This means taking the time to learn about writing and self - editing, and realizing the importance
of hiring a professional editor to edit the book before giving it to the world.
You should do at least two to three revisions on your own
before hiring a professional editor — don't bring in a professional until you have made the book the best you possibly can on your own.
You need to
hire a professional editor in order to prepare your manuscript (this is the highest expense, and it is mandatory — unless you want to look awful and wreck your reputation as an author).
Hiring a professional editor with experience on a variety of projects will help you meet your goals and learn how to create better content of all types, whether you focus on improving written articles or manuscripts you wish to publish.
George Nedeff from Author Solutions explains what to look for
when hiring a professional editor, how to write a consistent manuscript, and for the uninitiated, he breaks down how to index a nonfiction book.
To do so: ~ edit and revise the manuscript yourself
~ hire a professional editor to put the final touches on the manuscript ~ get a professionally designed cover made for your book ~ produce a Word document ready for uploading to Kindle (or get someone who can do this for you)
Hire a professional editor if you don't feel your prose is up to par and you don't have the skills to improve it, but make sure you get it as good as you can before handing it over.
First, I'd say if you've
hired a professional editor at any point in the past, you should go over the copyediting - type changes with a fine - toothed comb, because there's a lot to be learned there.
My advice for authors who are planning to self - publish:
hire a professional editor who works in your genre and has impeccable recommendations (recommendations are important because anyone can say he / she is an editor regardless of skill or qualifications — and editing is a huge investment, so you want to be sure you get what you're paying for).