Don't lie: we know your mom edits your work
Original: Essay
I’m indie writer Teague de La Plaine, author of the bestselling Sea at Sunrise and other stories. This is my weekly newsletter, where I talk about writing and self-publishing in addition to my own life. I keep the newsletter free, because I prefer you spend your money on my books.
I’m going to be honest: editors are expensive. At least to a writer early in his or her career. But despite costing money, editors (and editrixes, if we still use that word) can make a writer’s mediocre draft something worth reading (I call this Draft-to-Craft™). So, if every writer needs an editor, how can you afford an editor if you’re just starting out?
The first thing you could do is hire me. I’m affordable (penny-a-word, anyone?) and good (however I qualify that—but DM me if you’re interested). The next best thing would be to hire someone you know and trust.
My mom is my editor!
I don’t know what qualifies my mom to be an editor,. Maybe it’s her own writing (I hope someday to send you to her Substack!), which is wonderful. Maybe it’s her reading, which is prolific. But it likely boils down to experience. My mom has edited essays and resumes and stories for her poet husband and four children over a span of more than six decades. Tons of school papers. Thousands of pages of fiction. Two different successful PhD efforts. A whole book of poetry. And one Amazon bestseller.
But if your mom isn’t as amazing as mine, that’s okay. There are plenty of resources today for indie authors to find the right fit. But first, do you really need an editor?
Why Every Indie Author Needs an Editor
TLDR: Yes, you need an editor. In the dynamic world of independent publishing, authors enjoy unparalleled creative freedom and control over their work. However, this autonomy comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to producing a polished, professional-quality manuscript. One of the most crucial yet underestimated components of the self-publishing process is hiring an editor. Here’s why every indie author needs an editor to elevate their writing and maximize their book’s success.
1. Ensuring Professional Quality
No matter how skilled an author is, it's almost impossible to catch every mistake or oversight in their own writing. After working on a manuscript for months or even years, an author becomes so familiar with the text that errors can become invisible. An editor brings fresh eyes and a professional perspective, identifying grammar issues, typos, inconsistencies, and awkward phrasing that could distract readers.
Editors specialize in turning a manuscript into a cohesive and polished work. Whether it’s developmental editing, copy editing, or proofreading, each stage helps refine the book’s quality and professionalism. An error-riddled manuscript can undermine an author's credibility and potentially lead to poor reviews, even if the story itself is compelling.
2. Enhancing Storytelling and Structure
While authors are masters of their story's vision, an editor can help ensure that vision translates effectively to readers. Developmental editors, for example, assist in evaluating the book’s structure, pacing, and character development. They can pinpoint where the story lags, where subplots may need more attention, or where character arcs feel underdeveloped.
Editors provide objective feedback that authors may not receive from friends or beta readers, who are often reluctant to deliver hard truths. This guidance can make the difference between a story that readers put down halfway and one they can't stop talking about.
3. Maintaining Consistency and Voice
An author’s unique voice is one of their greatest assets, but it can sometimes become inconsistent or diluted over the course of writing a manuscript. Editors help maintain a consistent tone and style, ensuring that the author's voice remains strong from start to finish. They can also assist in clarifying passages that might confuse readers or adjusting dialogue that doesn’t quite match a character’s established traits.
4. Building Author Reputation
A well-edited book stands out in a saturated market and can significantly impact an author’s reputation. In the age of instant reviews and social media, word-of-mouth can either catapult an indie book to success or doom it to obscurity. Readers notice when a book is professionally edited and are more likely to recommend it or return for future releases.
5. Saving Time and Effort
While it may seem cost-effective to self-edit, the process can be more time-consuming than anticipated. Additionally, the emotional and cognitive investment in editing one's own work can drain creative energy and delay publication. Hiring a professional editor allows authors to focus on what they do best—writing—while ensuring that their book receives expert attention.
Conclusion
For indie authors who are serious about their craft and long-term success, working with an editor is an essential step. Editors provide the expertise needed to refine a manuscript, enhance storytelling, and ensure consistency—all while saving the author valuable time. Investing in an editor is not just about perfecting a single project; it’s about building a career rooted in quality and trustworthiness. In the end, a well-edited book is an investment that pays dividends through positive reviews, reader loyalty, and a solid professional reputation. So, go hire an editor—even if it’s your mom.
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