Here’s the truth: you need an editor. Yes, even if you’re self-publishing. Even if your cousin who loves correcting everyone’s grammar has reviewed the manuscript. Even if you yourself are an editor! Why? Actually, there are a few crucial reasons:

1. Editors offer a fresh perspective.

It’s impossible to look at your own work objectively—you’re simply too close to it. When you’ve worked on a project for months, years, or even decades, you know it from front to back. You’re so familiar with the content that you’re blind to potential plot gaps, confusing language, even opportunities for enhancing the narrative. Your editor will approach your manuscript with fresh eyes, allowing them to identify errors and make suggestions that will really help your story shine. And they’ll be able to offer objective but tactful feedback free from personal bias. You can rely on your editor to revise and polish your story so that it truly resonates with readers.

2. Editors advocate for the reader.

An editor’s most important job is to be a voice for the reader, noting anything they wouldn’t understand, any topics that need to be expanded on, any underdeveloped plot points, and more. Remember, you won’t be sitting next to your reader, whispering explanations for your word choice or convoluted sentence structure in their ear. Your professional editor will help you convey your message in a meaningful and effective way while preserving your unique style and voice. With their expert support, you can transform your work from something individual to something universal that readers will gain valuable insights from.

3. Editors who are true industry experts can best position your book for success.

Anyone with an English degree or a passion for literature can “edit” your manuscript. But it’s the vetted professionals with industry experience that can provide the critical feedback necessary to make your manuscript the best it can be. Trained editors with a track record of success know what to look for in terms of character and plot development, setting and theme, style and tone. They know to address everything from grammatical errors and spelling mistakes to issues with structure, dialogue, repetition, consistency, pacing, and more. They can help you find your unique voice and even help you become a better writer all around. Plus, a professional editor will understand industry standards, meaning they can ensure your manuscript adheres to Chicago Manual of Style and aligns with what agents and publishers are looking for if that’s your ultimate goal.

Remember, your editor is not the enemy. They’re not here to tear your baby apart. They, like you, want your writing to be the best it can possibly be. They’re your right-hand man, the person you can trust to understand both you and your reader. In many ways, the relationship you have with your editor is the most important one you’ll have during the publishing process.

So, yes, you need an editor—and a professional editor at that. But how do you find a strong professional editor whom you can trust?

At Pro Guided Publishing, we have a team of talented editors who have been expertly vetted to ensure quality and professionalism. It’s just a matter of figuring out what kind of editing your manuscript requires. Here are the levels of editing you can explore through PGP:

Manuscript evaluation: After writing a manuscript, you might want a second opinion but not know where to look. With our services, a professional will review and evaluate your manuscript and write up their opinion for your personal use. This can help you make revisions on your own and understand what improvements need to be made to prepare for publication.

Developmental editing: A developmental editor looks at the big picture. Is there a clear flow of information from beginning to end? Do the content and structure make sense? If your book is fiction, do the characters have obvious motivations? Are there plot holes? If your book is nonfiction, is your message being conveyed in the most effective way? Our developmental editing services will support you in making changes to your story as a whole. This will strengthen your manuscript and improve the content you are communicating to your reader, preparing you for the next stage of editing.

Line editing: Line editing takes a more in-depth look at your paragraph and sentence structure and writing style. Does your word choice fit the topic at hand? Does each sentence communicate the emotion you’re intending? Once any big-picture issues are solved, a line editor will ensure each line of your book makes sense and is important to the story. They will note if any phrases or words take them out of the scene or confuse them as the reader, helping improve clarity and the narrative flow.

Copy editing: A copy editor uses a sharp eye to check the grammar, spelling, and punctuation of your manuscript. In addition, they will ensure your manuscript adheres to Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster as well as provide any additional feedback that’s needed to ensure your story is ready for print.

Proofreading: With this level of editing, a proofreader identifies any final glaring spelling and grammatical errors. This is generally performed as the last line of defense before a book is published.

You may be thinking: Great! But what level of editing does my manuscript need? Our publishing pros are always happy to chat with you about your project and provide a recommendation based on your unique needs and goals.

So, do you need an editor? Yes, you do. But finding the perfect editor for your project doesn’t have to be a challenge. At Pro Guided Publishing, we can match you with an expert editor who can take your manuscript from good to great and help set your book up for success. Talk to a publishing pro today to begin your journey.