Everyone can write, right? Well, up to a point, but there are all sorts of reasons why anyone who writes anything for public consumption - even successful published authors - will need an editor. Read on for ten good reasons to make sure your copy is properly edited before it goes public.
- Even if your piece of writing is pretty much as you want it, a good editor will look at it with fresh eyes from the point of view of your potential readers. He or she will make it really sparkle, while ensuring it's still your work.
- No need to stress about spelling, grammar and punctuation - your editor will get them into perfect shape, so you'll have no more apostrophe clangers or typo howlers.
- It's easy to get carried away with your own inside knowledge and confuse your reader or give the wrong impression - your editor will make sure you are saying exactly what you think you are saying.
- You might well have a corporate writing style and/or 'tone of voice' you're meant to adhere to - a good editor will understand this and make sure you are always on-brand. If you don't have a style, your editor will be able to develop one for you, in keeping with your brand.
- Whether it's a short ad, an in-depth annual review or a children's bedtime story book, your editor will know how best to organise your copy to attract attention and keep your readers reading.
- A good editor will make sure you stick to the point and don't repeat yourself.
- If you've got a lot of technical information to convey, your editor will know how to make it accessible to any reader you want to reach.
- You'll be so involved in your story, you're not going to notice little inconsistencies that crop up in the way you write - for example, you might be switching from the use of double quotes to single, or using different spellings for the same word. Your editor will smooth all these glitches out.
- Well-edited copy will make you look good and get you noticed.
- Good editing makes every word count.