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Introduction to editing:
What is editing, why they need it.

A professional editor is a silent partner, whose only role is to help you create the best work you can.

I don’t want to change your style or voice. They’re what make your writing stand out from others’. But I do want to

Types of editing — take some education from How I Work page and put it here.

Types of Editing

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Developmental Editing

A developmental edit can be an intense process, but it’s also a great solution for a very real problem: a manuscript that’s confusing, includes info that’s just plain wrong or isn’t finished. It could involve rewriting, rearranging of sections or additional research.

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Line Editing

Line editing reshapes sentences and paragraphs so they flow, make sense, and stay true to your style. Clichés get the ax, as do places where usage is iffy and tense is inconsistent.

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Copyediting

When people hear the term “editing,” they usually think of copyediting: correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and checking for consistency. It’s the last step before taking the plunge and submitting your work to an agent or formatting it for self-publication.

Ways We Can Work Together

Project-based Editing

Some projects need a relatively light touch, while others need a heavy dose of TLC. I’ll look at your manuscript, evaluate the level of work needed to reach your goal. For example, I base your investment for a full copyedit based on word count and how intensive the editing process will be.

Packages

After talking about your project and goals, I put together a package based on your needs. All this really means is that we agree on what kind of editing will make your work shine, how much time we’ll devote to working together, and cost. Let’s say you’d like to add weekly hour-long consults to a developmental edit, for four months. We’d set up a schedule to plan, brainstorm, whatever you need. You’ll know exactly what the cost is from the beginning, and the only way it will change is if your needs change.

Manuscript Evaluations

For some writers an evaluation is the perfect way to get perspective and help make their way clearer. I do a very close read of your project and you walk away with a “letter,” laying out both its strengths and the areas that need more attention. I include an hour of consultation for any questions you might have once you go over the evaluation. (It’s always possible to set up more consultation time if you need it.)

Consultations

Sometimes writers want someone to bounce ideas off of or just ask questions. More general support as opposed to a full edit. I do that. For full-edit clients things can come up besides the usual “back-and-forth” that’s part of the process. I do that too.

Add in FAQ — Change questions up though.

// The important of editing

// What is a creative edit is

This is where the relationship part comes in: you tell me what your needs and concerns are, and I listen.

// The process

A developmental edit, where I evaluate structure and maybe even issues with point of view or content? A line edit where I make suggestions about style, flow, and consistency? A copyedit focusing on grammar, spelling and punctuation? A manuscript critique?

After we’re clear on what will get you where you need to be, you send me an excerpt from your document—and I edit. This is just a sample, of course, but with it, we both see firsthand how I can support you in the process of making your book a published reality. (This step also helps me determine how long it will take me to complete the edit.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit my work myself?

You sure can! Well, at least you can revise it, which is a critical step before handing it off to an editor.

But revision should only take the place of editing if you’re completely sure you can get enough distance from your writing to discover plot holes, inconsistencies in characterization, interruptions in flow, and all of the other obstacles to a truly finished work. This is surprisingly difficult—so difficult that professional editors get their own writing edited.

Can a friend give my work a read and tell me if it’s good or not?

Your family, S.O., and friends can tell you if they like your writing—but no matter how crazy they are about you, they probably don’t have the time and skill needed to examine your work and give you more than an opinion, no matter how honest. Beta readers and fellow writing workshoppers are usually a better bet for helpful suggestions, but there’s no substitute for a professional editor, whose role isn’t just to give you support, but to also give you solutions.

Will agents and publishing house editors really care what my manuscript looks like when it lands on their desks?

They will. A carefully crafted manuscript doesn’t guarantee publication, and stay away from anyone who tells you it will. But it’ll be much more likely to grab the eye of insanely busy publishing professionals. It will stand out. It will indicate less work might be needed to get the book in shape for publishing. And, even though you know you take what you do seriously—a thorough editing job lets others know too.

I’m self-publishing. Why shouldn’t I use the editing services some e-publishing companies offer?

Good question. The answer? Companies like CreateSpace provide just that: services. Services are great, of course. One of their editors will check your manuscript and correct typos and run-on sentences. At a higher tier, they’ll evaluate structure and tell you all about it in what’s called an editorial letter. That’s good practice. What they won’t have time to do is learn about and respect the subtleties of your style, to guide you if you request it or affirm you when you need it. That takes a relationship.

What file-format should I submit?

Microsoft Word, please! I can also convert Google Docs to Word.

Is working with an editor really worth it?

Yes. Yes, it is.

SITES FOR WRITERS

Agent Query

A free, searchable database of literary agents and networking site for writers. Learn how to write a great query letter!

Chicago Manual of Style

Style guide for American English published by University of Chicago Press. It’s used widely for academic publications, as well as some trade publications. In the absence of a style guide from a publisher, I use it for fiction editing. Amazingly, a one-year subscription is only $35.

Nathan Bransford’s Writing Advice Database

Helpful articles about the craft from writer Nathan Bransford.

PEN Center USA, PEN International

Non-profit organization that supports literary engagement and advocates for freedom of speech.

Preditors and Editors

Essentially, a guide to help creative professionals avoid scam artists.

Query Shark

A site that presents examples of queries that work and those that most definitely do not. All dissected and analyzed for your edification.

Query Tracker

A searchable database that helps authors find reputable literary agents and query tracking system.

Ray Bradbury On How to Write and Why Literature Saves Civilization

The masterful author shares his thoughts on the art and purpose of writing.

Writers and Editors

A networking and information site for you guessed it…writers and editors. Pages and pages of links to articles and books advising on everything from researching agents to writers conferences.

Writer Beware

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America’s guide for steering clear of unscrupulous agents, vanity publishers, and fake contests.

0s-1s.com (Zeros and Ones)

An “independent, pro-author” Digital Rights Management e-book seller complete with multiple conversation series that are well worth a look.

ASK AWAY.

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“Every word a woman writes changes the story of the world, revises the official version.”
― Carolyn See