When we write editorial queries for the author, we need to identify what the problem is and why it’s a problem for the manuscript—in other words, we can’t just slap generic slogans on a manuscript (“Use fewer adverbs!”) and think that’s editing. Effective Editorial Guidance Part of the editorial guidance we need to offer in… Read more Offering Solutions to Developmental Problems
Do the work. Get feedback about the work. Do better work.
When you’re editing fiction, you’ll find that many developmental problems are interrelated: An insufficient conflict can be connected with unclear character motivation (or lack of motivation) to do something or achieve something (a goal). If the protagonist doesn’t have a goal, they can’t really come into conflict with another character who has a different goal.… Read more How Developmental Problems Connect to Each Other
For nonfiction authors pursuing traditional publication, they will have to start with a book proposal. This is like a business plan for a nonfiction book. It “sells” an agent or acquisitions editor on the book and convinces them to invest in it. It also helps the author create a roadmap for what they will do… Read more Book proposal basics
When we’re editing novelists, much of our work is in evaluating the problems in the manuscript and suggesting possible revisions for the author to make. If Joe’s character motivation needs to be strengthened, we suggest ways that can be done but we don’t write the scenes where Joe’s motivation is established. That’s the author’s job.… Read more Avoiding Scope Creep
Many self-publishing authors look for beta readers to give them perspective on their novels before they go to a professional editor for further help. An author doesn’t need a developmental editor to say the whole storyline is implausible and they yawned from beginning to end. Any reader of fiction can probably relay that information. Doing… Read more Beta reading as training for DE
If you’ve ever hit “send” on an edit and then immediately had self-doubt about your work, you’re not alone. Second-guessing an edit is an occupational hazard. What should you do if that happens? Worrying About an Edit You’ve Sent First, it’s common to think, “Gosh, I should have phrased that differently” or “Now that I… Read more Second-guessing an edit
If you’re a developmental editor of fiction, you will occasionally be approached by indie authors who want someone to edit their ms before they try to get it traditionally published. It helps to know how the process works. I shared some basic information in this post on traditional publication, but I wanted to share some… Read more How publishers acquire novels
You’re working with an author who is interested in publishing the traditional route—getting an agent, landing a book deal, seeing the book on the shelf in the local Barnes and Noble, the whole dream. And maybe that author has asked you to help make sure the ms is ready for the big show. Here’s a… Read more Basic Information about Traditional Book Publishing
A novel synopsis is a description of the characters and storyline of an author’s manuscript. A brief synopsis runs two or three single-spaced pages, while a longer one (suitable for more complex novels) may run eight or twelve pages. Agents and editors use these in the traditional publishing acquisitions process to see if the novelist… Read more What a novel synopsis is
