Editing ain’t just editing. So what does an editor do?
An editor looks at a manuscript from many different points of view. We are passionate about prose, wild about words and avid readers who value strong, tight and beautiful writing. This means we take on a variety of roles to ensure the best words hit the page at every turn.
Teacher
As an editor, I consider my chief role is to help my clients be better writers. I notice writer’s challenges, habits and idiosyncrasies and discuss why I’m suggesting the change or explain the grammar rule related to the edit. If the writer is open, they will take note and learn how to use punctuation and tighten their writing after every edit. I welcome questions and love getting into the weeds of words!
Product Tester
Some editors offer manuscript assessment, and their job is to analyse the overall structure of the text (but most editors will keep an eye on the big picture). As the writer, you have the storyline in your head, the reasoning, the backstory. As a first or early reader, I can see if your vision has been translated onto the page. Glaring or even minor inconsistencies will be obvious. I identify plot holes and (hopefully!) give you an idea of how to get out. I may highlight an underdeveloped character or question an action that doesn’t make sense. I give a full report and assess whether the story hangs together or not.
Correction Officer
Sounds scary, and it is a strict process! Here I wield my red pen (or more likely track changes) and pick the text apart. A huge chunk of my job is to make sure the grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word choice are correct and ensure the text makes sense. I’ll make sure correct conventions are used, that clauses agree and that the pesky apostrophes are in the right places.
It’s not always pretty; as Ernest Hemingway described it, ‘the bleeding carcass’ being returned from his editor. But don’t worry—as mentioned in point 1, the editor is a teacher, and I offer suggested corrections to the manuscript, rather than streaks of red deletions for the writer to work through alone. I always recommend different ways of wording a sentence or organising a paragraph.
Chief Navigation Officer
An editor makes sure your document is well laid out and easy to navigate. I work with Styles, using appropriate headings, a contents page and references. I may help split chapters, insert page breaks and even suggest adding white space to make the text more digestible. I help steer a clear path through your document where readers can go from ‘Once upon a time’ to ‘The end’ without getting lost on the way.
Cheerleader
I will have a firm hand with your manuscript, but as a fellow writer, I know I must be gentle with how I feed back. Putting your writing out there can be a vulnerable thing to do. As an editor, I am a trusted first step and am respectful of the hours of keyboard pounding, brain wrestling and word wrangling that took place. I will encourage and affirm. I will hear your doubts and frustrations and help you get back to the keyboard.
As your editor, I will be your biggest fan. After all, it’s not only your creativity that ends up in the book but also the spit and polish provided by me. Once the book is finished or published, expect me to be waving the biggest, brightest pompoms!
Publishing Consultant
Once your book is ready… what next?
Luckily, as a self-published author, I can help you with that too. I can guide you through the self-publishing process via phone calls or face-to-face, advise on publishing and distribution platforms, how to sort out ISBNs, and I can even take care of the uploading process for you.
In fact, one of my self-published books is a guide on self-publishing! How to Give Your Book Wings.
An editor is certainly not a boring job!
To take advantage of all these roles, send me a message here.
