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If you are reading this, it means that you have likely completed your Christian book manuscript or are about to reach that milestone. It can feel great to finally get closer to the destination that God has set you to achieve.
The next big step is to hire a Christian editor for your book. It can sound like a simple step but the truth is that it can take a toll on you because making this important decision can be a lot more challenging than you think.
If you are also overwhelmed thinking about this factor, here are some of the best tips to consider.
1. Know Your Needs
Before you start seeking the best Christian editors for your Christian book, you must determine the editing your book needs. Do you think you need help with improving the structure of your book, or does the style need more focus? Asking yourself such questions and answering them honestly can help you get closer to the ideal editor for your Christian book.
Whether you think you need developmental or line editing, remember that each type of editing serves a different purpose. Once you understand your needs, you can find an editor with the right expertise to improve your manuscript.
In addition to finding the right editor, understanding your needs can also help you communicate your goals with your editors. Hence, spending time on this endeavor is worth it for every novice Christian author.
2. Ask for Recommendations
Whether you are an experienced Christian author or have just started your writing journey, you must realize that recommendations have a lot of power. If you have a large network, leveraging this opportunity can become a lot easier and more effective.
As a Christian author, you have a lot of opportunities to find an ideal Christian editor for your book. You can reach your church communities or reach out to different Christian associations to seek recommendations for a professional Christina editor.
In addition, you can also become a part of different writing groups or online communities to find valuable leads. The professionals and book enthusiasts from these communities can help you find a reliable Christian book editor.
3. Review their Experience
Experience is an important factor that sets a reliable Christian editor apart from other unreliable editors in the field. While every editor might claim to have extensive experience in the field, you cannot just take their word for it.
Instead of believing every great thing an editor has to say for themselves, take your time to review their background and check their credentials. If possible, try to find an editor with degrees in literature, theology, or other related fields. However, a professional degree is not a compulsion.
By reviewing the background of an editor, make sure that they have extensive experience with Christian manuscripts. More years of experience means that they have dealt with different types of Christian editors and manuscripts. Their experience can bring out the best in your work.
4. Ask for Their Portfolio
Another great way of determining whether an editor is the right match for your needs or not is to review their portfolio. A portfolio can be a professional summary of an editor. One look can help you decide whether a Christian editor is the right match for your needs.
You can review a Christian editor’s samples on their portfolio. Reviewing the samples of an editor’s samples enables you to see whether they have experience in working on the same projects as yours in the past.
In addition to determining their relevancy, the samples on a portfolio can also help you evaluate the quality of samples provided by a writer. This way, you can understand their strengths and weaknesses and know what to expect.
5. Understand Their Faith
In order to ensure that the editor you find for your Christian book is the best match for your work, you must ensure that their theological perspectives and faith align with your beliefs as a Christian. Being on the same page is very important for you to find the best match.
If everything seems good to go, have a chat with the editor you are considering hiring and discuss their beliefs. A simple conversation can tell you a lot about whether they are the best Christian editor you need for your book.
In addition, make sure that they are also aware of handling sensitive topics and theological content so that you can be on the same page with your editor. This way, you can ensure that you and your editors have the least differences to discuss.
6. Request References
In addition to seeking an editor’s experience and reviewing their portfolio, you must also ask the Christian editor you are considering hiring for references from other authors who have worked with them in the past.
You can get in touch with the authors who have worked with the editors you are considering hiring. You can ask them about their experience working with the Christian editor. This way, you can learn about the editor’s reliability, professionalism, and quality of work.
Among other questions, make sure that you also ask their clients about things that matter the most to you, such as good communication skills, way of providing criticism, and adherence to deadlines. Learning from someone who has worked with the said editor in the past can help you make your decision comfortably.
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7. Streamline the Editing Process
Lastly, make sure that you clarify the editing process before hiring a Christian editor for your book. Ask them about the steps they follow in their editing process and how much time every phase takes.
In addition, make sure that you also agree on how you decide on revisions and how many rounds of decisions they will include in their service. Discussing these terms, along with other specific details that you hold close to as the author of that Christian book, can help you make up your mind and ensure a smooth collaboration.