Why Should You Hire a Copy Editor?

If you’ve found yourself here today, chances are you’ve finished your manuscript and are wondering if hiring a copy editor is actually worth the expense. Self-publishing involves a lot of up front costs, such as book formatting, design, and marketing, that must come out of your own pocket. Over time, these expenses can really add up.

This leaves many authors scratching their heads and wondering, is copy editing really worth it? (Spoiler alert: it is.) I may be a bit biased, but I believe copy editing is one of the most important steps in the publishing process. Here are just a few reasons why:

1. Copy editors can save you time.

Editing your work is essential for copy that is both error free and appealing. And yet, the revision process can be both time consuming and emotionally draining. After all of the time you’ve spent writing your manuscript, you’re probably ready for a much needed break. Taking too long in the revision stage can further postpone the publication of your book. If you find yourself staring at the same sentences over and over again, it’s probably time for a fresh set of eyes.

2. Copy editors can give you a competitive edge.

A copy editor can express your message better than you thought possible. Copy editing is much more than just correcting errors. It’s also finding the best way to say something as well as the best way to reach your audience on an emotional level.

This is especially true if you are publishing a book. In a market already saturated with self-published authors, you don’t want unnecessary errors making their way to print. Because you must sell your book at a price point that covers your production costs and makes you a profit, many self-published authors are tempted to save money by skipping the proofreading process — but in the end this will detract from sales.

People want a quality product, and unfortunately, self-published books are frequently riddled with errors. A book that is clean and strong will help you make more money in the long run. A copy editor can help you look great and achieve your goals.

3. Copy editors are objective.

Copy editors are unbiased. When you’ve been poring over your text for months, you can’t see the forest for the trees. You’re too close to your own work to be able to spot errors. A copy editor can provide a fresh perspective on your writing. We’re not afraid to tell you which sections need more work, have too much fluff, or or just plain need to go. Of course, we do so gently, but ultimately we are working for both you and your readers.

When you’re an expert in your field or you’ve spent weeks researching your topic, things that might make perfect sense to you may be unclear to your readers. A copy editor can spot awkward swaths of grammar or confusing idioms and give you suggestions for rewriting.

4. Copy editors are trained professionals.

The old saying holds true: you have to know the rules in order to know how to break them. There is a fine line between using an incomplete sentence because it’s catchy and just using an incomplete sentence. Your ultimate goal in publishing is to make your content as easy to read and understand as possible.

A good copy editor will find errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and help you produce language that is clear, concise, and cohesive. Copy editors have completed professional training and many have years of experience behind them.

5. Copy editors boost your credibility.

Copy editors can help establish you as an authority in your field and help prevent potential disasters. When grammatical errors make it to print, your readers (or potential customers) will tend to focus on the mistake instead of your message, resulting in a loss of trust and loyalty.

Editors protect your image. No matter what kind of work you put out there, be it a book, a blog post, or business content, every word has your name attached to it and will affect how people perceive your competence. This isn’t exactly fair, but it’s the truth. An editor can help you produce clean, professional copy. In short, we make you look good.

If you want readers, hire an editor. A copy editor will help you create the best writing possible, which is exactly what your readers want.