I’ve seen the question posed (in various forms) on social media sites that writers frequent. “I just finished writing my story. Can I send it ‘as is’ to my editor?” Or it might be something like, “How much editing do I need to do before I send my story to beta readers?” A writer may consider the story done when the last sentence is typed, but let’s explore some practical, cost-saving steps that are worth taking before handing off a … Read More »

There is so much satisfaction in typing the words “The End.” And yet, “The End” is actually a beginning. Great works of literature don’t happen by magic. They are created by revision. Revision is a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be a chaotic process. Mastering a method to the madness of revision will help you streamline your process and get great results. Step One: Let it Rest The first thing you should do is nothing at all. … Read More »

Whether you’re an indie author or shopping your work to agents, there’s no better investment you can make in your manuscript than to spring for professional editing. I don’t mean a do-it-yourself program that hunts out verb and subject agreement. I mean real, live editors—people who have spent their careers reading books, especially in your genre, and who know the English language cold, including all the slippery areas that change from generation to generation. Who can bring a fresh and … Read More »

Have you heard the one about the editor who walks into a room full of writers? Editor says, “Does anybody need an editor?” Nobody answers. Haha. But That Would Never Happen, Would It? That actually happened to me when I was an editor in a newsroom and our computer network went down. Folks could write and print, but not share. So, I walked around the room asking that question. And getting that response. But here’s the truth, and don’t stop … Read More »

An editor new to the business wondered in an online forum what other editors do when their editorial comments and revision suggestions are rejected by the author. The query provoked a discussion, and it occurred to me that it might be interesting for writers to be privy to something editors talk about when you’re not around. The In-House Editor & House Style Whether or not the writer incorporates suggested revisions seemed to be a big concern for the in-house editors … Read More »

Sending an editor really clean copy is a big plus. In the old days, clean copy meant it didn’t have any smudges or coffee splashes or penciled corrections. Now it means your manuscript has words spelled correctly, capital letters and punctuation used properly, paragraphing is appropriate, and apostrophes are in the right places. One editor I sent articles to regularly said my copy was the cleanest of any he received. If my memory is not too fuzzy, he changed a … Read More »