I keep reading it is absolutely essential to have your book edited by a professional before self-publishing it. It is also expensive which I can understand as it is a time-consuming exercise.
My question is why? What do they do that a writer competent in grammar ( there are decent programmes that can help) and beta readers cannot do? Plus it is not too hard to read your book aloud to yourself in order to spot hiccups, even if you need to do it repeatedly.
I have also seen a couple of samples here that have been professionally edited which beggar belief and suggest court action might be in order and I am no editor.
I am at a point now where I must decide on whether to employ outside help or go with the help I've been given for free (mostly here, so big big thank yous) + trust myself to produce a readable book.
Would appreciate any feedback from those with experience of such matters.
My question is why? What do they do that a writer competent in grammar ( there are decent programmes that can help) and beta readers cannot do? Plus it is not too hard to read your book aloud to yourself in order to spot hiccups, even if you need to do it repeatedly.
I have also seen a couple of samples here that have been professionally edited which beggar belief and suggest court action might be in order and I am no editor.
I am at a point now where I must decide on whether to employ outside help or go with the help I've been given for free (mostly here, so big big thank yous) + trust myself to produce a readable book.
Would appreciate any feedback from those with experience of such matters.