How important are editors to writers? I’m considering this question because I’m currently
working with an editor on my latest historical novel. In fact, we just finished
the second edit back and forth.
Are editors necessary? For those of us who
are traditionally published, it is editors who decide what will be published.
So obviously, we writers should be paying attention to what they have to say.
Yet I have heard some writers claim that self-published authors can do away
with editors. These writers feel they should be able to write and then edit
their own work without interference.
Nevertheless, a good editor can help a writer gain a clearer perspective, distill the
most significant elements of a piece of writing, organize content in a way that's
comprehensible to a reader, offer advice on how to solidify story elements that
are causing problems and then proof or copy-edit in a way that preserves the
integrity, voice, and tone of a given work. A good editor can
point out plot flaws or information inconsistencies, proofread for typos,
grammar, and spelling, check references, and format your work properly.
Given all of that, should
you hire an editor? That depends. I’ve never done so. However, I was an English
major as both an undergrad and a grad student. I taught English at all levels.
I likely could have worked as an editor myself. That doesn’t change the fact
that when I put on my editor’s hat to examine my own work I still find errors
that need to be fixed. So I truly value input from editors because they present
a fresh set of eyes. They can also be objective about our work in ways we
cannot be. But my work with professional editors occurs only after my work is
contracted with a publisher.
After my work is
contracted, be it a novel or a short story, I value what the editor brings to
it. With a novel such as the long historical I am working on now, I
particularly appreciate the editorial suggestions and corrections I have received.
They make my writing much stronger. Of course, I don’t always agree with all
editorial changes, but I keep an open mind to them. I truly appreciate the
benefits good editors provide.
What’s your opinion
on this topic? What have you experienced working with editors? Frustration,
positive experience or a little of both?
Editing and ego. I do not show first drafts to anyone. After working and reworking, I present a manuscript to my critique group. Members are kind, but they do not rubber stamp. When I consider the the work ready, I submit it to agents and publishers. I cooperate, but have lost contracts by rejecting some changes. I am proud my name is on my 14 novels in print. Great editing made each one better, but they all were born and nurtured by me.
ReplyDeleteSharon,
DeleteI've never worked with a critique group but I know other writers that swear by them. I don't show my work to anyone until it's published. But of course editors review and comment. I've been fortunate to have some wonderful editors. Only with one publisher did I have to deal with a difficult editor who caused problems.
Editors are essential! No one should submit/publish a manuscript without at least one pass by a good editor. They can see plot holes and errors we have gone 'blind' to. Great post! Janis Susan, aka Susan
ReplyDeleteI agree, Susan, we do need professional input.
DeleteYes! Editors are important. I'm indy and trad published and I hire a freelance editor before I submit. Recently got edits back on my WIP and this editors comments and suggestions have made me dig deep. Love it! As a freelance editor also, I encourage authors to hire one. It's not about us making a buck (trust me I haven't made my first million LOL!) it's about helping YOU make Your book the best it can be.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jacquie!
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT
Pam,
DeleteYour points are well-taken.
Jacqueline,
ReplyDeleteYour "fresh set of eyes" comment is key. As a mongrel (self- and traditionally published), I can say w/o hesitation that an author's familiarity with the MS causes skipping over errors when reading over the finished MS. In my case, I content edit as I go, so I'm talking about copy editing. Even when submitting to a traditional publisher, I do my own copy editing, once on the laptop and once with a printed version of the MS. (Different media means my brain and eyes react differently.) I know my own quirks, so I can use MS Word's search feature to search and change or kill either during step 1 or after step 2. Then I send the MS to an editor and beta-readers (the first for more copy editing, the second for logical lapses I haven't seen when content editing). I don't use critique groups for fear that they want me to write the way they write, i.e. they'll destroy my voice. (You might call that paranoid, but it's only paranoia if it's not true...and it has happened to me in the past.) If I'm submitting an MS to a publisher, their editors add another editing step (and they're often happy I've made their job easy for them), which I generally appreciate, but I try to restrict them to copy editing, not content editing. Here's a quote that might summarize the SOP authors should follow: "Write the book the way it should be written, then give it to somebody to put in the commas and ****."—Elmore Leonard. (Note: If you know Leonard’s prose, you can fill in the asterisks.) The corollary to that is: "Yes, Virginia, there are always remaining errors, so have a pro edit your MS."
r/Steve
Steve,
DeleteThere are always some errors that we miss. I like to read an ARC of my novels in print and still find the need for some corrections that both myself and an editor will miss.
As you say, Jacqueline, editors provide a fresh set of eyes. We do see what we think is on the page instead of what's really there often. So it's good to set the manuscript down and come back to it or to read it out loud. Both things help us see things we don't when we're constantly working it. And editors add another layer of analysis and another perspective.
ReplyDeleteReading the work out loud is an excellent idea.
DeleteI rely on both my Beta readers, agent, and editor to help me make the ms better, and ready for publication. After working on several drafts there are plenty of things I don't see clearly anymore, including plot development and characterization. Without a second pair of eyes, I wouldn't find most of the gaffs. Yes, we need editors.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteAgents are also good for giving sharp insights. It's fortunate that you have one.
Editors are essential to my writing, whether I pay them or the publisher pays them. I can only see my writing through MY eyes, even though I try and think of what my readers are seeing. An editor who knows her/his stuff, can give me a fresh perspective. My manuscripts are read at least dozen times, by family, friends, critique group, beta readers, and finally professional editors. I'm grateful to all of them. Thanks for the topic, Jacqueline.
ReplyDeleteKathleen,
DeleteI believe your good efforts show in your product.
This is an important topic. I know authors who embrace edits and others who shun them. Either way, the editing process is essential to revising. Without it, literature would be flooded with first drafts. Thanks for shining a light on this message.
ReplyDeleteSarlyn,
DeleteA first time author asked me to read what he thought was a finished book. It was loaded with mistakes of all kinds. I pointed out a few errors, but eventually responded that he needed an editor. I'm certain he would have embarrassed himself if he self-published what appeared to be a first draft.
Jacqueline, I wish more independent writers would heed your advice. I meet way too many self-published writers who say they don't need an editor because they (1) majored in English in college, or (2) always did well in English. Maybe so, but as you say, it's easy to overlook errors in our own work because we see what we "think" is there. But even more than copy editing, I like content editing. Often I've discovered I think I've been clear about the motivation of a character or that a reader will agree with what happens only to discover I haven't given enough information (or, sometimes, too much information). Thanks for emphasizing the need for editors.
ReplyDeleteMaris,
DeleteSo true about content editing. That's been the benefit of working with my current editor. She's given me such great feedback on the character development.
I, too, am an English major and in fact, a retired college English teacher, but I need editors and am lucky to have three good friends, also English majors/teachers who read, comment on, and correct my writing. (I too have written an historical novel-- accepted by Black Opal.)I agree with Maris. I have read some self-published novels and found really bad errors ("The man was taller than her" ...."I care for you deeper than I want to admit..." plus the use of "smirk" for "smile" and "illicit" for "elicit" etc etc. I am venting here! The really bad errors are often a sugnal that a work is self-published.
ReplyDeletewell, to edit my own work: signal, not sugnal
ReplyDeletePatricia,
DeleteI do typos as well. So no criticism here.
I, too,am a life-long English teacher and I do a huge amount of my own editing. That said, I am beholden to my editors of my 5 published books who have pointed out certain writing flaws (like the 19 uses of "for sure" in one book)that I would never see myself.
ReplyDeleteNice post, as usual!
There is software that picks up redundancies. But we can always use the edit function on Word--if we're aware. In one YA novel, Stacy's Song, for some reason I used the word "really" too many times. The editor corrected it.
DeleteAs an editor myself, I have to say how beneficial it is to have an editor work on your book. I don't care how good your English is - there are so many things you don't see when you write. I wouldn't want sell a book on Kindle without an editor go through it, no matter how many times I've read it.
ReplyDeleteSome of the authors I edit for have been writing for years and are best sellers on Amazon, but they still need someone to read through their work. I pick up things that they haven't seen.
If you're serious about producing a quality book and keeping your reputation intact, I'd highly recommend not self-publishing your book without an editor going through it. Yes, I know they can be pricey but it's worth it. If you can't afford an editor, find a fellow writer who is willing to do an editing swap with you.
The good thing about working through a publisher is that the book gets edited by several editors. That's a great bonus!
Kathy,
DeleteThank you for commenting. Your statement is so helpful. I hope newbe authors are reading it and paying attention.
Thank you! And thanks for a great post.
DeleteThank you for this thoughtful post.
ReplyDeleteI write shorts, not novels, so while it is not economical to hire an editor, comments from publishers’ editors are invaluable, whether pre-publication or in a rejection note.
No matter how hard I try (including using online tools), editors from magazines, anthologies, ezines, etc. always catch something that needs improvement.
Peter,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. Like you, at times I learn as much from editorial comments on rejections as acceptances.
As an editor, I agree strongly with Kathy Bosman. I'd only add that to save money, Google self-editing tips and follow that advice BEFORE you pay someone. Also be sure you understand the kind of editing/proofreading you need.
ReplyDeleteKathy,
DeleteThanks for the additional comments. I should add as well that there are many useful self-editing books available. Check on them at your local library.