the UK. I think they are changing thier name to Jericho writers. Im from UK but working and writing from Azerbaijan. They offer a full service and give you examples of how your feedback will be delivered to u before you sign up. If your book is good they will help you find a publisher too. Good luck x
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Thank you for the advice π I’ll check it out.
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Hi Hilde, I went the Indie route, but I do know you need a literary agent for representation. The Writer’s Market has a full listing of literary agents, magazines, etc. divided up by genre. Here’s their site to look over: http://www.writersmarket.com/
This is a link to my editor’s blog post about types of editing. https://jeriwb.com/edittip-types-of-editing-defined-58473/. I think it’s very useful when it comes to deciding what kind of editing you need. You can also check out her editing services.
Whatever route you choose, a clean manuscript is one of the most important aspects of publishing. Best of luck!
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Thank you π a lot of good advice!
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Join Scribophile. Do a bit of critiquing, and submit your chapters. Luck.
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Thank you for the advice π
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I’m American, but parts of my ancestry date back to Norway, so I’m also Norwegian! Anyways I’m planning to self publish. I think finding an editor shouldn’t be too hard. I have an editor, but i’m not sure if she works for clients across the pond. And thank you for following!
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Norwegians have spread across the world ππ
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Hi hilde…
Ive done a bit of freelance journalism n dealt with lots of editors…hard copy n digital submissions.
Eds are pretty forgiving n really only want readily marketable material.
Which from our side is an interesting story that doesnt need correcting…fairly obvious.
Im always dubious of middlemen…especially online.
The internet is a sharkpool.
Stuff gets copied or sold out from underneath you.
Personally id just get someone proficient in english that you trust to do any grammar correcting and avoid all the critics.
Stay true to your work n polish it into marketable shape.
Then approach the publishing houses with the final manuscript.
Most have online submission options or mail options.
Always smart to mail yourself a hardcopy before with a date stamped on it in case someone tries to poach it later on…and dont open it.
Good stuff sells…and gets stolen.
Minimise the risk n deal directly with the buyer… after youve got it squeaky clean n covered your tracks…haha
Gipta
Ps
Viking blood here too…nelson family line
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Thank you, a lot of good advice π I haven’t yet decided how to deal with the editor problem, because I have to admit that I too find it difficult to trust people (and pay them) if I only know them online. Oh well, I will probably figure it out in the end π Always fun to meet another “Viking” π (although I’m not sure, if they were the best ambassadors for peace in their time, most “vikings” now days are pretty laid-back π )
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Eds you can trust…
Its all the people who want to get between you and them for 10% that are the problem.
How long is your submission in words…
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About 80 000 (a book in other words π)
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How many chapters
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I haven’t divided it into chapters yet, so not sure
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Ok…
If you want i can proof a few pages for you n see how close it is
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No that’s okay, I have some friends that are helping me out. Since I’m a Norwegian I probably have to do copy editing, I just have to decide on a copy editor. Would just be easier if I could knock on somebody office instead of doing research online π
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