The Second Deadly Shortcut to Avoid as a Writer

Not hiring an editor is like cutting your own hair.

Yes, you know your hair and you know how to use a pair of scissors. So why not cut it yourself? Well, unless you have waist-length hair, it’s hard to see what you’re missing. You can’t see every inch of your head, much less reach it and get the right angle to cut your hair.

Not working with an editor is a shortcut that’s tempting. Your writing may be great, it may be solid. But you trust your stylist with making you look good and feel confident. You might as well trust your writing to an editor who will do the same thing. Your book is your introduction to the people you want to reach, so it needs to be as good as it can be. Working with a talented editor helps you feel confident that your best work is out there, spreading your message and your impact.

A good editor is your partner, an advocate for both you and your readers. You know your material so well that it’s easy to leave a gap. Your mind leaps that gap with no problem, but your readers can’t do that. Your editor is there to find those gaps so you can guide them to the other side.

Your editor is also an expert in language, grammar, and organization.  That means that you can focus on your message, be creative, and get the content on the page. Leave it to your editor to help you take it to the next level.

See the Author Resources to get more info on how to work with an editor and the value they provide.

(Bonus points if your inner editor is at work and you find a way to make this message better. Reply with your corrections and suggestions!)

Happy writing!