Do I Really Need to Find an Editor?

​But do I?
.
.
.
If you are asking yourself that question, then I think you know the answer to that question. But in case. Yes, yes you do. No, come back don't click away. Just hear me out.
I was like you; I wanted to keep my project safe and close to me for as long as I could. I didn't want to have Beta's even though I already knew how much it would benefit my writing. I really didn't want to send my work to an editor. It probably had something to do with the fear of the red pen, and knowing that I am awful. And I mean AWFUL when it comes to grammar. I fully admit that. And anyone that has read early drafts of my work will tell you that I am not lying. But I knew that to make my book the best it could be and to give it a chance in such a competitive market; I had to invest time into it. 
You might be saying, Katelyn, you didn't invest the time into it? You editor did.
You are totally right, but I want to talk about some of the reasons it is so good to hand it over to someone else.
1. You can't touch it.
Why is it okay to not touch it? Most writers know that before editing you should try to take a break from a work. It gives you space to really see things that may not be working and lets the things that work shine through.
With an editor, you literally cannot touch a work when they have it. If you change something when they have it, it is a waste of time for all involved. Let the editor do the work and take that break.
2. Release the pressure
You need that break because let's be real your brain is whizzing like a pressure cooker. You have so many thoughts, ideas and ultimatums you have put on yourself. 'This book has to be perfect not a period can be out of place! Everyone MUST cry!' right? Relax, decompress a bit and really take some self-care time, the book can't be good unless you are.
I AM REALLY BAD AT THAT STEP ASK MY ROOMATES
3. MARKETING
This is a great time to really push your book. (Hint look at my Instagram.) I learned a trick that a consumer is more likely to purchase your product if they see it on average seven times. So this is the time to be your own personal hype man/Woman/human. Pimp your book, hold giveaways, gather reviews. MAKE YOUR BABY KNOWN.
4. Planning
 Use this time to plan your future endevors. How will you continue to market your book? Is there a sequel or other book bouncing around your head that you haven't outlined yet? You have a few weeks to a month USE IT!

So who was my wonderful editor? 
Meet Melanie. 
"As an indie author herself, Melanie (A.K.A. The Word Sleuth) understands the importance of a polished final product that will wow readers with its professionalism. She is a stickler for grammar and spelling, and is one of those people who is constantly spotting erroneous commas and misspellings on menus and shop-fronts when out in public (it’s a curse, I tell you)."
Melanie did a wonderful job with my edits. She communitcated in a timely proffesional manner and was a real supporter of the book. Her rates are increadibly affordable for the work she does. I can't even begin to say how thankful I am for her work on the line by line edit. I highly suggest you turn to her for your editing needs. As an indie herself she understands the needs of the an indie author and makes it very easy to have a great time working with her. 
Your can contact Melanie on her website Thewordsleuth.com or on her twitter @MelanieJKirk
If you reach out to her let her know that I sent you!

Find yourself a great editor kids. Your novel will thank you.

Katelyn Costello

​Order my book:
Signed: https://www.katelyncostello.com/store/p1/The_Frituals_%28Book_%231_The_Frituals%29.html
Print:
​https://www.amazon.com/dp/1981463097/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Ebook: \https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW8P33P/ref=sr_1_2ie=UTF8&qid=1529540545&sr=8-2&keywords=Katelyn+Costello

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www.katelyncostello.com

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