I see a lot of authors terrified of hiring an editor and acting like they’re handing a loaded gun to a stranger. Others are mystified about what editors actually do. While an editor may not be for everyone, I will explain the process here.
#writingcommmunity #amwriting
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A good editor helps you create the best possible version of your vision by refining the raw matter you dump on the page. A poor editor scraps your vision and supplants it with their own because they believe their book would be the better one. Learn the difference.
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You are not beholden to take even one word of advice from your editor. You’ve paid them for their expertise and to say what they think, and that’s where their control ends. Any editor who whines you didn’t take their advice is unprofessional.
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For this next bit I’ll use my own editor
@BrianNiemeier as an example. We’ve had a working relationship for years now, we are tremendously different writers with sometimes opposed storytelling sensibilities, and we work beautifully together on the page. Let me explain.Show this thread -
@BrianNiemeier writes excellent dialogue with substance and philosophy woven in. He consistently reminds me an author should write not just dialogue but the BEST PARTS of dialogue. Words should have weight to them, a second meaning behind each sentence. His dialogue is intricate.Show this thread -
My characters grunt at each other. I aim for a far more casual dialogue style, much more direct. Sometimes they wax poetic, but I want a salt-of-the-earth feel to my dialogue. I aim for this on purpose. My readers expect it from me and routinely comment on it.
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@BrianNiemeier frequently reminds me in every book he edits that dialogue ought not to be mindless utterances but the BEST PART of natural speech. I frequently ignore his suggestions for dialogue changes. And he continues to suggest. This is healthy functioning.Show this thread -
He must suggest it every time and remind me about dialogue because I am paying him to do it. He is a consummate professional. I need him to remind me because such reminders prevent my low-level dialogue from devolving into nothing more than grunts and single-word answers.
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While I maintain my own style, I rely upon
@BrianNiemeier to remind me to keep to the best possible version of my vision for the work. And he has never once complained about me not taking dialogue advice. He diligently reminds each time then drops it because he’s done his job.Show this thread -
This is the benefit of an editor. Brian happens to do line editing, commentary on each sentence, as well as development editing, fixing the overall story and finding structural problems. Find an editor you match with and who has a professional conduct by asking your colleagues.
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Do not be afraid of this process. An editor may give you harsh words but bear in mind this is their idea of the best version of your work. Poor editors can’t distinguish visions and will supplant yours with their own. Good editors may be harsh but will preserve your vision.
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Don’t be afraid of editors. They can’t mangle your work unless you choose to allow it. If your ego can’t take harsh words, let them know up front you’re insecure about the work. A good editor will temper their approach without sacrificing truth. Hire an editor and grow yourself.
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End of conversation
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