Tag: editing and proofreading

By Anuradha Warrier

Peer reviews serve a useful function not just for academic writing or scientific journals, but also for authors. For an author, those ‘peers’ are other authors – people who understand the world you draw from your imagination or the real world; the people who populate them and the internal ‘logic’ of that universe. They may tell you whether your narrative ‘flows’ – whether the plot works, whether its structure is ‘logical’ (within the universe it inhabits), whether the characters come alive, etc. Some of them may even point out grammatical errors or errors in syntax.

But… and this is a huge ‘but’ – is that enough?

The problems with peer reviews for academic writing have been well-documented. Much of it is true for writing across the board, whether your work is fiction or non-fiction.

1. Who is your ‘peer’?

Is this another writer, a writing group, or a trusted friend you believe will give you honest feedback? If the latter, will they point out the flaws in your writing? More importantly, do they have the experience to notice them? Most people do not have the breadth of experience needed to fully assess a work for critical issues.

2. The potential for bias

This leads us to the next flaw in ‘peer’ reviews: the potential for bias. When you hand your work to someone who is like you (holds the same worldview/perspective/opinions, has the same culture/upbringing, etc.), the chances are that they will not be objective enough to evaluate your work on its own merits.

Or perhaps, the person critiquing your work may want you to change characters, their motivations, even plot points because it doesn’t work for them, or because that is not how they would write.

In effect, what you’re getting is an open validation or a personal opinion. There’s nothing objective about it.

3. Fact checking

You cannot expect the average person to check your narrative for facts unless the subject matter happens to fall into their area of expertise.

4. Constructive feedback or criticism

Let us say that the person you choose to review your book is experienced, objective, and has the time to do a thorough review of your work. Will they be forthright in their feedback, or will they hold back for fear of disappointing you?

More importantly, would you be able to take their criticism in the manner in which it is intended? The danger of inviting someone close to you to critique your work is that the criticism may cut too close to the bone, even if well-intended. You know, better than anyone else, just what it is you meant to say. When someone criticises that process, it feels personal.

This is not to say that peer reviews aren’t useful to an author. They are. Peer reviews can help an author gauge how well their target demographic will receive their work. They can help you test your ideas, especially at the start of your project, before you invest time in expanding on them. They can be a huge support system while you are writing your masterpiece. And if several of your peers have the same issue with your writing, it can provide a reality check that most authors sorely need at least once in their lifetimes.

But peer reviews cannot be the only tool in a writer’s arsenal before publication, just the first step towards it.

At Blue Pencil, our professional editors can help you take your work to the next level. They have the experience to critique your work without making it about you, and to help you hone your manuscript without losing your ‘voice’.  Our editors can evaluate your work and help with aspects like logic, presentation, grammar, tone, and style of writing. We offer both tough love and loving support to help you refine your manuscript to make it the best version possible.

If you need help in choosing an experienced professional editor who’s a good fit for you, contact us at hello@bluepencilpublishers.com and we’d be glad to help.

Check out our Editing Services

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The Power of a Good Book Cover Design

Why Hiring a Professional Editor Frees You Up

Print on Demand Books: The Future of Publishing

Why Do You Need a Professional Editor?

Hey there, fellow word wranglers and sentence sorcerers! 🎩✨

So, you’ve penned your masterpiece—a dazzling essay, a captivating novel, or perhaps a cheeky email to your boss (complete with cat GIFs). But wait! Before you hit that “send” button or submit your work, let’s talk about the unsung heroes of the literary world: professional editors and proofreaders. 📝🔍

1. Error Elimination: Bye-Bye, Typos!

Picture this: You’re reading a gripping article about quantum physics, and suddenly, there it is—a rogue typo. Your brain stumbles, your coffee spills, and the universe wobbles. Fear not! A proofreader swoops in, wielding a red pen like a grammar ninja. Typos vanish, and clarity reigns supreme.

2. Enhanced Clarity: Like GPS for Words

Editing isn’t just about fixing commas; it’s about guiding readers through your prose like a friendly GPS. “Turn left at the metaphor,” it whispers. “Avoid the semicolon pothole.” Suddenly, your convoluted sentences become scenic routes—smooth, picturesque, and sans traffic jams.

3. Refined Readability: Dress Your Words in Their Sunday Best

Think of proofreading as a wardrobe makeover for your sentences. It swaps out “big words” for “just-right words.” Instead of “ameliorate,” you get “improve.” Your writing struts confidently, like a catwalk model in sensible shoes. Readers nod approvingly, thinking, “Ah, yes, this text speaks my language.”

4. Accuracy and Credibility: Fact-Checking, Sherlock-Style

Ever quoted Einstein while misspelling “E=mc²”? Oops! A professional editor ensures your facts align like planets in a cosmic ballet. No more claiming that Shakespeare invented the light bulb (he didn’t; it was Edison). Accuracy breeds credibility, my friends!

5. Professionalism: The Suit-and-Tie Effect

Imagine attending a job interview in pajamas. Unprofessional, right? Well-edited content is your virtual power suit. Whether it’s a business proposal or a Tinder bio (hey, love is serious business), polished writing screams, “I mean business!” 🕴️

6. Increased Chances of Publication: The Golden Ticket

Authors, listen up! Publishers adore well-edited manuscripts. It’s like finding Willy Wonka’s golden ticket. Your book stands out, and agents do jazz hands of joy. “This one!” they exclaim. “This manuscript sparkles like unicorn glitter!”

7. Time and Resource Savings: Delegate Like a Boss

Hiring an editor frees you up. While they untangle participles, you conquer other realms—like plotting world domination or binge-watching cat videos. Plus, editors have secret powers: they can spot plot holes and misplaced modifiers from a mile away.

8. Editing is like Culinary Arts

Before we sign off, think of professional editing and proofreading like the culinary arts. Just as a master chef adds the perfect pinch of salt to transform a good dish into a culinary masterpiece, an editor sprinkles in commas, periods, and well-placed adjectives and tosses and turns your writeup wherever needed to turn solid prose into a feast for the mind. It’s the secret sauce that gives your writing that extra zing—making readers come back for seconds… and thirds! 🍲✨

In summary, dear wordsmiths, embrace the magic of editing and proofreading. Let your words waltz, tango, or breakdance—whatever suits their style. And remember, even Hemingway needed an editor (probably). So, go forth, conquer typos, and may your prose be as smooth as a jazz sax solo. 🎷📜