Sticker Shock

Between migraines and the need for a magnifying glass, I decided it was time to get my eyes checked. Reading hasn't happened without my specs for quite awhile, but this was ridiculous. Armed with vision insurance, I made an appointment with a new provider.

After the exam, an assistant ushered me into a room with the familiar wall of frames. Once we narrowed down the choices to a particular single-vision lens, she helped me select a snazzy number (purple - be still my heart). The price made me gulp. "I'm not paying that much for frames." She did some calculations and whittled it down to a manageable level. My urge to run subsided, but I should have left.

As an author, I could use some professional editing. One editor charges five cents per word. On the surface that doesn't sound like much, but when you have a 93,000+ word manuscript, it's eyes-glazed-over-shock. I'm still trying to regain my equilibrium.

I reminded myself that prices have gone up, whipped out the plastic, and paid for my eyeglasses. The salesperson pointed out that if I didn't have insurance, the price would have been triple my cost. Since I needed another pair and my insurance wouldn't cover them, the math almost made me faint. I took my prescription and went elsewhere.

The editing? I'm still shopping around, but books on self-editing and my critique partners are gaining more appreciation by the minute. Maybe I can find someone who will work on a couple of chapters and give me some pointers regarding pacing, characterization, and all that good stuff.

I think I'll go have some chocolate.

Writers:  Have you used the services of a professional editor? Please share your experience.

Readers:  When was the last time you had "sticker shock?" Please share.

Photo Credit:  Thiago Felipe Festa