Cheap solution to getting my novel edited to publishing standard.?

Question

I have written a novel 'Love Floats' and I would like to get it published but it needs editing to bring it up to standard. A good rewriter might would also be useful. It contains about 86,000 words.

Answer 1

Find a beta reader (or several) to read through it and offer suggestions. You don't need to pay an editor, and I have never heard of anyone having a rewriter (unless you want a co-author...).

The best route is really to self-edit. Put it in a drawer for 6 weeks or so, then read it with a fresh eye. Read it out loud (seriously). Change the typeface and margins, reprint it, and read it again (again, seriously...some things just jump out when you look at it under a different font).

Then submit, submit, submit. It will go through additional editing once it's accepted.

Answer 2

Editing and Grammar stuff could be done by a professional "book doctor" or anything like that. All you really need to do is have as few grammar errors and as tight a story as possible to make it publishable.
I know Stephen Kings former editor is playing the role of a book doctor now days. He'll help you with grammar and with your plot. He's also charging at a pretty cheap price, like $20 dollars plus a penny per word.

Answer 3

Editing is what legitimate publishers do, so the short answer is to sell the book to one. Unfortunately, if the general quality of the manuscript isn't up to snuff, it is liable to be rejected at first glimpse.

I strongly advise you not to pay for editing unless you plan to self-publish. It's hard enough to make money as a writer without sub-contracting some of your task to someone who will want a fee.

Critique groups have value, and it wouldn't hurt to let friends and relatives read the MS, always remembering that they aren't professionals.

Ultimately, if you are serious about writing it will be up to you to learn how to edit both for copy and content. There are two ways to do this—by writing and by reading with your analytical hat on.

Dai Alanye
http://alanye.com/

Answer 4

You won't get quality editing without paying professional rates. Check 'em out at http://www.the-efa.org/res/rates.html

That's going to add up to a lot of money, more that your novel might earn if you manage to sell it.

Better is to learn the craft of editing and rewriting yourself. Start with King's "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" and any basic grammar text.

Be aware that most writers give their novels more than one complete rewrite, so the fact that your complete novel isn't as good as it could be is not cause for discouragement. Set it aside for a while, and make notes about changes that might benefit it. Do not let yourself look at it at all for at least two months. Then refer to your notes before undertaking a rewrite.

Answer 5

I would suggest an English major in University (undergrad be more eager probably), to use as a project that they may themselves obtain credit for their studies??? For instance, if they would become, or thinking about being an editor. This stuff is good learning for them.

Try English faculties at local Unis etc. Do it officially (and nicely, they are busy), there are all sorts of legal issues otherwise.

Make sure they get credit if due, and if a best seller, you could even pay them!

Or, you could try harder and do it yourself...sorry, but it is an option.

Answer 6

Judging by your lack of an actual question, it might be a hard go.

No writer likes editing and rewriting but it is a necessary part of the craft.