Finding an editor: writing coaches, formatters, and proofreaders are more than they appear

The roles of writing coaches, formatters, and proofreaders seem pretty self-explanatory when you first glance at them, however, they’re often misunderstood. These three people are essential to your manuscript’s publication and require you to know who you’re hiring.

Before making the assumption that your editor will do all of these things for you, take the time to read more about each of the roles, and then decide whether or not you need these services. Some of you may have already decided you what you do and don’t need, however, after reaching the end of this post, you may change your mind.

With that in mind, let’s talk more about finding an editor and learn about writing coaches, formatters, and proofreaders.

Writing coaches/consultations aren’t just for novice writers

Whether you’re looking for a mentor, a coach, a manuscript analysis, or some other structural aid(e), don’t go into it thinking that you need it because you aren’t a good writer or that, when you’re more confident as a writer, you won’t need one ever again.

Consultation

Some editors offer consultations to authors who need help figuring out a direction for their story, or even for some who know they need help with a finished story and aren’t ready for it to be edited. For some writers, it may simply be a case of seeking a mentor for their work. Or they may need help with big-picture issues in their book.

For example, I offer what I call the Red Pen Consultation. This consultation package is for an incomplete manuscript or a manuscript that’s completed but needs structural help. Other editors call this a manuscript analysis (or some form of analysis). It’s important, if you seek this type of service, that you establish your goals, weaknesses, and vision with your editor so that they know what you want and can help you refine those ideas or expectations.

Your search for finding an editor may lead you to wonder if you need a writing coach—someone who will help you throughout your entire writing journey. If this is the case, you will need more than a simple consultation.

Writing coach

A writing coach might not necessarily have a doctorate, but a writing coach will doctor your work with you. A writing coach will put their heart and soul into your progress. No writing coach is the same, so if you think you need one, research and ask for recommendations from other writers.

All writing coaches will serve a specific function and offer different services. You’ll want to make sure you can “try out” your coach, and you want to ensure you two are a good fit (and no, that doesn’t mean ask for free services). They’ll work with you for a long time—or at least as long as you’re paying them—so you want to know without a doubt that you’ll be satisfied.

Remember that writing coaches cost money—after all, you’re hiring someone for their time and experience. We all learn differently; some dive in the deep end, and others test the shallow end. Both learn how to swim, and their abilities are not measured by how they began. But coaches are an invaluable resource you don’t want to overlook in an effort to find a shortcut elsewhere.

Writing groups

Writing groups are incredible coaches, and most of them are free! Authors’ Tale is an example of that. Writing groups bring a community to you, and you can help and be helped. There are hundreds of writing groups on Facebook, many on LinkedIn, and even a few on Twitter. You’ll probably have a few face-to-face writing groups where you live, too, so look these up and join in. Remember to be as active in the group as you want the members to be with your work. Don’t expect writing groups to work for you. While a writing coach does for you all you need in return for money, writing groups do for you all that you do for them.

Personal assistant/virtual assistant

A personal assistant doesn’t help you with your writing as much as they aid you in getting your book published and finding a platform. A PA/VA will help you get your book out there, aid in expanding your platform’s audience, and get your face all over the place as much as they can.

Formatters—not all editors are formatters

When I started editing, I didn’t touch formatting. I wasn’t even going to try. I do offer formatting services now with the help of my colleague, Crystal Burton, but not all editors will offer this, and they certainly don’t do it alongside editing, or shouldn’t.

Formatters change the design and layout of the manuscript to match all the margins, typeface, letting, kerning, etc. you’ll find in a printed book. They make it look presentable and professional. Most formatters are also designers, so they might add a few flourishes where applicable to make the manuscript stand out a little. Their job is important, and while you can do it yourself, nothing beats a good, professional formatter.

Many writers who plan to self-publish their books go to an editor thinking that after the edit is complete, they can make changes and publish right away. Imagine the disappointment that might come about when the author notices the plethora of differences between their book and others.

YOU CAN FORMAT YOUR OWN BOOK!

Yes, that’s in all-caps, because it’s something not everyone realizes. Formatting is time-consuming, but there are many resources available to you that will help you format your own books. If you want to keep your money, the best way is to do it yourself.

It’s not easy, though, and it takes a long time. When I first learned how to format books, I thought about offering it as a service, but it’s tedious and difficult, and there are so many tiny details and ridiculous errors that cause issues or make everything frustrating. I’ll always hire a formatter.

Proofreaders are not copy editors

Some copyeditors interpret proofreading differently. I’m not going to say proofreaders are not copy editors without mentioning this because it is inevitable that someone will see a proofreading service that’ll be described as a form of copyediting.

So, with that in mind, let’s continue. Proofreaders are those who read finished proofs against any markup prior to publication. 

Copyeditors might offer a proofreading service, but if it is described as being someone who simply checks for grammar, syntax, spelling, etc., that’s not what I’m talking about.

After your book is formatted, a proofreader will get a copy of that finished PDF and read through it, marking any errors (like spelling, grammar, etc. that the copy editor might have missed, which is inevitable). That’s not all, though. A proofreader’s job is to check the formatting, too. This includes widows, orphans (text jargon), missing indents, improper formatting in places, bad hyphenation, and more. They ensure your formatted manuscript looks as good as it possibly can.

Sounds like a lot, huh? Well, in indie publishing, most of the time, the author is the proofreader. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you use a proofreader or not is your choice, but once again, do not simply assume your editor will automatically do this for you. And even if you hire one, please proofread your own book. Please.

Do you have to pay all these people?

Well, if you hire them, yes! These are tedious jobs, and they take a lot of effort and time, plus they require a seriously good eye.