How to Hire an Editor? |How Much Does it Cost to Edit a Book? | Derek Murphy

Don't get ripped off 💔💰📖 find out how much book editing should really cost: wp.me/p1sNnM-2gl
I haven't done full-time editing since I was getting my MA in Literature but am doing a little now for fun - I wanted to figure it out how long it takes me to edit, so I can calculate earnings per hour.
The kind of editing they do matters (proofreading, copyediting) as well as how clean the manuscript is (whether they need to fix typos in every sentence, or can focus more on big issues).
Also clean writing isn't what makes a book sell, so make sure you're studying craft or story on your own - an editor can't fix the biggest problems, only point them out.
Finally, there are tons of people who think they are good enough to be an editor, but charge cheap - I made a blog post once about cultural differences, like how some people charge more because of confidence, not ability.
Ideally, you'll send a sample first. It can be hard to edit a sample though, especially if it was already clean. I would look at a resume, background, work history and testimonials, keeping in mind:
A) just because they were good before, doesn't mean they won't rush your job.
B) just because they had a good job or have happy clients, doesn't mean they're awesome (it's hard to vet an editor and someone with people skills can get selected without merit). Plus, it's hard to see if someone is NOT good, unless they leave a bunch of obvious typos.
C) maybe don't trust everything on their website; I would trust 3rd party sites with lots of reviews, like Upwork, except the GOOD editors won't compete for business on a freelance site, they'll have built their own website or work with clients through referrals. (There are a bunch of people who run businesses entirely through Facebook and responding to group posts asking for editor recommendations.)
It's a very tricky space, with little protection for authors - I've seen editors disappear or stop responding to authors, with no recourse but to hire someone else. But again, that's why I recommend getting your book pretty ready yourself and using beta readers or family to weed out typos so it's clean reading.
If you want to pay a lot for a developmental editor who can show you your poor writing habits and help take your broken story into something much better - that can be worth it (so you become a better writer, not necessarily because it will sell better; that depends on the project and the market).
But be cautious, and focus on basic story structure stuff before you hire an editor.
Let me know if you have questions on editing!
PS. I did some research - apparently humans can only catch 95% of mistakes, but some "editing certification tests" let you pass with just 80%!
So out of every hundred mistakes, they will still leave 5. If you have 400 typos in your book, there will be at least 20 when you publish (though, I'd count on more, because fixing 400 typos would leave me exhausted, and more are likely to slip through).
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[@juliegriffin8538]

Another very helpful video. Over the years, my books have undergone many different kinds of editing: structural, line, typo checks with both qualified and unqualified individuals. Derek's comments in this video are statements to live by, especially when you want your book to have lasting, commercial appeal. Sometimes for many of us, it boils down to what we can afford to pay. By considering everything that Derek said in this video, you will be best able to use your editing dollars wisely and wind up with a salable book. Thanks, Derek. P.S. Enjoy Thailand and Godspeed.

[@Zoeybeau_1]

I've been screwed over time and again by editors, even those recommended. Now I've decided to do a course myself while learning style. I'm dyslexic and I need to listen to my work as I'm editing, this way I can suss out most of my own editing.

[@reneewakefield4810]

another great video, derek. good work.

[@livmilesparanormalromanceb6891]

Great video, thank you for this information :)

[@sanityone649]

Spot on. Terrible books...terrible writers...vanity publishing. Far too many writers never take the time to learn their craft. And far too many live with the belief that learning the craft of writing isn't necessary. Thanks again.

[@youknowkbbaby]

You have a dinosaur shirt. I wrote four books about creating dinosaurs in the laboratory.

[@smokeymoment9723]

Thanks for this great, informative video. learned a lot. Appreciate it.

[@kt65199]

can you please help me with my story Derek

[@ClintLoweTube]

I edited my own 50k book, and no one has found a single typo yet. Maybe there is some tho.

[@sjconerly]

I paid for editing on one book twice and saw so many mistakes that I just don’t want to pay for editing no more.

[@DerekMurphycreativindie]

That's too bad, sorry to hear it!

[@seannead.wharton4595]

You need to get a microphone for your videos

[@DerekMurphycreativindie]

Yes probably, maybe I'll look for a bluetooth clipon.

[@pnsmexico]

your videos are too long. that's why i always skip. make several at least that are 5 freaking minutes long each. maybe you'll get more views, considering you have 13K subs? Jees, no one has the time to watch 25min-1hr of your very informative, insightful, and important, but boring videos. just my opinion by someone who refuses to invest more than 10 min. this video, i did watch full. so that means something. No offense.