I swear every third blog I write I’m telling y’all to make sure you get a sample edit. But uh, what is a sample edit and why exactly should you get one? You’ll be missing out without it.
What is a Sample Edit?
Basically, a sample edit is when an editor will take a small piece of your work (typically 250-1000 words) and show you what a proofread, copyedit, or line edit would look like and what you can expect before purchasing a service through them. It’s a great way to try before you buy and make sure you’re getting what you expect from your service.
Use It as a Technique to Avoid Scams
If you’re talking with an indie editor about working together, and they’re hesitant to give you a sample edit, that’s a big red flag. It’s likely they’re planning to just run your story through a writing software that you could get for cheaper than their service. Working with an editor who takes the time to read and leave comments on your story costs a living wage, and getting a sample edit can help you determine if it’s worth it.
Use It to Make Sure You Find the Right Editor
Even if an editor is worth their salt, it doesn’t mean they’re automatically the right editor for you. Getting a sample edit of your story can be enormously helpful in finding an editor that understands your authorial voice and is going to add to your story rather than water it down. And if you’re nervous about the process, having a sample edit can make a huge difference in making you feel secure in your choice! It’s the same reason why I always ask developmental edit clients to do a beta read first.
Use It to Improve Your Own Editing
Editing a novel is fucking hard. You’re going to miss out if you do it yourself with no help. And even if you read a lot of tutorials on how to improve your editing craft, it’s always going to be generic advice that is hard to be certain whether it applies to you or not. A sample edit can show you exactly how an editor would make changes to your writing, and all of the advice is immediately applicable. If you like the sample edit, you could even upgrade to editing a single chapter or scene you’re having difficulty with and then learning more to apply to the rest of your story. It’s a great way to improve that’s still pretty cost effective.
Honestly, Take Advantage
I know that there’s someone reading this and thinking I’m crazy for suggesting to use a complimentary editing service my business offers to improve themselves, but really, I don’t care. Please do. A huge part of me starting this business was about hoping to demystify secrets of the publishing industry, and not everyone has the same budget to do it. If you like what you see but can’t afford an edit of your full manuscript, I’d suggest getting a beta read or a couple of book coaching sessions to help you do it yourself.
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