so, so, so true... and s/he would take out all 3 of those modifiers. When I have editors, I love them. When it's just me, me loves me... with the blind eyes of a mother.
I use a series of editors / beta readers. The first few usually concentrate on the overall story and point out plot holes, parts that are confusing, or parts that are boring. I've added/removed whole chapters at this stage. The last few editors concentrate on the words and phrasing.
Happy Anniversary! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading "A Novel Journey" over the years!
The topic of editors often comes up with any talk of self-publishing. As in, "Do I need an editor?" Such an easy answer! Well, the "Yes" part is easy, but the explanations that follow are always complex with talks of substantive edits, line edits, proofreading, and the like. I always get the sense that most writers look for the bare minimum, not realizing that an editor improves their book -- not to mention their chances for success.
Editors also play a key role in journalism, but economics is reducing their role, sadly. That's a different topic for sure, but it does illustrate another way editors are so important to successful writing.
"Writers can never read their own writing for the first time." That's something I've always believed in, but never articulated in such a strong way, so thanks in particular for that!
108 posts! Wow, Terry. And then you write books too!
The first time I got edited, I experienced it as a painful attack on sensitive body parts. But eventually I realized the pain was mostly my ego. As you write, the editor is the person outside the author's imaginary world who can help the author communicate to other people out there. By definition, author can't do this. So bouquets to editors like the ones you thank! My special bouquet goes to Alanna Rusnak at Chicken House Press, who has the magic ability to read with understanding, but not reverence.
I began to work on a Master's degree as a (very) mature student. Almost everything had changed from my undergrad days, including how to write an academic paper. Fortunately, I had a live-in editor - my husband was associate editor of a scientific journal and read every one of my papers. The first few were a deeply humbling exercise as I learned how to meet university criteria. I know from experience the importance of editors!
Super interesting and instructive, Terry. The use of your own work juxtaposed with the editor's track-changes notes works really well. So hard to convey the sometimes nuanced importance of an editor, how a word, or a pause can give heft to a scene. Like you, I'm not precious about my written work. I've wholly taken on board my editors' suggestions. They're always brilliant. It DOES make one a more conscientious writer.
I loved reading the editors' comments. So helpful while not judgemental. There's no attempt to alter your own writing path. Good editing, it seems to me, requires the editor to put their own feelings/desires/requirements aside to simply make the story flow. Having said that, an editor would probably have a field day with this comment! Here's to 3 more years of your posts!
so, so, so true... and s/he would take out all 3 of those modifiers. When I have editors, I love them. When it's just me, me loves me... with the blind eyes of a mother.
I’m ready. 😄
I use a series of editors / beta readers. The first few usually concentrate on the overall story and point out plot holes, parts that are confusing, or parts that are boring. I've added/removed whole chapters at this stage. The last few editors concentrate on the words and phrasing.
Happy Anniversary! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading "A Novel Journey" over the years!
The topic of editors often comes up with any talk of self-publishing. As in, "Do I need an editor?" Such an easy answer! Well, the "Yes" part is easy, but the explanations that follow are always complex with talks of substantive edits, line edits, proofreading, and the like. I always get the sense that most writers look for the bare minimum, not realizing that an editor improves their book -- not to mention their chances for success.
Editors also play a key role in journalism, but economics is reducing their role, sadly. That's a different topic for sure, but it does illustrate another way editors are so important to successful writing.
"Writers can never read their own writing for the first time." That's something I've always believed in, but never articulated in such a strong way, so thanks in particular for that!
The line just occurred to me one day and I find myself thinking about it often.
108 posts! Wow, Terry. And then you write books too!
The first time I got edited, I experienced it as a painful attack on sensitive body parts. But eventually I realized the pain was mostly my ego. As you write, the editor is the person outside the author's imaginary world who can help the author communicate to other people out there. By definition, author can't do this. So bouquets to editors like the ones you thank! My special bouquet goes to Alanna Rusnak at Chicken House Press, who has the magic ability to read with understanding, but not reverence.
Congratulations on 3 years of Substack AND "retirement".
Interesting post, as always!
I began to work on a Master's degree as a (very) mature student. Almost everything had changed from my undergrad days, including how to write an academic paper. Fortunately, I had a live-in editor - my husband was associate editor of a scientific journal and read every one of my papers. The first few were a deeply humbling exercise as I learned how to meet university criteria. I know from experience the importance of editors!
I couldn't agree with you more. A wonderful piece!
Appreciated the actual edits, Terry, as it was both educational and fascinating. Bravo for editors!!
Super interesting and instructive, Terry. The use of your own work juxtaposed with the editor's track-changes notes works really well. So hard to convey the sometimes nuanced importance of an editor, how a word, or a pause can give heft to a scene. Like you, I'm not precious about my written work. I've wholly taken on board my editors' suggestions. They're always brilliant. It DOES make one a more conscientious writer.
Thanks, Jane. Hope you’re well.
I loved reading the editors' comments. So helpful while not judgemental. There's no attempt to alter your own writing path. Good editing, it seems to me, requires the editor to put their own feelings/desires/requirements aside to simply make the story flow. Having said that, an editor would probably have a field day with this comment! Here's to 3 more years of your posts!