Part 2 of a series first written in 2003 and updated for 2011. Although I make my living by copyediting (and designing books and websites), often a writer will approach me for services they just don’t need yet. The manuscript has to be ready for copyediting before I can take it on.

The Chicago Manual of Style: The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers

The title says it all: Chicago is the standard style guide for U.S. books. There are nifty sections on The Publishing Process (the different parts of a book and their content, rights and permissions, more) and Style and Usage (punctuation, how to handle foreign words and quotations, more). As a writer, you don’t really need to know all these fine points of style. The copyeditor will take care of this stuff. But don’t you want to make your manuscript as foolproof as possible?

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Part 1 of a series first written in 2003 and updated for 2011. Although I make my living by copyediting (and designing books and websites), often a writer will approach me for services they just don’t need yet. The manuscript has to be ready for copyediting before I can take it on.

Why spend money having your manuscript checked for misplaced apostrophes if whole passages lack oomph? My two cents: get the big problems with plot, pacing, and characterization out of the way before hiring a copyeditor.

Working with other writers in a critique group will hone your writing skills. As you study someone else’s manuscript, you’ll more than likely recognize faults that crop up in your own writing. You’ll learn if readers sympathize with your characters, or if some plot element is simply unbelievable. And — for the cost only of your time — you’ll receive pointers for fixing your manuscript.
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