Editing is something you can't do as an author because you're somewhat "reading blind." The story follows a logical order and you're convinced it's complete. You can't imagine there's anything wrong with it.
Believe me, that's an illusion. Without editing, it's truly, never, ever flawless. An example. I wrote this year's thriller, provisionally titled “Russian Roulette." The publisher, Celtica Publishing, is also handling the editing. After the first round, she gave me her suggestions for corrections. After I addressed the comments and adjusted the writing style and the story, it went back to her. I received her second edit of the story a few days ago.
Example: The story contains the following text:
"Chief Inspector, the officer has filed a crime report. Have you read it?" he asks.
Note from my editor: In this case, a report will be filed. This isn't a report, but a special police form.
The word "a report" as I wrote is incorrect. Now, you might think, "What reader would object to that?" But you'd be mistaken. There are indeed readers who react to incorrect terminology. This is just one example of how my editor works. She reads the story very carefully and critically. As a writer, it can be frustrating that you feel the editor is "nitpicking," but accept it and do everything you can to make your story better and stronger. If you're not willing to do that, skip the editing. It will save you time and money. However, realize that you're writing "for family and friends" and you won't find a traditional publisher willing to turn your story into a book. Because a story isn't quite a book yet.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with writing for family and friends. What I described above applies to me and other writers who work with a so-called "traditional publisher." It's a different story if you choose "print on demand" (POD). Then you have complete control and can choose from various options. Extensive, in-depth editing by a professional, as it's called, is something you have to pay for. If you don't want to pay for it, there's nothing wrong with that. You write a story and publish it as a POD. A few weeks later, you have a book in your hands that you can proudly share with everyone who wants to read it. And that's what it's all about: writing a story and finding a publisher who wants to turn it into a book. With POD, it's easy, really inexpensive, and it will give you a great deal of satisfaction.
Working with a traditional publisher is a step further. Then, as a writer, you follow a completely different path.
More on how to turn your story into a book next time. I'll explain POD publishing and working with a traditional publisher in more detail.
Rolf