Editing, i need help

idiot_prince · Post by **idiot_prince** » 17 Jan 2013, 04:28

i like to write and finnaly finished my first book and published it on amazon and ive noticed that most the people who buy dont review it. the one who did said while she loved the book and read it cover to cover in one sitting said it really needed editing, im an unemployed disabled vet and writing is something i do to pass my time, liveing on a fixed income cant really afford a profesional editor what can i do, while its just a hobby for me i dont want the people who read my work to think i dont care, or that im just trying to pawn off a quickly writen book.

KWright · Post by **KWright** » 22 Jan 2013, 06:40

First, perhaps your reviewer means that you need to find a proofreader for your work. This is someone who goes through and checks for spelling and grammar and offers ways to fix those mistakes. If this is the kind of work you're looking to get, I suggest finding help from a local university. Track down a university and email the head of the English department or a representative from career services.

When I went to school, many English majors wanted to get into editing, and proofreading is a good way to start out. State that you specifically would be interested in Technical Communications or Creative Writing students. While other English majors could help as proofreaders, these students focus more on the language itself and how it can best serve an idea.

So, to summarize:
Contact a University about finding a proofreader/editor for your next book. Be specific in this email about what kind of position you're looking to fill and include that you don't have the funds to pay the student. Additionally, ask if there's any other staff you should be talking to concerning getting a student to review your material to add to the student's portfolio.

While you won't be losing any creative writes to your book, understand that many students who are interested in proofreading or editing for free will want to keep an original copy and a finished copy, to show how they contribute to a manuscript.

I hope that this helps.

idiot_prince · Post by **idiot_prince** » 22 Jan 2013, 09:59

thanks thats a great idea and theirs a college not far away.. i really appericate the advise

asmaahsan · Post by **asmaahsan** » 23 Jan 2013, 00:21

Hi, what's the name of the book and whats it about. You should check forum where you can ask the head of this forum to get your book reviewed here for free meaning you don't have to pay the reviewer. Check the forums of reviewed books.

idiot_prince · Post by **idiot_prince** » 23 Jan 2013, 18:43

its the inexperenced mage by dw jackson its selling really well my reviews only complaint is my editing but i think if i got it edited good i would have a best seller by my current ranking

KWright · Post by **KWright** » 24 Jan 2013, 07:13

I've considered your problem again, and if you want help, I might be able to offer assistance free of charge. I hope I'm not breeching any advertising rules by offering my services, considering there's no money transaction and I am not looking for others right now. Anyways, if you send me a PM with a basic description of the book, the title, author's name, intended audience, what services you'd like (just proofreading or creative editing assistance as well?), and anything else you think might be important for me to know about your manuscript.

I look forward to hearing from you.