Your book is your baby. I get it. I’m an author too and I know how hard it is to trust someone to make suggestions and offer criticism. Especially when you’ve worked so hard on it. But, you need eyes on your book. Many eyes. And many rounds of critique and editing before you publish. So, though it may be scary, you’re going to be working with proofreaders, editors, and beta readers if you want your book to be the best it can be. It takes a village to raise a baby and it takes a village of professional experts to publish well. Successful authors get help.
Why You Need Outside Help from Proofreaders, Editors, and Beta Readers
After you’ve done all the hard work and spent so much time writing your book, it can feel insulting to think you need the help and advice of others. Maybe you’ve even done revisions and editing and feel it’s good to go? Unfortunately, it’s likely not.
The truth is, when we write we become very close to our work. We get wrapped up in what we’ve created and because our book feels like our baby, we tend to think our baby is perfect. Or, we’re so close to it, we’re not able to see the flaws, like punctuation and grammatical errors. We might not even notice big things like continuity issues, or a time line being a bit out of whack. Why? Because we sat and stared at that manuscript for so long we are no longer reading—we know what it’s supposed to say. But does it say it?
That’s why you need to trust your book with outsiders like proofreaders, editors, and beta readers to catch the things you missed. And to give you honest advice and assistance to make your book even better. I’m always surprised by the number of errors my editors find (things I know but somehow glossed over—like its versus it’s). Ouch! It can be humbling, but I’d much rather hear it from an editor than a reader.
Everybody’s Doing It!
This is just standard protocol too. It’s all part of the publishing process. It assures that your book is going to be as polished and professional as possible before publishing. And if you’re planning on going the traditional route, and shopping your book, well, it better be good. Yes, it will probably be edited by whatever press picks it up too, but the less they have to do, the better. Because honestly, if it’s a mess, they’re going to pass without a second thought.
Proofreaders, Editors, and Beta Readers: What are They and What’s the Difference?
You’ll be using proofreaders, editors, and beta readers at different times in your publishing journey. They all have a role to play, but they’re all equally important. Every one of them helps you shape your book into the fabulous end product it will become!
So, what’s the difference between proofreaders, editors, and beta readers and why does each one matter? Well, I’ll give you the run down! Then you’ll have a solid understanding of each role, when you’ll need them and how they help make your book the best it can be.
Beta Readers are Essential for Perspective
Beta readers are usually the first people to read your manuscript—after you’ve done your editing and before it gets into the hands of the official editors.
This doesn’t mean that beta readers won’t catch spelling or grammatical errors or other issues, but the main purpose of a beta reader is to be a stand in for the average reader and give feedback. Kind of like test marketing a product.
Beta readers are usually not professionals or even in the industry. They’re average, everyday readers, so their feedback is actually extremely valuable. After all, they represent your future audience. You don’t have to take all of their feedback to heart, but if you notice a consistent theme in beta reader responses, you should probably heed it.
An important note on beta readers! It’s totally fine to ask friends and family to be beta readers for your book but don’t rely on them alone. If you want open and honest feedback, you may want to reach for readers who are a bit further removed.
Not sure where to find readers? I recommend joining a local writer’s group so you can start networking now. You’ll have beta readers lined up so you’re ready when the time comes. Swapping reads with other writers in your area is a great way to get quality beta readers. One thing to note! Make sure that the person reading your book is someone who frequently reads in your genre.
Editors—There are Varieties
Not all editors do the same types of editing, and they all have a very specific purpose in the whole process as well. So, what types of editors will be helping you in your process and what do THEY do?
Developmental Editors
These are the editors traditionally published authors use to help them flesh out their book, keep them on task and guide them through the process. Usually linked to the publishing house the writer is working with, these are the people many of us think of when we hear the term Editor.
Content Editors
A content editor is a self-published writer’s best friend. These editors do some of the work a developmental editor does but without the attachment to a publishing house. Content editors are the pros who fix the structure and readability of your book and will also help with themes and continuity. They’re professionals who offer invaluable assistance in turning your manuscript into a publishable book.
Copy Editors
And last but not least, copy editors! Though content editors will often catch and fix grammatical, spelling, and style errors, that is not their main job or focus. Copy editors edit on a purely objective level using the Chicago Manual of Style rules. Copy editors make sure that everything is correct and formatted and polished. Copy editors also do fact checking if that’s a necessity. They don’t edit content or shape your book.
Proofreaders—How are They Different from an Editor?
Ah, the proof reader. These are special people with a depth of knowledge of rules and standards and the eyes of an eagle. But they’re not copy editors exactly. It’s been said that the proofreader is the person who copy edits the copy editor’s work.
And for this reason, the proof reader is the final, final extra check person who reads your printed galley (or advanced reader copy) or digital book before it goes to print. This person also checks to make sure the book is perfect, checking for things like widows and orphans, and that your table of contents is accurate.
Proofreaders, editors, and beta readers all do different things but the proofreader is the one who catches what ALL those other eyes may have missed.
Yes, all this seems like a lot. But the reality is, your book will need to pass through many hands and be read, and scanned and revised many times by proofreaders, editors, and beta readers and maybe a few of each. But there’s a reason for it! Your book manuscript is long and there will be many changes on the journey to publishing. Each step of the way, someone needs to check on each one of those steps. There’s a lot of checking!
Admittedly, it’s hard to trust others with your baby and it’s even harder to set aside your ego and accept that you may need help. Remember, self-publishing is a misnomer, you’re not supposed to do it yourself. Get help. And if you need some recommendations, I happen to know some excellent professionals who do this work.
