My husband edited my book, about three times, then I edited, then the publisher edited, then Steve edited. (Steve was free...lol)


Sherri

Thank, you one and all. I will inquire about the Boomer critique through Dotsie. I have no husband to take advantage of and the local writers group I know is only fiction. I will self-publish - spent 1 year sending proposal out with no results, so no editor will be provided. Spelling and grammar are okay and I don't want a rewrite. A run-through, critique, or editor are my options now. Thanks . . . again. Saundra

I asked some of the ladies in my church to each take a chapter to review. I asked for complete and brutal honesty if necessary. Then I rotate chapters around so that at least 3 sets of eyes review each chapter. Once that is done I go back and reedit myself. Once I turned it into my agent (who also does editing work) she told me my piece was 'clean' and ready to submit.
hahis method has worked for me so far. Some of the ladies were worried taht they weren't 'English majors'--but I told them that they were my target readers so if they weren't sure about grammar to read it for content--if they as my target market didn't get it--I would know I had to reword sections.

I think I ended up with a pretty balanced method of review...

Saundra:
You might want to check with Dian at www.handsforhope.com.
She is a BWS member and has a profesional writing, editing and book reviewing service.
Starting over and Chatty's sugestions are an option too.
Here's wishing you the best!

I've sent Saundra the informaiton about the critique circle.

Proper editing is vital. You only get one shot at agents and publishers. Your work MUST BE clean.

I think you should hire someone.

Dotsie, you are absolutely right - you only get one shot. Although no agent or publisher wants my book (oral health is a tough sell) proper editing is vital and it needs to be clean for self-publishing. I want to hire someone and probably will at a coma-inducing price. Money is always an issue. Thank you. Saundra

Saundra, do it chapter by chapter as you can afford it.

Diane, my manuscript is on its way to Nancy. She offers exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for the tip about one chapter at a time. Thanks to all of your for your suggestions. Saundra

Nancy can pound out a lot of work in one hour and she's fun to work with too. We grew to be close friends through the editing of my manuscript and not once did she try to change the story or my way of writing. She made me a better writer and she would make me laugh at her suggestions. Like, "Great point, Dianne, but it has absolutely nothing to do with the topic!" She kept me focues or at least, tried too.

Diane, my manuscript is on its way to Nancy, and thank for the once chapter at a time tip. Thanks to everyone for your help. Saundra