Why Self-Published Books Need Expert Editing More Than Ever

It is not easy to make it big as an author, and there is certainly no shortcut to it. If you live in that part of the world where English is not your first language, like Ireland, then that leaves you with a limited target audience.

However, if you wish to expand to a bigger audience by translating your book into English, you know you would need a good editor for that. If you are linked to a renowned, reputable publishing house in the region, you are good to go.

However, if you choose the self-publishing route, you may think that there is no need for an editor, and you can do it yourself. But here is the catch: just because you can, does not mean you should.

Editing can be frustrating and tiring when authors choose to self-edit. The downside is that despite going through your manuscript many times, you may still miss a few things.

This is why an editor exists: to make your life easier. They will not only fix typos and grammar mistakes in your manuscript. They will share their perspective on the story, how well it is written, which areas need improvement, and how to fix what is disorganized.

If you are still questioning why you need an editor, then keep reading to find out.

The Fine Line of Making or Breaking Your Credibility

We understand why you may be running away from the idea of hiring an editor. Maybe you assume that your book does not require any changes, or you fear that an editor could ruin the crux of your book by making too many changes.

Or just maybe, hiring an editor is too expensive for you. But we want you to think for a second. If you can invest in acquiring support from the #1 book publisher in Ireland, why not invest in refining it? Imagine the book you spent hours writing and going through a grueling journey of getting it published, only for the readers to pick it up and find typos in the preview page.

That gives you a terrible first impression as an author, and readers would be less likely to recommend your book to others. So, to save yourself from such embarrassment, it is important that you invest in a good editor.

So all in all, a well-edited book will not only capture the reader’s attention but will also showcase you as a credible and reliable author. And once the good words start to come in, your sales will eventually start to increase.

Watch Your Sales Go Up and Up

A book that is well-written and edited to perfection is more likely to sell out than one that is not. It not only enhances the reader experience but also builds a positive image of you, which in turn generates positive reviews and word-of-mouth marketing from readers.

When your book is easily understandable to readers and free of grammatical distractions, it will reduce reading distractions and increase reader immersion.

A book with positive reviews will also perform well on the algorithms of online publishing platforms, eventually increasing sales.

Therefore, even if you are self-publishing, do not be hesitant to work with an editor. Compared to a few years ago, self-publishing has become simpler with the help of various tools like Amazon Self-Publishing Services.

With the help of such tools and a good editor, you are ready to take on the world of literature and establish yourself as a credible writer.

But remember, you cannot just hire any editor to do the job. You should look for some essential factors to really bring the best out of your work.

Finding the Right Editor Who Levels Up Your Book

Now that you know why hiring an editor is important, it is time to focus on a few qualities that you should definitely look for in the editor you hire:

You and Your Editor Should Be Teammates, Not Rivals

One quality that you should refuse to compromise on for your editor is that they should love your book the same way that you do. You and your editor must see eye-to-eye in terms of your manuscript, storyline, and character development.

If the editor fails to understand your vision for the project or if you are hesitant to talk to them, then they are not the editor for you. The right one will guide you thoroughly, maintain clear communication, and provide their honest suggestions and feedback.

Hence, an editor not only improves the quality of your book. They are a form of investment, and your money should be invested in the right editor.

Work Around Your Budget

Let us be honest, editing takes a lot of time, which also means more money. However, that should not hold you back from finding an editor within your budget. Yes, there may be many great editors out there, but finding one in your price range requires careful research.

Communicate clearly with the editor, discuss your budget, and reach a middle ground that satisfies both you and your editor.

But do keep in mind that, just as you spent hours thinking, writing, and rewriting your manuscript to get it right, your editor will also spend a lot of time and skill perfecting it.

So, investing in an editor is not only an investment. A good editor will improve the quality of your work, which will be quite beneficial for you in the long run.

Credibility of an Editor Also Matters

The internet is full of boasting individuals whose self-praise does not match the quality of their work. Do not just trust anybody with your manuscript, as one wrong move can risk your book’s quality. Worst-case scenario, your work could also be stolen if handed into the wrong hands.

Therefore, do your research well before choosing an editor. Ask referrals from fellow authors who can recommend good editors for the genre of your book. Look into the profiles of various editors, and carefully read reviews and testimonials on their websites.

To ensure you are making the right decision, you can request a few editors to sample-edit for you. Then pick the one who understands what to do with your book.

Once you get the editing job done, you can either look for a good book proofreading company in Ireland or ask your editor to do the proofreading for you. This step will further solidify the quality of your book, and you will be confident during its publication.

How to Avoid the Temptation to Self-Edit Your Book?

The process of being a self-publishing author is not limited to writing a book and getting it published. It takes months and years to finish a book, and there will be days when you struggle to find motivation or completely burn out.

You may also feel like you are all alone in your struggle. But remember, you do not have to do everything by yourself. Do not fall into the trap of self-editing just to save some money.

Because even if you manage to self-edit and get your book published, it will not be good enough as other books in the marketplace, which are well-edited by established publishing houses.

Hence, your goal should not only be to get your book out to the public. It should be able to compete with established authors in a saturated market.

To Wrap Things Up

Editors exist for a reason: to help authors remove errors and polish their work. It is also perhaps the most exhausting task next to completing a book from scratch.

Therefore, it should be taken seriously and be done by an expert who knows what to do with your manuscript. So, go ahead and find the editor of your dreams to really make your book a shining star.