As you may (or more likely not) have noticed, other than my post on voting, I haven’t been blogging for the last few weeks. Instead, I’ve been editing. (Future posts will talk about the other things I’ve been doing.)
I’m lucky enough to get to work with some awesome authors on their books. I go through their manuscript with my red pen (okay, track changes, which I actually have set up to be teal) and point out grammatical errors, typos, loose ends, things I don’t quite understand, word choices that don’t seem quite right, motivations or character traits that don’t seem to fit, etc. etc. etc. (I also point out areas that I think are great, so you don’t think I’m all mean. I do realize these books are the author’s actual babies, and so I treat them kindly, but I’m also truthful.) Then I return the manuscript to the author, who reviews it, either accepts or rejects my changes, makes more changes, then sends it back … and so forth, until we’re both happy with the finished product. The author may not always agree with me, but we are always able to come up with a mutually agreeable solution.
As an editor, I find it interesting to discover the author’s weaknesses, as it were. And we all have something – or many things – to work on. I tend to overuse certain words, like “lovely”. Many authors leave loose ends, because the story is in their head and they know what has happened. Some use a lot of clichés, and forget to share what their characters look like – because of course, they know exactly what they look like.
Editing is a lot of work. I take a LONG LONG time to edit. I read each line, each paragraph, each page, each chapter, probably 20 times. Each. Then I do it again.
Editing is also a joy. I get to help the author “fix” the weaknesses in their book. I get to help them find the best way to say something, so it really sings. And I get to share their passion and help fulfill their dreams of publication.
And then I get to share it with you.
Really interesting to hear what actually occurs during edits. Being a reader, I always wanted to know how books actually come to pass. Knowing you well, it takes you a LONG LONG time to edit because you want it to be perfect. I am sure the writers are grateful for your thoroughness. You just take great care of their babies.
I often forget how much the editor makes the final copy so good. You are of a special breed. I doubt i have the tenacity or discipline to be an editor. In my mind that makes you and those who edit like you all the more valuable. You see, I love to read and a good editor assures i get the story, not a lot of distraction and frustration.
I’m so special, I edited your comment. 🙂