Jim Duncan's Writing Blog

I've come across several comments and articles/posts lately that indicate that editors at various publishing houses big and small are editing less and less (if at all) and becoming focused almost exclusively on acquistions. Editors want manuscripts that are as close to publication ready as possible. So, what does this do to the process? It has the effect of backing things up, putting more of the editing pressures on agents and writers.

Many agents come from the ranks of editors. Many enjoy the editing process and are fairly hands-on when it comes to handling a writer's content. Many however, are not. Most don't have the time to be doing any kind of heavy editing for their clients. I've heard many stories in the past of agents taking on clients where they love the story but know it will take some decent editing to get it into shape to send on to editors. With the deluge of writers querying agents this year, this kind of scenario is less and less likely to occur. Agents are just as affected by this downturn as everyone else in the industry. They're feeling the pinch of shrinking advances, especially if the bulk of their clients are mid-listers. They are going to be considering different ways to maintain a stable income, and one of these places might be in editing. If a writer has a worthy project that needs some editing, well, writers might start to see some negotiating by agents to incorporate this. Would a writer be willing to fork up more than the 15% for editing? Given how difficult it is to land an agent, I'd say yes. Time of course is the big factor. Editing is time intensive. If an agent takes on more editing responsibilities it likely means taking on fewer clients. Many agents will likely turn away from this, but I'm just saying...it's a possibility.

For writers, editing is a necessity. I suspect more and more freelance editors will be looking to tap into this need as it grows. For any writers who don't know, this stuff is expensive. Decent editors aren't cheap. If one is looking at getting an entire ms professionally edited, you're looking hundreds up to a couple thousand dollars. Lots of chances to get scammed or to just get poor service from editors who just aren't the right fit for your ms. Finding a good editor can be as hard as finding a good agent. It's a relationship like any other, and beyond the purview of this post. My suggestion to writers: learn how to be a good editor yourself. Find good critiquers (again this can be difficult) but invaluable. You can learn editing skills however. It just takes work and dedication. The way the market is now and the way it's changing, you can't afford not too. An ms in need of any kind of significant editing is a major strike against you in seeking publication. Don't set yourself up for failure before you even get going in this difficult business.