I've proofread my manuscript and
I think it looks really good. Why do I need an editor?
If you’re like most writers and authors, your manuscript (or
article, or web pages, or poetry, etc.) is the product of many
dedicated hours of hard work and concentration while you allowed
your creative juices to flow. The story inside you just had to
come out, and you were eager to lay pen to paper (or fingers
to keyboard) lest it disappear forever. Chances are that some
words or sentences flew directly from your heart (or head) onto
the page, seemingly without any effort on your part. Details
like grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, clarity,
flow, or even continuity, were not a priority for you. Your focus
was on telling your special story—and rightly so. That’s the
gift that you, the author or writer, share with the world!
Unfortunately (or fortunately, for professional editors!) it
is difficult, if not impossible, for authors and writers to objectively
critique their own writing. They are far too attached to their
work. Their ‘literary baby’ is so much a part of them that they
are blind to all but glaring errors, especially after the 8th
or 9th time they’ve read it; their eyes see only what they want
to see. They may begin to second guess themselves or question
aspects of the characters or storyline. It is difficult for them
to see ‘the big picture.’
A skilled editor, on the other hand, is able to analyze the
writing from a totally objective, unbiased, non-judgmental viewpoint.
A professional editor has the ability to detect flaws and errors
that would otherwise be overlooked by the untrained eye, and
knows what is required to improve and enhance the work so that
it is polished, smooth and flowing.
Despite knowing this, some authors and writers may be reluctant
to relinquish their manuscripts to an editor because:
- they worry that their style or voice might be lost in the
process;
- they are concerned about confidentiality;
- they believe the editor will not like what they’ve written.
The editors at Sea Breeze Productions are dedicated to maintaining
your unique style.
You may rest assured that any changes or enhancements we make
will be in keeping with your individual style and voice. Our
goal is to bring out the best in your writing! While other editors
may simply make changes to improve the clarity and flow of your
manuscript or composition, we go one step further: We also enhance
your style, tone, and voice! Not only will the finished product
be polished and flowing, but your unique personality will shine
clearly through your words—even more brightly than before!
You may also rest assured that while your manuscript is in our
capable hands, strict confidentiality will always be maintained.
The editors at Sea Breeze Productions regard all literary work—regardless
of size, condition, or presentation—as unique works of art. We
promise to give your novel, short story, article, or poetry the
care and individual attention it deserves.
Behind every good book is a great editor.
— Ellen Beck, Sea Breeze Productions
