Your work is more likely to be read and considered if your material has had some quality pre-editing.

Once you edit your story try reading the story out loud, use a program that will read it to you, or print it out and edit by hand.

Another way to pre-edit is by joining a local writing group or critique group like Word Weavers, where other writers evaluate one another’s material, but, while your writer friends might catch some things, don’t expect—or ask them—to do a complete editing without compensation. Saving a few dollars would not be worth losing a friendship.

After you and any literary friends have edited your work, let the manuscript sit a couple of days before reading a final time. 

Then send your book to a skilled professional editor.  Ask writers whose work you respect for an editorial recommendation online, in writers’ groups, and at Christian Writers conferences.

Familiarize yourself with the descriptions online so you will know what you are asking for.

Common types of editing are:

• Developmental
• Substantive
• Content Editing
• Structural editing
• Copy editing
• Line editing
• Mechanical editing

Rates will differ for more complicated editing.

Much editing, submission and response, is done online. Some editors prefer to be contacted in writing and will give a quote dependent on word count. Be sure to follow the editor’s requirements. Not only is it the professional thing to do, but it is good practice for submitting your final, edited copy to a publisher.

It is smart to do a comparison, but whatever the rate, the payback will be worth every penny. Your work will read more professionally when it is submitted to an agent or publisher.