Great insight! As a published writer, and a working journalist, I'm usually pretty comfortable with editing. But -- I have one major rule with my fiction work: if it's anything beyond simple copy and format issues, I send a quick "thank you" to my editor and wait several hours to a day for the edits to settle. That way I get over the initial twinge of angst over my lovely words, and don't say something I'll regret!
I've been submitting short stories and CNF to lit mags since last summer. While it's great that I've had 4 pieces published, there's also about ten stories that have been rejected A LOT. (close to 20, for each one)
I finally hired an editor to go over those stories. She's doing a full line/copy/developmental edit on them all, and I should hear back from her soon.
If even one of those stories can get published with the feedback she gives me, it will be worth the price I paid.
I have an editor through the publisher I’ve got a contract with. Before then I’d never had an editor and after sending them a draft of my book I was terrified. But fortunately when their comments came through I was able to recognise that they are there to help my book deliver what I want it to 😊
This was very interesting to read! Indeed, it can be challenging to edit oneself. I usually publish and make a final edit the following day if needed. I figure, after feeling a little judged I can make an adjustment where needed.
Ideally, an editor helps YOU make your vision into something more commercially palatable. I never inflict my own vision onto anyone’s work. I try to call inside and give ideas and suggestions so the author can do it on their own.
First, if you’re going to hire someone independently, make sure you find someone you click with. Just like every author has their own personality, so does every editor. You can look at the books they’ve edited and the testimonials the editor received and come up with an idea of how you will work together. I wouldn’t let fear of their personality derail you because you can find the right one for you. Second, you do not need to hire someone to be published. But you do need to have your book reviewed or edited in some way by tough readers. It will do you no favors if you submit without having ever had anyone read or critique your work. Try to make writer friends at the very least. I’ll go into more detail on how to find the right kind of editor for you and how to find readers when you’re broke in a future post!
Great post! Over the ten years of writing my first novel, it was edited by three professionals, and every single time, the story became stronger. And, on top of that, I became a much better writer, as I learned from their notes. But to be clear, upon receiving their feedback, it took at least a week for my brain to readjust to the fact my book was not as ready as I’d hoped it would be. My main takeaway is this: It’s practically impossible to see the flaws in your own work. Even Steven King, who could publish anything he wants these days, still relies on his editors. Magic happens in revisions, and trusted editors help create that magic! Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks for sharing this! I definitely agree - my writing has only improved with edits. You can be so deep into your work that you don't see where there are flaws. It's nice to get someone else's perspective to make things more clear.
Oh what an insight... I have never "been edited", so I'm sure I can't say I know what it feels like. I haven't spent enough time writing to deserve such activities, but I just assumed the editing is where 'someone' makes my vision into something more (as you said) commercially palatable. I suspect I'd feel a little differently if the piece became 'my baby', but which is it? Writing for others? Or Writing for oneself?
I never imagined you being nervous sending an edit letter, but it makes sense. What great (and candid) insight. Now me, on the other hand...I have been consistently near-apoplectic every time I've hit 'SEND' when emailing you one of my manuscripts! That said, your edits are ALWAYS spot on. And when I finish working through your suggestions, I feel like I've taken a Master Class in novel writing! Thank you, thank you!!
I've always been too frugal. I figured if I pay someone to say, essentially, you could always self-publish, well I knew that. It's a gamble, hoping someone would say, you've got something here that with work, will probably land a good agent. I say good because I had a hack in L A once for a screenplay.
I hadn’t thought of this from the editor’s perspective, and it makes sense you would be as nervous as the author! Recently I reached out to you for advice on editing my Fantasy MS, and you suggested Reedsy. It was the first time I used that website and I found an editor who provided great advice and was a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Reedsy, thank you!
Great insight! As a published writer, and a working journalist, I'm usually pretty comfortable with editing. But -- I have one major rule with my fiction work: if it's anything beyond simple copy and format issues, I send a quick "thank you" to my editor and wait several hours to a day for the edits to settle. That way I get over the initial twinge of angst over my lovely words, and don't say something I'll regret!
Perfect rule! I love waiting for it to settle...and then you can take another look with a clear head!
I've been submitting short stories and CNF to lit mags since last summer. While it's great that I've had 4 pieces published, there's also about ten stories that have been rejected A LOT. (close to 20, for each one)
I finally hired an editor to go over those stories. She's doing a full line/copy/developmental edit on them all, and I should hear back from her soon.
If even one of those stories can get published with the feedback she gives me, it will be worth the price I paid.
I hope that editor helps and also helps you in general see your writing in a new way! Keep us posted!
It's like detonating a bomb.
My rule: don't comment on a problem until you can suggest a solution.
I have an editor through the publisher I’ve got a contract with. Before then I’d never had an editor and after sending them a draft of my book I was terrified. But fortunately when their comments came through I was able to recognise that they are there to help my book deliver what I want it to 😊
Exactly! A good editor’s goal is to help you deliver the book that you want to write. And ideally readers will never know they were even there!
This was very interesting to read! Indeed, it can be challenging to edit oneself. I usually publish and make a final edit the following day if needed. I figure, after feeling a little judged I can make an adjustment where needed.
I’m so glad you found a method that works for you.
Very interesting, thank you.
Love to hear this viewpoint! It's helpful to see editing from the viewpoint of the editor. Thanks!
So happy to share!
This is so interesting! Thank you for all these details. As an aspiring author, it's all so intimidating. This puts me more at ease somehow!
It hope it helps you to know that we’re as nervous as you are! Nothing about editing is easy, on either side!
Ideally, an editor helps YOU make your vision into something more commercially palatable. I never inflict my own vision onto anyone’s work. I try to call inside and give ideas and suggestions so the author can do it on their own.
First, if you’re going to hire someone independently, make sure you find someone you click with. Just like every author has their own personality, so does every editor. You can look at the books they’ve edited and the testimonials the editor received and come up with an idea of how you will work together. I wouldn’t let fear of their personality derail you because you can find the right one for you. Second, you do not need to hire someone to be published. But you do need to have your book reviewed or edited in some way by tough readers. It will do you no favors if you submit without having ever had anyone read or critique your work. Try to make writer friends at the very least. I’ll go into more detail on how to find the right kind of editor for you and how to find readers when you’re broke in a future post!
Same rule here! I always offer a lot of ideas. It isn’t my book and there isn’t one right solution. But I’m giving them food for thought.
Great post! Over the ten years of writing my first novel, it was edited by three professionals, and every single time, the story became stronger. And, on top of that, I became a much better writer, as I learned from their notes. But to be clear, upon receiving their feedback, it took at least a week for my brain to readjust to the fact my book was not as ready as I’d hoped it would be. My main takeaway is this: It’s practically impossible to see the flaws in your own work. Even Steven King, who could publish anything he wants these days, still relies on his editors. Magic happens in revisions, and trusted editors help create that magic! Thanks for the reminder!
All so true! And on the flip side, there are a lot of great authors that don’t accept edits anymore… And you can see their books have gone downhill.
Thanks for sharing this! I definitely agree - my writing has only improved with edits. You can be so deep into your work that you don't see where there are flaws. It's nice to get someone else's perspective to make things more clear.
Oh what an insight... I have never "been edited", so I'm sure I can't say I know what it feels like. I haven't spent enough time writing to deserve such activities, but I just assumed the editing is where 'someone' makes my vision into something more (as you said) commercially palatable. I suspect I'd feel a little differently if the piece became 'my baby', but which is it? Writing for others? Or Writing for oneself?
I never imagined you being nervous sending an edit letter, but it makes sense. What great (and candid) insight. Now me, on the other hand...I have been consistently near-apoplectic every time I've hit 'SEND' when emailing you one of my manuscripts! That said, your edits are ALWAYS spot on. And when I finish working through your suggestions, I feel like I've taken a Master Class in novel writing! Thank you, thank you!!
Thank you so much for trusting me with your wonderful books! I am so lucky I get to be a part of the magic!
I've always been too frugal. I figured if I pay someone to say, essentially, you could always self-publish, well I knew that. It's a gamble, hoping someone would say, you've got something here that with work, will probably land a good agent. I say good because I had a hack in L A once for a screenplay.
I’m not commenting on how they can publish. I’m helping them be able to publish! Most people need an editor to publish either way.
Good point. But I would expect an honest evaluation of whether it would be marketable by a traditional publisher.
I hadn’t thought of this from the editor’s perspective, and it makes sense you would be as nervous as the author! Recently I reached out to you for advice on editing my Fantasy MS, and you suggested Reedsy. It was the first time I used that website and I found an editor who provided great advice and was a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Reedsy, thank you!
I am so glad it worked out! Thank you for the update.