EDITORS
HOW TO FIND AN EDITOR
On rare occasions, it is possible to skip the “agent” step. Sometimes, it is possible to schedule a pitch session with an editor at writers conferences. On even rarer occasions, you might find yourself face-to-face with editors in “the wild” as I like to call it—outside of the internet and writing conferences.
If you are lucky enough to find yourself in this situation, you may be able to bypass using a literary agent. Some editors, if interested, may recommend or choose an agent for you; others may be open to working directly with you—without an agent.
One of the pros of working directly with an editor includes cutting the middleman. Though, to do this, you must have excellent knowledge of the industry. While cutting the agent out of the picture might seem like it would make you more money, it’s often the agents who negotiate for a higher payout for you. Agents are also very knowledgeable and have many industry connections which will benefit most all writers.
WHAT DOES AN EDITOR DO?
An editor will oversee edits to your book. If you choose to go the traditional route, you should not feel pressured to hire a freelance editor prior to the querying process. Many online articles might tell you you need this, but you don’t! Editing is done in-house, should you get a book deal. (Trust me, this is first-hand advice from a Q&A panel of editors at a writers conference!)
Many times, editors will require you to make changes to your manuscript to make it fit the publishing house better, so don’t make more work for yourself than necessary. You never know—something a freelance editor might recommend you take out could be something an in-house editor would have you keep. It’s best to polish your manuscript to the best it can be without a paid edit and go from there.
Traditional Publishing Blogs
PART 5: Editors