Self-editing is a great way for authors to get an extra set of eyes on their work without having to pay an editor. It’s also a good way for authors to become more familiar with the process of editing and gain insight into what makes a piece of writing strong or weak.
However, self-editing has its advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into consideration before taking this route. One advantage of self-editing is that it can save time and money. Instead of paying someone else to edit your manuscript, you can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home or office. You won’t have to worry about scheduling appointments or sending manuscripts back and forth between you and the editor, which can add up in terms of cost and time if there are multiple drafts involved.
Additionally, since you know your story better than anyone else, you’ll be able to make sure all aspects are represented accurately while giving yourself enough leeway when making changes so they match the tone and style of your story. This will provide readers with a much smoother reading experience compared to something edited by someone who may not understand certain nuances within the narrative itself.
On the flip side, a huge disadvantage associated with self-editing is, writers often miss errors due to being too close to their own work. After spending countless hours crafting each sentence just right, it can be difficult to recognize potential problems, mainly because our tendency is to see what we thought we wrote, rather than what actually exists on paper (or screen).
A second pair of eyes (i.e., professional editor) could catch these small issues before they become bigger ones down the line, resulting in costly revisions later on in production—not only monetarily but also emotionally draining if substantial changes need made at such a late stage during preproduction/publication stages where deadlines must still be met despite setbacks encountered along the journey towards publication date looming ever closer on the horizon, no matter how hard a writer tries to push against the glass wall erected by the “publishing gods” themselves!
Lastly, some writers find that emotional attachment is part of the creative process. Thus, having another person critique their work may feel like a personal attack instead of constructive criticism, leading to potential feelings of resentment toward said editor(s) which might jeopardize the entire project due to lack of proper communication between the parties involved. Always keep this in mind when considering whether to take the plunge down an unknown path.
Self Editing vs Professional Editor? In conclusion, both self-editing and hiring a professional editor have benefits, depending upon individual circumstances and the author’s specific needs & budgeting restrictions. Just remember to weigh your options carefully before deciding the best course of action. The wrong decision now could mean the difference between success and failure, months (and sometimes years!) down line!
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