Yes, you do, even if you’re a grammar nerd, and even if your beta readers loved it. Even if you’ve read it ten times and spotted every typo, trust me, you haven’t. I speak from experience. You should still hire an editor. Here’s why professional editing is the secret spell that takes your novel from “pretty good” to “can’t put it down”.

You’re too close to your story.

When you’ve spent months (or years) in your book’s world, your brain fills in blanks your readers will trip over. That missing word. That repetitive phrase. The scene that makes perfect sense in your head but not on paper. A fresh pair of eyes will catch what you can’t see.

Self-publishing is a business, and you want repeat customers.

Your book is a product. Your readers are your clients. If the story is compelling but the typos fly faster than your space fighters, readers will notice. They’ll remember your grammatical faux pas when deciding whether or not to buy your next book. I’m pretty sure this is why my second book didn’t sell very well. Whoops! Editing is a form of quality control, and yes, readers do leave reviews about grammar.

Editors don’t just fix grammar; they enhance your voice.

Think of an editor as a sound engineer at a concert. They’re not changing your song; they’re making sure every note hits right. A good editor will enhance the pacing and clarity of your prose, ensuring consistency and rhythm. And all of this is done without stripping away your unique voice.

So, do you really need an editor before you self-publish?

If your goal is to grow your readership, you need an editor. An editor is necessary to build a reputation and help you publish books that readers can’t stop talking about.

Luckily, you don’t need to cast spells to find the right editor. I specialize in helping indie authors polish their speculative fiction without compromising their unique voice.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s make some magic!

Later Storytellers,
Summer, the Syntax Sorceress