Prior to sending your novel to a publisher, you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure it has achieved its full potential. The best means for doing so is to use beta readers and professional editors. Don’t even think about submitting a manuscript until you’ve completed a thorough edit and revision—preferably, more than once.
It’s okay to edit your own work, but it’s best if you also hire a professional. Reviewing your own writing is challenging, especially if you try to take on the whole story at once. Instead, consider editing one aspect of a manuscript at a time. Will this be a tedious process? Yes, but do you want your story to be in tip-top shape when you hand it over to an editor? Also, yes.
Before submitting a manuscript
Editing your work one aspect at a time before submitting a manuscript means you’ll be reading the entire story several times. The idea is to focus on a specific aspect of the editing process with each read-through. Here are the main categories:
- Grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Consistency regarding character appearance, names, facts, or details mentioned throughout the story
- Style and flow
- Dialogue
- Final read
Take advantage of online tools, such as Grammarly and other resources to help check grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Make sure details mentioned throughout the story remain consistent, such as describing a character as a “blue-eyed girl.” She should not show up several chapters later with brown eyes.
The style and flow of your story should put readers at ease. If you use complex language or sentences that never seem to end, etc., readers will quickly lose interest. To check dialogue, it’s helpful to read your story aloud; this way, you will catch it if an exchange between characters doesn’t sound right. For the final read, it’s best to use beta readers, who can review the story in its entirety through an objective lens, then provide feedback.
Objectivity is a key reason to hire a professional editor
Even after editing your own work one section at a time, it’s wise to hire a professional editor before submitting a manuscript to a publisher. A professional editor can offer an impartial review. Professional editors can identify problems regarding the editing sections mentioned earlier in this post. They can also make sure you have fully developed characters and a polished manuscript that meets current industry standards.
