If you are interested in creating information products, you will really likely offer with editors throughout your career. You might need somebody to edit a book, evaluation a unique report, or tighten up a journal article. Even if you are a outstanding writer, it usually assists to have somebody else look at the function with fresh eyes.

Most of these editors will be individuals you employ on a freelance or project basis. To get the most out of such a romantic relationship, it assists to be clear about what you need and what you can anticipate.

To begin, you ought to know what kind of editing you are looking for. There are many different ranges and varieties of editing. Probably the three you will encounter the most are substantive editing, copyediting and proofreading.

Substantive editing

Occasionally called developmental editing, substantive editing looks at each the content and structure of a manuscript as a cohesive entire. Does the story or argument flow logically? Are there obvious gaps in a certain area? As well much information someplace else? Substantive editing can entail re-ordering large chunks of text, removing text, including text, and even rewriting.

Copyediting

Probably the most misused of all the terms, copyediting is frequently used as a catchall phrase for any and all sorts of editing. Strictly speaking, however, copyediting checks for errors in grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation and other mechanics of fashion, internal consistency, cross-referencing, labeling and so on.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the last evaluation of a fully formatted and typeset manuscript. It is meant only to catch small errors such as the odd spelling mistake or hyphenation snafu that may have been missed at the copyediting phase, or that appeared during the layout process.

The over definitions are pretty regular but there are versions. Not each and every editor defines editing terms in the same way. It is consequently essential that you talk about in detail the precise nature of the services your editor will offer.

You will also want to obviously talk about the charge arrangement. Some editors by the web page or word, while others by the hour. Still others a flat project charge. 1 technique of charging is not always much better than other. Just be certain you know what you will get for your money. If you are being charged by the hour, ask the editor to offer an estimate up front of how long the project will consider so there are no surprises when the last invoice arrives.

The best way to steer clear of misunderstandings is to have a written contract signed prior to any function begins. A contract will usually include a

• detailed description of the services to be supplied
• statement of the costs and payment routine, and
• timeline for the function to be finished, such as any project milestones.

Based on the scope and nature of the project, your contract might also include a quantity of other considerations. An important clause to include, especially on a book project, is one that offers with copyright. You want to make certain that, as the author, you retain all rights to the material no issue how much editing or rewriting the editor might do on your behalf.

Many editors will provide a contract, but be ready to create one yourself if they do not.

Here are a few last tips for working with an editor:

• Some editors specialize both by format, by subject, or each. For instance, an editor may be a specialist in audio scripts or may concentrate solely on medical books. You might want to look for an editor with particular expertise in your topic issue, especially if you are writing about a highly specialized area.
• Be open-minded towards an editor’s ideas and modifications. It can be tough on the ego to see your painstakingly designed manuscript go under the editor’s knife. But maintain in mind that if an editor is making alterations, it is because he or she thinks it will enhance your function. And in the end, a great product makes you look great too.
• Set up and preserve clear lines of communication. Know what your expectations are and convey them. Ask the editor to maintain you in the loop as the function progresses.

About The Writer

© 2004 Juiced Consulting.

Juiced Consulting assists business proprietors package deal what they know into information products ? such as books, audiotapes and teleclasses ? that they can market to create new business revenue. For a free newsletter and other sources, visit www.juicedconsulting.com.

jtribe@juicedconsulting.com