I’m sure there are as many ways to approach editing as there are editors. Here’s what I’m learning about my editor’s style through the editing process:
I can expect to do two to three rounds of edits before copy edits.
For my initial round of edits (or “first pass”), my editor reads through my manuscript three times: Once with a pen “like a real old-timey editor”, as she says, once converting those edits to the computer with the Track Changes function, and once more for review before sending it off to me.
Anyone else who can share their editing experiences?
I have yet to work with an editor at a puplishing house, but other editors I have worked with (and paid) have marked up the document in word and feed me back their suggestions that way.
I’m finding there are a lot of different types of editors who look for different things. The editor who bought my book seemed to be more concerned with having me edit story problems or character issues. Now the copy editor seems more concerned with my language and grammar.
Sometimes I feel there’s too many cooks in the kitchen! LOl
I’m not there yet, but very interesting topic. I’ll be curious to see what everyone says. 🙂
It just amazes me that there are people out there (agents/editors) willing to read something I’ve written more than once!
I haven’t had the privilege of working with an editor yet – hope to one day 🙂
Thanks for sharing that! I hope I end up with an old-timey editor, because I have this strange love of red ink. 🙂
When I was working on my Heritage Lottery funded Jewish Voices book I was expecting someone else to take over and edit but it soon became apparent that it was down to me together with the head of Writing School Leicester and the book design team. We had meeting after meeting with large sheets of each double spread laid out on a table. We debated and agonised over each section while the book designer took notes. Thankfully we produced a book to be proud of but I don’t want to have all the responsibility again… ever. Editors are priceless.
That’s super interesting. Thanks for sharing that.
How fun Caroline! That’s why an editor has to love a book. They have to read it a lot. 🙂