Authors & Reviewers discussion

I can't seem to properly edit my own books and can't afford an editor. Do you guys have any advice?

I have used beta readers, critique partners and even an editor, but a lot of people bailed on me. And though I used their advice, my manuscript is still not good enough. Because when I do find someone who wants to take a look, they want me to change it again. And then the next person wants me to change it back, and so on. Yeah, not getting anywhere...
I also have limited time to spend on writing, due to my job and study. This makes doing swaps hard already, but it doesn't help if the other person stops replying.
My biggest problem is that I can see the mistakes in other people's work, but can't see my own mistakes. Leaving the manuscript to rest doesn't help either and I've already searched for advice on the web and in books.

Thank you.

Hi

You may already know of this but here goes:
You could feed a chapter at a time (up to 2000 words) through a programme online called Pro Writing Aid.
It's very analytical and helps me be more objective when I'm reviewing my work. It's free to check up to 2000 words you can pay for a bigger version. I personally find the free version does what I need it to do.
It won't replace an editor but it will certainly help you tidy things up.

Best of luck with your writing:)

Hi, Rachel. Who is your manuscript not good for? You have to draw a line for yourself when taking advice from beta readers/editors, see which route feels the most right and stick to it. If you keep taking opposing suggestions you'll never get anywhere (which you know already, of course). I know time and money is painfully limited, so if you've already gone the editor/beta route, force yourself to choose a path and make THAT one the very best it can be. Put your changes under lock and key so you can't easily stuff what you've removed back in. In On Writing, King says his if one beta reader likes and one doesn't, they cancel each other out. It's not a picnic, I know. I feel your pain.

Emily wrote: "Hi

You may already know of this but here goes:
You could feed a chapter at a time (up to 2000 words) through a programme online called Pro Writing Aid.
It's very analytical and helps me be more o..."

I've never heard of this. interesting.

Hi, I'm in a similar bind as you. I finally found an editor to help me, and for different reasons, she's kept me waiting for almost a year. I tried the pro writing aid and for some reason, it didn't work. Best of luck with your book.