Question – What’s the difference between an editor, a proofreader and a beta reader?
Answer – A proofreader will check your work for any errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, or tenses. This is a ‘surface’ level check and won’t address any deeper issues.
An editor will check for the same issues as a proofreader, but they will also make suggestions to improve the clarity or readability of your language. In addition, an editor may also make suggestions about the overall structure of your work.
A beta reader will read through your finished work and give you their opinion on it. They won’t make any corrections, although they will provide feedback if they notice any errors. A beta reader may also act as a ‘sensitivity’ reader in some cases.
Question – Do I need an editor, a proofreader or a beta reader?
Answer – It depends on what stage you’re at in your project and what you want to do with it. It’s useful to have a second pair of eyes to proofread your document to check for anything you’ve missed. An editor can be helpful if you’re trying to get a piece published. A beta reader or sensitivity reader are useful to get feedback.
Proofreaders and editors should be involved in the early stages of a project, before you have your final draft. Beta readers (if you’re using them) should be involved at the end of a project, before you start querying with agents or publishers.
Question – What should I look for in an editor?
Answer – First and foremost, editing should be a collaborative process between the writer and the editor. A good editor should never tell you what you ‘have’ to do, they should only make suggestions and explain the thinking behind them. I’d always suggest talking to a prospective
editor and getting a feel for their process before you commit to anything. As with any commercial relationship, you should always be able to ask for testimonials.
In addition, if you’re writing about a specific subject, it’s useful to find an editor with experience of working in that subject. This is particularly true if you’re writing non-fiction.
Question – How much will it cost?
Answer – My rates are below. Please feel free to contact me by emailing [email protected] if you’re interested in a service that isn’t listed here, or if you have any other queries. Please note that all my prices are in GBP per hour.
| Service | |
| Proofread only – Highlighting and correcting errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and issues such as change of tenses. | £20 per hour |
| Line Edit – A line by line check of the document, correcting all of the items picked up in a proofread as well as providing suggestions for improving the clarity of the language where necessary. | £30 per hour |
| Full Developmental Edit – All of the above, plus advice on the tone and structure of your story, working with you to tighten up prose, re-work dialogue or amend your timeline as necessary | £35 per hour |
| Beta Reading – Read through of your story or article with feedback given. Please note that this service does not include advice on correcting any errors. | £10 per hour |