Scrolling through social media, I noticed an author advertising for an editor for their book. They stated that it had over 80k words, required copy and line editing, needed proofreading, and had to be completed within a week.
What did the author honestly expect? I doubt that this is even possible in the timescale. Even if it was accepted as a job, and returned on time, what level of editing would they expect to receive? At the very least, it might have had a couple of passes through an AI spellchecker app.
This got me thinking. Do authors have unrealistic expectations of their editors? What do they think an editor's job involves? And more to the point, what do they expect to receive when they book an editing or proofreading package?
It is important to distinguish between the various types of editing. I've mentioned this before, so rather than repeating myself, check my website for descriptions of what developmental editing, copy editing, line editing, and proofreading involve.
Next, it's important to realise that not all editors are the same. Some will specialise in one aspect of editing, while others might do all types (but NOT at the same time). This could mean paying for different editors to do the copy editing and the proofreading, for example. As a result, this would affect the timescale and the cost (something to consider).
That distinction having been made, what's so wrong with just using an AI app to check your text?
As an editor, I'd expect the author to have already used AI spell and grammar checkers (as well as self-editing to a certain degree) before they approach me. Having done that, these apps will still have missed lots of things as they are not human.
A "human" editor will check the obvious (the spellings, grammar, punctuation, typos, etc), but they'll do a whole lot more.
Will the AI distinguish between UK, US, AUS spellings of words? (Maybe, if the author has used the correct settings). Will it understand slang, or dialect in direct speech? (Not likely). Will it keep a record of unusual, or invented words, names, or spellings? (peculiar to certain genres). Will it check for continuity throughout the text? Can it distinguish between homophones, idioms, and similar grammatical issues? Will it check font usage, font sizing, chapter styles, or any number of other aspects of writing, correcting them (or at the very least, making them consistent throughout)? How about formatting issues? Will it check facts and give references to refer back to? Will it understand humour or sarcasm?
I could go on and on, but the point is that AI might do a "reasonable" job when it comes to spelling, but there is so much more that it can't do. A REAL editor does all of this, and more.
However, the true advantage of using a human editor is not measured by listing what they can do better than AI. The main advantage is simply that they are HUMAN.
You choose an editor because you have a "feeling" that they are right for you, that they will improve your writing, and that they will be good to collaborate and communicate with. The relationship works on trust, and it is a two-way relationship. There is no point wasting money and time employing an editor if everything they recommend is ignored (because the author doesn't want their "baby" ruined). Equally, the editor will make suggestions to the author about their writing. Some things might be controlled by style guides or grammar reference books, but others might be opinions and recommendations. It doesn't mean that they have to be followed, but they are highlighted for the author's attention - the author has the final say.
With so many aspects of editing to be considered, be wary of editors offering extremely fast turnaround times. Almost all will rely on AI to speed them up. Even if AI is utilised, the person claiming to be the editor still needs to check everything that it discovers to confirm whether it is an actual error or an AI error.
The best option is to ask for a FREE sample edit. If the editor doesn't seem keen to offer such a service, maybe they have a reason. If they do offer this service (as I do), check to see the quality of work returned to you. If it only corrects spelling/grammar/punctuation without any comment or reference, then it's probably been done by AI. On the other hand, I tend to annotate nearly all corrections (in the sample), referring to why something was changed, giving reference points if referring to style guides, etc. I also add comments full of suggestions and improvements, or positive feedback if something has been done well. By reading through these comments, the author should get a feel for the editor, and have an idea of the level of editing required for their text. Equally, it gives the editor an idea of how much work will be required, which will help them calculate the final project price and timescale.
Above all else, ask questions of your prospective editor. If they are legitimate, they'll be happy to answer. The more you know about each other, the better the relationship will be.
Because all of this takes time, plan ahead. Try to contact editors ahead of schedule. Many will book up months in advance, so start early. But also be aware that schedules change. You might fall lucky. There may have been a cancelation and a space to fill. And don't be afraid to negotiate over time and prices (some might have fixed terms, but others might not).
Good luck in your quest for the perfect editor.
ProofWriteUK offers a full range of editing and proofreading services to authors, businesses, and individuals.
We offer a friendly, professional service, including FREE sample edits, special offers, Beta-reading, and advice.
Check out our website here.
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