by Written a book? Congrats! Now, you need someone to edit it to peak perfection. So, you type “book editing services near me” into your search engine, hoping to find someone nearby to give your script a polished look.
However, don’t jump to hire them right away. You never really know who’s sincere and who’s a scam. Moreover, a scam artist can steal your book, hurting your dream. So, who do you trust?
We’re here to help you steer these shady waters with some practical, informative, and, yes, slightly humorous tips. So, let’s delve into the ten tips to avoid scammers!
1. The Over-Promiser
Firstly, one of the biggest first red flags is the too-good-to-be-true promise. You know, the ones who overdo everything they say, like, “We’ll make your book a bestseller overnight!” Does that sound realistic? We don’t think so.
Editing is about making your book shine, not promising it’ll become a bestseller overnight. So, whenever an editor tries to sugarcoat things, RUN! Because that’s a scammer right there. Remember, real editors focus on quality, not magic tricks.
2. The Phantom Editor
Imagine you found this editing service with a website that looks like it stepped out of a magazine. That sounds fancy! However, you can’t find a phone number to call or an address to visit—just a lonely email from staring back at you. That’s a red flag!
Sincere services that actually do good work should have a real address and a real person you can chat with.
3. The Unbelievably Low Price
A low price is tempting, and who doesn’t love a good bargain? But hold your horses. You might end up with an edit that’s not quite there, or worse, get your book stolen. That, too, after they take your money. So, just pay a little more and look for an editor who invests the time to get your work shining.
4. Lack of Credentials
Before you actually send your script to an editor, dig a little deep into their services. Do they provide credible credentials? One way to check is by asking about their experience. Ideally, they’ll have a degree in English or something close to it. Like experience in the publishing world and maybe even being in an editor’s club.
If their response regarding their qualifications is unclear, that might be a cause for concern. In the end, you deserve an editor with a proven track record, not someone who might be learning on the job.
5. No Portfolio or Samples
Imagine buying a car without taking a spin around the block. You would be so lost with how it runs. It’s comfort and the whole experience. Picking an editor without a background check is the same. Looking through “book editing services near me” is not a bad move. However, steer clear of editors with zero projects.
A good editor should have a portfolio, like a showcase of past projects. Moreover, it’s all about finding the perfect fit. This way, you can see if their editing style suits your needs. So, if an editor hesitates to show their work, it might be best to keep searching.
6. Unclear Service Descriptions
Reputable editing services clearly outline what they include. They’ll straightforwardly explain everything, whether it’s developmental editing, copy editing, or proofreading.
So when you search for book editing services near me and an editor pops up with near-to-none service descriptions, check out! If an editor uses jargon to make things complicated, that’s a warning sign.
7. Pushy Sales Tactics
Picking an editor is a big decision, precisely! So, you need someone who can calmly walk you through each and every process to make things easier to understand. That is the ideal editing service. But suddenly, you find someone who’s rushing you.
Please don’t click on them. Believe it or not, they’re only rushing to touch those bucks! Remember, you need to feel comfy and confident before moving forward.
8. Absence of a Contract
Getting a contract for editing services is crucial. Why? Because, this contract spells out everything clearly: what needs editing? When is it due? How much does it cost? And what happens if someone needs to bail? Basically, the key is never to proceed without a contract.
So, if an editor ditches the contract altogether or tries to shove it down your throat without explaining the details, ditch him!
9. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Customer reviews and testimonies are a goldmine for evaluating the provider’s abilities. So, before you dive in, check what other people are saying. Look on Google, social media, and even the company’s own site.
But how do you check if they are legit or scams? Here’s the thing: scam sites are all pretty, engaging, and rainbows. However, they have no reviews, past projects, or customers. But remember, a million reviews can be sketchy as well. So, just check their credibility by checking the client’s accounts. That’ll summarize everything for you!
10. Trust Your Guts
Every other step comes later; your own instinct comes first. You’re basically trusting someone with your lifetime dream, your great idea. Try to talk with the editor and gauge their talks and style; that can help greatly. And even after doing so, you feel like something is off, then there’s something fishy. Gather your script and dash off!
The Bottom Line
Resting on your couch and googling “book editing services near me” is a smart approach. However, be sure not to get stuck with a scammer. Don’t rush into deciding your editor. Sure, it might take some sweet time, but it’s a step that is gonna decide if your dream’s going to become a hit or get lost in the chaos of the world.
Remember, a good editor is basically your writing partner in crime. They’ll help you polish your masterpiece and make it shine. After all, your future fans will be cheering you on for getting this right!
