Do You Need Plan B for Your Revision Process

Do You Need Plan B for Your Revision Process

Back when you began revising your manuscript for publication, you may have envisioned that process going more smoothly than it has. Circumstances change. Maybe it’s time for Plan B. Instead of letting your manuscript languish inside your computer, reach out and explore your options; you do have them.

If your editing process is stalled, jump start it by adding flexibility to your thinking about the editing and revision process. Devise a new plan that will meet your current needs. Did you previously obtain a professional edit on the manuscript? Do you have editorial feedback, perhaps in the form of Word tracked changes that you have not yet had time to address?  Now that things haven’t work out the way you had planned, maybe it’s time to consider asking for more editorial assistance to get your manuscript back on track toward publication.

Of course there are some editorial issues that only you as the author can address.  Perhaps you can write responses to those comments, giving instructions as to how to address those issues only; then you can leave the rest of the recommendations and issues for the editor to address. Maybe you would rather leave the punctuation, grammar, and even some wording details to your book editor, who is after all, an expert on those subjects. Once you have reviewed the proposed edits and answered any major content questions the editor has raised, the decision to ask your editor to implement the edits and finalize the manuscript for the design and layout process may even be a better choice than finding the time to do it yourself.

This is especially true if:

• You are busy and are always tired when revising your manuscript.
• You dread the thought of spending another evening or weekend working on those editing details of your manuscript.
• Your manuscript is stalled because you haven’t gotten back to implementing those edits yet.

• You are unsure how to go about addressing the editorial recommendations.

• You are dealing with a physical condition that makes applying the edits difficult.

• You are afraid you might make mistakes.

Because:

• Your editor must be alert while implementing edits. It’s her job.
• Your editor likes that kind of work. That’s one reason he chose the editing profession.

• You editor will get it done within a specified time frame, so he can get paid for your job and move on to his next editing assignment.

• Your editor has experience and professional expertise that will guide her in revolving editorial issues efficiently and in a way that is consistent with professional publishing conventions.

• Your editor’s job is to provide editing services, and she does so every day. She is already set up to provide editing services, so there is no need to put yourself through discomfort or difficulty.
• Your editor will very likely make fewer mistakes than you would, and there may even be a quality assurance process that is automatically included to check the editor’s work before it is delivered to you.

Inquire about pricing for the implementation of your edits. Your editor will probably want to see what needs to be done, and will then quote you a price. It is best to get a firm price quote for the job. The editor will need to estimate the number of hours it will take to implement your edits, and will probably charge you a certain price per hour. The question is, will the editor hold that price firm, even if it takes him longer expected to implement the edits?  Some editors will guarantee the quoted price; others will not.

Keep in mind that many editors will not want to implement edits that they personally did not recommend, so you may need to go back to the editor who initially edited your manuscript. If that doesn’t work out, consult with another editor. She may be able to offer you a customized editing implementation service to meet your specific needs.

Do what it takes to keep your manuscript moving toward publication. Being flexible and exploring your Plan B options with a professional editor may be just what it takes to jump start your publishing project.

Carolyn Madison

Carolyn is the Editorial Coordinator at Self Publishing, Inc. Having a background in research analysis, she has spent more than twenty years writing, editing, and consulting. While director of editing and quality assurance at the Gallup Organization, Carolyn helped to establish Gallup Press and led its editorial staff in preparing such bestsellers as First, Break All The Rules; Now, Discover Your Strengths; How Full Is Your Bucket?; and Vital Friends.

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