Welcome to part five of our September series Inside the Editor’s Den. In the first two weeks, we talked to our BRP editors about their reasons for becoming editors, their training and expertise, their favorite genres to edit, and their editorial style(s). This series provides a wealth of information for writers who are looking for an editor for their literary baby.
Today's question asked to our editors is...
Maryann Miller - My editing services include content and copy-editing novels and nonfiction books, as well as screenplay evaluation and editing. On special request, I have helped clients with query letters and articles.
Elle Carter Neal - I usually work closely with clients chapter by chapter, providing a thorough copyedit along with developmental advice. Sometimes that results in the author rethinking elements down the line and we work with whatever changes might be needed. Occasionally I have ghostwritten small pieces, or provided detailed examples of how a scene might be constructed.
Where there are budgetary constraints, I can instead offer a light edit of the manuscript. This involves only correcting mistakes, rather than seeking to improve the text, but does include a developmental critique of the plot and characterisation.
Linda Lane - Developmental editing, content editing, copy editing, and proofreading.
Shonell Bacon - I offer proofreading, copy editing, and content editing services as well as coaching.
So, you have finished writing your book -- great! After you've written the book, it's a great idea to put it aside for a bit, then come back to it for some rewrites and edits. There are great articles here on BRP on aspects of writing, such as dialogue, character (and character development), scene development, point of view (and POV), and setting to help you in doing some self-editing before you go looking for an editor.
Now, when you do go in search for an editor, you should know what you need from the editor. Are you looking for a developmental editor, a copy editor, a content editor, a proofreader? If you haven't written a book yet, but you want to, then you might be looking for a writing mentor or coach first. Not all editors do all types of editing, so knowing what you need will help you find an editor that fits those needs.
Today's question asked to our editors is...
What services do you offer to your clients?
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| Maryann Miller Website | FB | Tw |
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| Elle Carter Neal Website | FB | Tw |
Where there are budgetary constraints, I can instead offer a light edit of the manuscript. This involves only correcting mistakes, rather than seeking to improve the text, but does include a developmental critique of the plot and characterisation.
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| Linda Lane Website | Denver Editor | FB |
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| Shonell Bacon Website | FB | Tw |
A Writer’s Takeaway
So, you have finished writing your book -- great! After you've written the book, it's a great idea to put it aside for a bit, then come back to it for some rewrites and edits. There are great articles here on BRP on aspects of writing, such as dialogue, character (and character development), scene development, point of view (and POV), and setting to help you in doing some self-editing before you go looking for an editor.
Now, when you do go in search for an editor, you should know what you need from the editor. Are you looking for a developmental editor, a copy editor, a content editor, a proofreader? If you haven't written a book yet, but you want to, then you might be looking for a writing mentor or coach first. Not all editors do all types of editing, so knowing what you need will help you find an editor that fits those needs.
Shon has included so much information in this series, and today's article is no exception. It has been said that we never get a second chance to make a first impression. This is as true in writing as it is in other applications. Publishing a book that does not meet accepted industry standards (aka, has not been professionally edited) won't serve a writer well. Go online and review the different types of editors. Choose one or more that fit your genre and your needs. Contact them. Ask questions. Pay attention to what they say and how well they listen to you. Ask for references. Request a sample edit of a few pages from your book. Listen to your gut. The relationship between writer and editor needs to work like a well-oiled machine. They must be on the same page (pun intended) if the final product--your book--is to be the best it can be.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice, Linda! Especially about requesting a sample edit!
DeleteThis is such a good series, BRPs! :D I know folks who have self-published without using a good editor, and it's a shame to work so hard on a story and then let it out into the world looking sloppy and amateurish.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, in the world of self-publishing, writers see editing as something the self should do--unfortunately.
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