So, you’ve finished your book. You’ve edited it yourself. You’ve combed through every word at least ten times and it couldn’t be more perfect. Your genius has been perfectly captured in your writing, and you’re ready to hit “Publish” and let the world bask in the glory of your literary prowess.
But wait! There’s a little voice in your head saying “Hold on a minute, hotshot. Even the best writers need an editor.”
Heed the little voice.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out on your writing journey, one thing is for sure: words can be tricky little devils. From misspelled words to misplaced commas, any of us can fall victim to these pesky pitfalls. Writing is a labor of love, but it’s also hard work; we pour our hearts and souls into our words, crafting them carefully to convey our thoughts and ideas. In the midst of this creative process, we can become blind to our own mistakes. But even the most talented wordsmiths need an editor by their side.
As writers, we tend to grow attached to our own words. We are emotionally invested in our work, so much so that it’s difficult to view it objectively. We know what we meant to say, so our brains often fill in the gaps when we read our own work. An editor, on the other hand, brings fresh eyes and an impartial perspective to the table. They can spot errors, inconsistencies, and unclear passages that we might have missed. They can identify areas that need improvement, suggest changes, and help ensure the writing flows smoothly. So too can they ensure the writing is consistent throughout. They can spot inconsistencies in style, voice, and tone, and make suggestions to bring our writing into harmony.
And let’s face it—grammar can be a tough nut to crack. Even the most skilled writers stumble over grammar rules, especially with the ever-changing landscape of the English language. But guess who can help be a line of defense against grammatical errors? That’s right: an editor. An editor can be your grammar guru, catching those annoying, barely-perceivable errors that slip through the cracks and make your writing less polished.
Hiring an editor may feel like an admission of self-doubt, but they’re not there to launch a personal attack on your skills as a writer; they’re there to provide encouragement, feedback, and support, helping to alleviate the stress of the writing process. They’re there as a collaborator who can work with you to bring out the best in your writing.
So, the next time you’re feeling like your writing is spot-on and doesn’t need editing, take a step back and consider the benefits of having an editor. They are the Batman to our Robin, the peanut butter to our jelly, and the perfect partner to elevate our writing to new heights. So, embrace the editor in your life, and let them work their red-pen-magic on your writing.
