Editing On A Shoe String Budget

So you want to be a published author? Ever since childhood, you've penned creative stories. Your vivid imagination flows like a fresh waterfall quenching the thirst of many readers. Skillfully, you honed your craft by captivating an audience. Your book is a page turner. A masterpiece.

After putting endless time, energy, and every ounce of yourself into finishing your beloved book, you hit a brick wall. Financial resources are limited. Hiring a professional editor is a luxury, not an option. How do you make your dream turn into a reality? How do you obtain editing services on a shoe string budget?

Most people don't have tens of thousands of dollars to pay an editing expert, let alone publish and market their book. They're seeking the best and cheapest way to do all three. If you're a perfectionist, like me, you aim for little to no punctuation errors.

As an avid reader, I've been surprised at the number of mistakes I unexpectedly find in books by bestseller authors. Extremely humbling for a first time author. It forces me to not be so hard on myself. To remind myself to do the very best, yet be realistic.

If professional editing is meant to increase the quality and salability of your book, how come the price tag is so steep? According to The Digital Reader, a developmental edit may cost between $400 to $4,000. The purpose of the developmental edit is tell the author if the story makes sense, if it has any plot holes, or has other problems with the story.

Step two is copy editing, which will cost between $35 to $100 per hour. The copy edit purpose is to fix the spelling, grammar, punctuation, and other errors. Although it's great to have your family, friends, or critique group help edit your work, it's not comparable to an expert with years of experience. To read the full article, go to this link:

http://www.the-digital-reader.com/2012/11/28/heres-why-author-solutions-and-archway-are-scams/#.URE6mZaLV8E

The bottom line, expert editing is necessary, yet extremely expensive. Is there such thing as editing on a shoe string budget?

After researching and connecting to many professionals who offer this service, I honestly have to share the truth. The bad news is top quality editing appears unreachable for those who are financially struggling. The good news is nothing is too expensive or difficult for God.

The bible declares in Luke 1:37 (NIV), "For nothing is impossible with God."

Despite lack of income and unemployment, I believe my predicament will not stop God from connecting me to the perfect editor. The Lord who called me to write, Harvest of Hope: Living Victoriously Through Adversity, will open new doors to help me move forward. He will complete His work in me.

After all, my true life story is about overcoming painful trials. Ultimately, I'm standing firm in this belief: I'm victorious through Christ, my Redeemer, my Rock, my Unstoppable Savior.

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