The value of a darned good editor is something reminiscent of a credit card commercial: priceless. The editor who helped to comment on my first novel pointed out that what I was doing wouldn't work. At the time I couldn't see it, but nowadays I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't listened.
I just worked through revision notes from my editor and I'm submitting the fully revised draft today...this morning. Now, I happen to love revising (I know, I'm a freak), so her many new ideas revved me up. Her notes had a complimentary yet clear/direct feel, which I appreciated, and I loved all of her thinking. This is all new to me and so far, I'm thinking I'm blessed.
I think you have to go about the entire process with the mindset that you and your editor are working together to make the best book possible. Great post!
I haven't had to work with an editor yet (got to get to that point first), but I'm thinking I'd probably handle it the same way I do with beta critiques. Read through the suggestions & wait 24-48 to let them percolate, before tackling which to agree with and which to question.
I think too many people react on their first instinct -- which no matter who we are, is almost always defensive. Instead of allowing time for the truth of critiques to seep in.
Renae's comment is another priceless element that could be added to Jeffrey's comment. Viewpoint is everything. Mindset is a plus. If someone is working with you, they're intentions are to help make your work shine. This writing and editing thing is way to much work for their intentions to be anything else.
When someone is willing to help me edit my work, I know they give a darn. It's a nice feeling.
yes, good editors work *with* writers to make their work better. The best editors give feedback in a way that nudges creativity to work through problems (i.e., makes revisions a positive process). As in everything, good communication is key~
My experience with an editor was overwhelmingly positive. He was very blunt though and that was actually helpful. I had to go into it with the mindset that I wanted his opinion and help and that arguing would serve no purpose other than to derail my mission. I took what he said, decided to keep some changes and disregard others. Edge of Your Seat Romance
An editor wants to make your book shine. Going into edits with a clear mind and focus for making your book the best it can be makes all the difference. It removes the sting out of editing.
Congratulations with your fabulous 400 and growing followers!! yay!!!
And thank you for hositng Mr Hall and Ms Elizabeth!! I hope that one day if the fates so decree I will have a lovely editor all of my own - and if I do I hope to have a great relationship established as described here!
Awesome stuff here! There's so much that goes into an editor/author relationship and it has to start on the idea that both want what's best for the project in the end.
And I think I just found a new blog! Inconceivable!
And when it comes to editor, we professional translators usually consider them our greatest nemesis and enemies :) They often change things we put in our translation which isn't a problem when you have a good and equally professional editor, but that happens rarely :(
I haven't had the pleasure of working with an editor yet. But I know the feeling when you get back edit notes from a crit partner or an agent. It hurts. That chapter or manuscript you thought was so great when you sent it out is now full of red. But I do know that fresh eyes are one for the best ways to make my story better (especially ones of a trained), and if that's what it takes then that's what I'll do.
I am planning an eco-friendly baby shower for my sister, and, trying so hard to think of different things to do. Anyway...... I came up with a wishing well where each guest will be asked to bring one organic jar of baby food, but I don't know how to present it in invitations or at the shower? I searched and searched the internet and could NOT find anything to help, hoping you ladies can!!!!!!
Do i have to get an auto insurance when i buy a used car? or else, they don't sell the car to a person who doesn't have an auto insurance? I currently have a lease car that will be returned this January next year. But i want to get a used car soon so that i can work on the car, but i won't be driving it around. The car will be in my garage until i return the lease car and get an auto insurance. I live in Philadelphia, PA Any suggestion?
Finally, got what I was looking for!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. Glad I stumbled into this article! smile I have you saved to check out new stuff you post..
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog..
41 comments:
The value of a darned good editor is something reminiscent of a credit card commercial: priceless. The editor who helped to comment on my first novel pointed out that what I was doing wouldn't work. At the time I couldn't see it, but nowadays I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't listened.
I just worked through revision notes from my editor and I'm submitting the fully revised draft today...this morning. Now, I happen to love revising (I know, I'm a freak), so her many new ideas revved me up. Her notes had a complimentary yet clear/direct feel, which I appreciated, and I loved all of her thinking. This is all new to me and so far, I'm thinking I'm blessed.
I think you have to go about the entire process with the mindset that you and your editor are working together to make the best book possible.
Great post!
Congrats on reaching 400. With the advice that you offer it shouldn't take long to reach 500.
congrats on the 400 mark!
And the editing piece was really insightful, thanks!
Very good post! And congrats on the milestone!
Congrats on the 400 followers, Mister Hot-Shot!
I haven't had to work with an editor yet (got to get to that point first), but I'm thinking I'd probably handle it the same way I do with beta critiques. Read through the suggestions & wait 24-48 to let them percolate, before tackling which to agree with and which to question.
I think too many people react on their first instinct -- which no matter who we are, is almost always defensive. Instead of allowing time for the truth of critiques to seep in.
Renae's comment is another priceless element that could be added to Jeffrey's comment. Viewpoint is everything. Mindset is a plus. If someone is working with you, they're intentions are to help make your work shine. This writing and editing thing is way to much work for their intentions to be anything else.
When someone is willing to help me edit my work, I know they give a darn. It's a nice feeling.
yes, good editors work *with* writers to make their work better. The best editors give feedback in a way that nudges creativity to work through problems (i.e., makes revisions a positive process). As in everything, good communication is key~
thanks, guys! :o)
My experience with an editor was overwhelmingly positive. He was very blunt though and that was actually helpful. I had to go into it with the mindset that I wanted his opinion and help and that arguing would serve no purpose other than to derail my mission. I took what he said, decided to keep some changes and disregard others.
Edge of Your Seat Romance
An editor wants to make your book shine. Going into edits with a clear mind and focus for making your book the best it can be makes all the difference. It removes the sting out of editing.
I appreciate the suggestions made by my publisher and editor. There weren't many radical changes and I took most of the recommendations to heart.
400 followers?! That is cah-razy! Look at you go!
Congratulations with your fabulous 400 and growing followers!! yay!!!
And thank you for hositng Mr Hall and Ms Elizabeth!! I hope that one day if the fates so decree I will have a lovely editor all of my own - and if I do I hope to have a great relationship established as described here!
Take care
x
Yes, editors are worth their weight in gold. One of the prime reasons I hope to have one of them someday.
Thanks for sharing this post Matt. And congrats on 400!
Awesome stuff here! There's so much that goes into an editor/author relationship and it has to start on the idea that both want what's best for the project in the end.
And I think I just found a new blog! Inconceivable!
Great post. Criticism is a tough but crucial thing, that can be pretty rough on the ego. I'm sure the right editor makes all the difference.
And congrats on 400!! That's uh-mazing!
Great post - thank you. It's hard to take feedback without letting it get you down, but really important if you want to get better!
This was awesome. Will definitely check out their blog. Thanks a buch and congrats on your HUGE numbers!
Great advice Andrew!
And CONGRATS Matthew on your awesome list of followers (of which I'm proud to say I am ONE!)
Big Congrats on the Big 400! :)
And when it comes to editor, we professional translators usually consider them our greatest nemesis and enemies :) They often change things we put in our translation which isn't a problem when you have a good and equally professional editor, but that happens rarely :(
Hey Matthew! Great post--very interesting.
And congratulations on winning over on Shannon's blog! She rocks.
Good post.
I haven't had the pleasure of working with an editor yet. But I know the feeling when you get back edit notes from a crit partner or an agent.
It hurts.
That chapter or manuscript you thought was so great when you sent it out is now full of red.
But I do know that fresh eyes are one for the best ways to make my story better (especially ones of a trained), and if that's what it takes then that's what I'll do.
Sage advice. For me, I had to accept that my editor knows more and trust that she has the story's best interest at heart. Thanks for sharing!
Great post.
Congrats on the 401 followers!!!
Finally blog with usable informations.
Very good post.
Thanks for the helpful post! I would not have gotten this otherwise!
О! Hi there, I found your blog via Google while searching for first aid for a heart attack and your post looks very interesting for me.
我只是说你的饲料，以我的最爱。我真的很喜欢读您的文章。
Mate. This blog is amazing. How can I make it look this good ?
I am planning an eco-friendly baby shower for my sister, and, trying so hard to think of different things to do. Anyway...... I came up with a wishing well where each guest will be asked to bring one organic jar of baby food, but I don't know how to present it in invitations or at the shower? I searched and searched the internet and could NOT find anything to help, hoping you ladies can!!!!!!
Do i have to get an auto insurance when i buy a used car? or else, they don't sell the car to a person who doesn't have an auto insurance? I currently have a lease car that will be returned this January next year. But i want to get a used car soon so that i can work on the car, but i won't be driving it around. The car will be in my garage until i return the lease car and get an auto insurance. I live in Philadelphia, PA
Any suggestion?
أنا أستمتع بالضبط كيف تتلقى مستواك في جميع أنحاء
非常好东西。
شكرا على المعلومات العظيمة! لن لقد اكتشفت هذا خلاف ذلك!
感谢您发表您，这是很有益的，说了很多
Finally, got what I was looking for!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. Glad I stumbled into this article! smile I have you saved to check out new stuff you post..
Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also….
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog..
Really like the graphical design and navigation of the site, easy on the eyes and good content. other sites are just way too overflowing with adds
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