Writing journey what is editing? That is the question I got hundreds of messages asking. Is editing necessary if you are querying your novel? What does an editor do? Should I get an editor? How do I know if I need an editor? The questions go and on.
I decided for my second writing journey entry to talk about what is editing. It was a question I had when I wrote my first book. With so many messages asking me, I decided to give my take on what editing is and if it is required.
As many of you know, I am on my third manuscript.
In my first manuscript, a YA fantasy, I did not get an editor. I honestly had no idea what an editor was or what they did. I thought it was something only publishing houses had once a book got acquired. Yes, a misconception, but again, I was truly unfamiliar with the world of publishing.
I had my mom read my first book. She would give me notes and tell me if some areas did not make sense. Again, as you are aware from my first writing journey article, the manuscript got a full request from a bigger agent. However, in the end, after two rewrites, the answer was a no.
As I undertook writing yet another manuscript in the paranormal romance genre, I decided to get an editor. After spending a few years researching the world of books, the publication process, and reading hundreds of books, I thought it was the best choice. Deciding on an editor was tricky. I wasn’t sure where to begin in the freelance world. I spent months and months researching freelance editors. A freelance editor is someone who you pay directly to read and give notes of your manuscript.
I decided on an editor after a few months.
She was very encouraging, and I felt like we would be a good match. I will say picking an editor is CRUCIAL. You have to have good chemistry and hit it off with your writing. If you do not, in my opinion, I feel like your editing will fall short. An editor has not only to be a good editor but be someone who believes in YOU and YOUR work!
Getting a developmental edit was the first step for me after acquiring a freelance editor. I did not major in writing, and I felt like for me, getting a full write-up of my manuscript from an editor was best. A developmental edit basically means the editor will read my entire manuscript and give notes throughout. After each chapter, there will be their thoughts on the chapter. Does it have a good flow? Do the chapters help grow the characters? Is it a chapter that drove forward the plot? All those questions I got answers to.
After doing the above developmental edit, I got a twelve-page assessment on my manuscript.
Each character has an outline. Furthermore, I got familiar with the plot in ways I did not know existed. It means areas I did not see had issues in the plot.
It is optional to take your editor’s suggestions under advisement. However, I did. I took all her critiques and rewrote my manuscript. Personally, I think it is vital to grow as a writer to listen to those around you in the writing world.
After a few months, I submitted my manuscript again for a line edit. This time my editor went through the book line by line for grammar and any other writing holes. At this time, it was time to query, which did not go as planned.
After again not getting any interest, I wrote my third book. It is a YA fantasy from two characters’ perspectives. It is currently in the developmental editor with my editor. I admit I am nervous. What if there are HUGE holes in the plot?! Either way, I will keep you posted!
What other questions do you have about my writing journey? You can watch my YouTube video above as I talk all about my writing journey what is an editor?
What is editing? FAQ’s
Editing a book means you go through and find errors. It can be grammatical, plot holes, underdeveloped characters, and even removing too many words. Editing ensures a polished result.
Editing is the process of correcting your word and making it be the best it can be. There are four main types of editing: substantive editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Each I believe is essential in writing.
The purpose of editing is to get your work to be the best it can be. As writers’ we are very close to our work. It can be hard to step outside of ourselves and see the errors in our own work.
The first step is a developmental edit. An editor goes through each chapter and reviews each character. Then comes the line editing. An editor goes through line by line for mistakes. A copy edit comes next to fix any mistakes that were missed. Finally, there is proofreading.
Do you have more questions or suggestions? Contact me. Also, don’t forget to check out my feature on Feedspot’s Top 100 YA Book Blogs!
