Whenever I work with new authors, they’re eager and excited. And almost always they want to focus on how they did—whether the structure they used works and how well it “flows.” But what I find almost 100% of the time is that first, they need help hearing what they said. And without exception, it’s surprising to them to realize what
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The trick is not easy. But it’s easily understood. How do you know what to reveal when? Writers who know that, and can do it consistently, are unstoppable. And one of the earliest ways we do this is simply getting into the scene. Feel the emotions and desires of your characters and the weight of the situation. And watch when certain connections
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How do you find the right editor and what’s a fair cost? Editors have different systems of working and what they charge. Cost varies depending on their experience, the type of work needed and other factors. As an editor, the most difficult part for me is striking a balance between giving writers what they want and determining what they actually need. The Editorial
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One of the big problems I didn’t realize about becoming an editor is that now I have a particularly pernicious inner editor to overcome. Thankfully, I’ve recently learned a trick for overcoming the typical block I get in working on my book. Given my tendency toward perfectionism, it’s no wonder my novel has sat on my hard drive for over a
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There’s a misconception I’d like to put to rest. Freelance editors are not expendable. Freelance content editors are the unsung heroes of publishing. Though it sounds like I’m tooting my own horn, I’m not. And this idea may not make me popular among my industry friends and colleagues. Yet as publishing continues to change, I see too many good writers, mid-listers and professional authors being
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