The Importance of Consulting an Editor Before Submitting a Manuscript to a Literary Agent
Improving Your Chances with Literary Agents: The Importance of Working with an Editor
For aspiring authors looking to break into the publishing industry, securing the representation of a literary agent can be a significant step. However, the process of pitching a manuscript to agents can be daunting, with many manuscripts often receiving only one chance. But what if there was a way to increase your chances of success? Working with an editor before pitching a manuscript to literary agents offers several key benefits.
Refining Your Manuscript
Developmental editing helps identify and fix major story issues, such as gaps in plot, tone inconsistencies, weak character development, and overall structural problems. This ensures the manuscript has a strong foundation that appeals to readers and agents. Line editing refines the writing at the sentence and paragraph level, improving pacing, consistency, clarity, and style, making the manuscript easier to read and more engaging.
Professional, Objective Feedback
An editor provides an outsider’s honest perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the work, guiding the author on how to improve their story and craft before submission. This objective feedback is invaluable in helping authors create the best possible manuscript.
Preparing for Competitive Submission
Agents typically receive many manuscripts, so a polished, well-edited manuscript is more likely to stand out and make a positive impression, showing professionalism and respect for the industry. Addressing developmental and line-edit issues early reduces costly rewrites after submission or rejection and equips authors with clearer, more confident storytelling.
Increasing Confidence and Saving Time and Money
Authors often gain clarity and assurance in their writing, knowing the manuscript has been thoroughly vetted and improved by an expert. This can save time and money in the long run by reducing the need for extensive revisions after submission.
While professional editing is not a guarantee of publication or agent interest, it significantly improves the chances by ensuring the manuscript is as solid and polished as possible before submission. Different types of editing—developmental for big-picture story issues, line editing for style and clarity, and copy editing for grammar and fact-checking—serve complementary purposes and should be sought based on the manuscript’s current needs.
The Role of Katie McCoach
Katie McCoach, a member of Romance Writers of America and the Editorial Freelancers Association, is a professional editor who can help authors refine their manuscripts. Katie has had essays published in TrainWrite and Kalliope and is currently writing a contemporary romance novel. Her blog provides advice on editing, writing, and publishing, and she can be followed on Twitter.
The First Impression Matters
The first 50 pages of a manuscript should be strong enough to grab an agent's attention and keep them interested. Beta readers can provide feedback on a manuscript before it is sent to an agent, and an editor can help ensure that the first 50 pages are strong and well-written.
The Power of a Strong Query Letter and Synopsis
A strong query letter and synopsis are essential for a successful pitch to an agent. An editor can provide feedback on these crucial documents to ensure they are strong and professional.
Taking the Risk
Spending time working on revisions with a writer makes the risk for agents steeper. Agents may take a risk in working with a new writer and hope to get a publisher interested. Working with an editor before pitching an agent can improve the chances of representation.
In conclusion, working with an editor can help refine your manuscript into a compelling, well-crafted work that meets industry standards and stands a better chance of attracting literary agents. By improving the quality and polish of your manuscript, providing professional, objective feedback, and preparing your manuscript for competitive submission, an editor can significantly increase your chances of success in the publishing industry.
Beta readers could provide valuable feedback on the manuscript before submitting it to literary agents, ensuring the first 50 pages are strong and well-written. Additionally, professional editing can increase the chances of attraction from literary agents by improving the quality and polish of books in education-and-self-development, career-development, and entertainment genres.
