Writers speculate a lot about what editors really do. Some firmly believe that editors are the final barricade between writers' excellent manuscripts and publication. Others seem to believe that the job of an editor is to clean up after writers and tell them what to do next. To a certain extent, the latter is true. When a manuscript comes along that is so magnificent that no … [Read more...]
Hallelujah Rejection!
My SASE was the only piece of mail in my post office box. I figured I already knew what it said, but I opened it anyway. "Thanks for letting me see this story, but it just isn’t right for me at this time. Please try me again with your next story.” On stationery from The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Signed with a big, blue “K" above the name Kristine Katherine … [Read more...]
Why can’t the editor give me some feedback?
Question: I keep getting form rejection letters. Why don't editors give me the facts and what can I do about it? Answer: In the magazine and book world, rejection comes for many reasons. Sometimes it is the quality of the material from the writer. In the book area, it might be a good idea that needs more development or more explanation. I've learned from acquisitions … [Read more...]
Why Every Writer Needs an Editor
Every writer needs an editor. No exceptions! Just for starters, there are several stages of your writing in which you might need an editor to help: • Clarify your concept • Plan and organize your material • Think globally about how the parts fit together • Read for content, consistency, and style • Craft a catchy title • Check for grammar, punctuation, and typos If … [Read more...]
Proofread Everything—and then Proofread Again
Proofreading is incredibly important. Not only do typos and grammatical errors in your writing make you look uneducated or just lazy, but they are also a distraction to the reader. Good authors or anyone publishing anything, whether it’s a book, pamphlet, website, or blog, need to have their work proofread, both by themselves and also by others. As an author, I know the … [Read more...]
The Value of the Editor
The editor is an important member of any publication. Among other things, the editor acts as a gatekeeper, in addition to editing your articles. Some writers hate editors because they are afraid that if the editor changes their copy, he/she will destroy the integrity of their work. The reality is a different story. The editor is your best friend. He/she can teach you things … [Read more...]
Book Editing for Self-Publishers
New self-publishers are often confused about the editorial process. This schematic is intended to be a simple "map" to the journey from manuscript to printed books. Manuscript: Developmental Editing The first kind of editing an author will encounter is developmental editing. Developmental editing helps develop the concept, the scope of the book, the intended audience, … [Read more...]
Turning your Pinto into a Porsche: The Mechanics of Editing
Writers frequently ask me what editors do, how much editing costs, and if they really need an editor. My answer: “It depends on whether you have a Pinto or a Porsche.” Let me explain. Manuscripts are like cars; both need “repairs.” A manuscript may only need an editor to proofread, checking for simple grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization errors ? what I refer … [Read more...]
Five Top Tips for Catching (And Correcting) Errors in Your Business Writing
Whether you are an author writing a book, an entrepreneur with a website, or a "Web 2.0" aficionado with a blog, errors in your writing cause readers to question your credibility. Let me give you an example: I recently read an online article that began with the question, "What is your worse fear?" While the article itself was filled with valuable information, the majority of … [Read more...]