3Secrets of Working

With an Editor

A PRESENTATION FOR AUTHORS AND OTHER CREATIVES

BOOK CONSUMER COMPLAINT

Too many writers.Not enough editors.

The self-publishing movement is great

but without great editorial …

TYPOSBAD GRAMMAR

INCONSISTENCIESINCONGRUITIES

ABOUND!

Whether working with a publisher or self-

publishing, even the most meticulous and

talented writer needs a good editor.

Great Editorial Delivers 3 Cs

CONSISTENCYCLARITY

CORRECTNESS

Secret #1

PICK THE RIGHT EDITOR

If the decision is yours, make sure to hire an editor

who knows your book’s category (and subcategory).

Do you really want your romance author friend to edit your book of political

essays?

Some professional editors can cut across fiction and nonfiction lines and handle many subcategories – but better to find someone with knowledge and experience in

your genre.

After you select the right editor your task will be to trust that

editor!

If the decision is NOT yours, ask for a short list of books the editor has previously worked on. Do some spot reading to discover more

about who you are going to work with.

Secret #2

DEVELOP A STYLE SHEET

A Style Sheet is a short document that

communicates your vision for the work – and itemizes

some rules for handling your style and content.

A Style Sheet lists what is unique in your manuscript. It

highlights details and specifics that are easy to get

wrong.

Examples

NAMES WITH CHARACTER

DESCRIPTIONS

PLACES BOTH REAL AND IMAGINARY

DATES AND OTHER TIME ELEMENTS

SLANG | IDIOMS | “FOREIGN” PHRASES

CULTURAL REFERENCES

WRITING RULES YOU BROKE (AND

WHY)

“Isn’t this a lot of work?”

YES

“If I do this will my publisher and editor finally understand and

always comply with how I want things done?”

NO

The publishing process is filled with redundancies. By design. The extra sets of eyes and hands on a manuscript improve consistency,

correctness, and clarity.

A GOOD EDITOR CAN SAVE YOU FROM AN IDEA OR

APPROACH IN YOUR WRITING THAT MAKES

SENSE TO NO ONE ELSE BUT YOU.

A style sheet isn’t just for your editor. It is a great

reference tool to help you as you write.

Many publishers have a “house” Style Guide.

ASK FOR A COPY

This gives your editor time to focus on improving quality, not

just fixing problems.

Secret #3

RESPECT YOUR NEED FOR EDITORIAL INPUT

This doesn’t mean you have to agree with every mark and

correction. But if your way is better every time, it might be a warning sign that you are difficult – not that the editor is

bad!

Believe in your writing. Protect your voice and style.

But respect your editor – and your reader too. Readers will lose respect for your writing

(even if it has flashes of brilliance) if it is not …

CONSISTENTCLEAR

CORRECT

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