Comments on: Golden Heart Critiques

By: Angie

Angie — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:16:30 +0000

Hey Melinda, it’s a great question! That was my first time meeting Kate, it’s not likely I’ll forget it! And duh, the answer to what’s changed is, “because it’s me”. Ha! I’m just kidding!

In my post, I do say that I suggest saving your money for a professional editing service, but I also say that some people may feel the need to hire someone if they don’t have a good critique partner or beta reader who can help. I think now, several years later, I would also add that you might consider it if you don’t have a good critique partner or beta reader, or if you go with someone who has a good/solid editorial reputation. So maybe “because it’s me” isn’t entirely a joke? I still see a lot of professional editing services from people who have not built up any kind of editorial reputation within the publishing community, who have never dealt with submissions with an eye towards actually acquiring, editing and publishing them, and who aren’t as familiar with either what an editor should editor for or with grammatical rules as they say.

But either way, hiring someone for critiquing or editorial services is just as risky, and probably more so since it involves money, as trusting that your critique partner/beta reader is giving you good advice. Hopefully, anyone looking for an editorial service will choose someone who has either been recommended to them or who has a history of successful publishing/editing.

In my case, I hope that the almost 250 books that I edited for Samhain, many of them very successful money makers, can speak to my knowledge of what works as well as some minor editorial skill

Thanks for asking, it really was a valid question.

By: Melinda

Melinda — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:56:51 +0000

Carol, it’s essentially the same thing. Either way, you’re paying for someone to look at your manuscript before submitting it. Angela has been very vocal about this in the past and how she thinks it’s a waste of money, and again, when I saw this, I was very confused. Having someone look at it for “mostly line editing” or “some line editing” is the same thing. You’re still spending money to have someone look at your manuscript.

By: Carol Burnside

Carol Burnside — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:27:17 +0000

Dear #10,
In the previous post you refer to, Angela was talking about mostly line editing. Here she’s offering a critique, with ‘comments, critique and some line editing.’ Done right, that’s a great value for $75.

By: Melinda

Melinda — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:37:50 +0000

I’m an aspiring author who has been following your blog for years…literally! =) When I saw this, I remembered a post you had done way back about paying to get your ms looked over before submitting it: http://nicemommy-evileditor.com/blog/?p=941 I’m very confused now! What’s changed your mind?

By: December

December — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:08:00 +0000

I’d be a fool not to.

By: Karin Tabke

Karin Tabke — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:09:03 +0000

Angela this is very generous of you!

Can’t wait to hear about the new job!

By: Angie

Angie — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:49:33 +0000

Hi Lara! Go ahead and email me and I’ll answer any questions you might have.

By: Lara Nance

Lara Nance — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:46:53 +0000

Angela, Hi, I met you at the Chesapeake Romance Writer’s meeting where you spoke to us on e-pub. I have entered my Paranormal romance in Golden Heart but haven’t sent the submission in yet. Would LOVE to do this critique. Thanks! Lara Nance

By: Angie

Angie — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:36:06 +0000

Shannyn, go ahead and email me and I’ll give you all of the details, so you can make your decision!

By: shannyn

shannyn — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:35:02 +0000

Hi – First, congrats on the almost job. Second, when would you need to have the submission by? I ask because I would love a critique by you, but I am reworking the beginning of my MS (again).

Thanks