Today’s post is written by regular contributor Sarah Baughman.
When I want to feel good about my writing, I show it to my husband. “Wow,” he’ll say. “This is beautiful. Really compelling.”
“Were there any parts that confused you?” I’ll ask, but I’m already smiling, relieved to be almost off the hook. “What should I change?”
“Hmmm,” he’ll say, hedging. “Maybe here, I didn’t know quite who you were talking about. But that’s the only place. Mostly, I think you should leave it like it is.”
I love that man, but not for his editing skills. Bless his heart; I’m not sure I’d want to be married to my editor anyway. But until recently, I’ve bumbled along with, for the most part, only this kind of feedback.
Sure, I’ve attended writing groups, but most of them weren’t set up for serious, in-depth editing, and they suffered from a confusing surplus of different perspectives (“Cut this part.” “No, don’t!”). Writing conferences and classes helped, but didn’t last long enough.
Recently, when I was selected as a correspondent to write two long-form literary non-fiction essays for a travel writing website, I began working closely with an editor. I don’t wear glasses, but I imagine that getting glasses for the first time and finally seeing the world clearly would be quite like getting this excellent editor.
I couldn’t believe the realizations she enabled. “Well, this is good as I can make it,” I would tell my husband after hitting “send” on one of my drafts. “I wonder what she’ll say.” Back the draft would come, peppered with comments both small (“What does this sentence mean?”) and significant (“I’m not sure this section carries your narrative thread”). My jaw would always drop. “Why didn’t I see this?” I would wonder as I set to work revising.
I’m currently on the third draft of both essays, and have established such trust for my editor that there’s almost nothing she says that I second-guess. She recently proposed cutting a three-paragraph section because it fell too far outside the narrative arc. I liked the language of the paragraphs, the way they sounded, but I didn’t have to think too hard to realize she was right; they impeded the story.
Could I have realized this on my own? Maybe eventually. But probably not.
How else does an editor help?
A good editor…
- Recognizes major themes. Good editors know what your writing is really about. They don’t proofread; they read, both on the lines and between them. They share a sense of meaning and vision for the work. This “big picture” knowledge informs every editorial decision they make.
- Identifies key strengths to build upon. Good editors know what you do well as a writer. They articulate those strengths and suggest ways to put them to use in other parts of your work.
- Cuts the fat. Because they have a good sense of the piece’s overall themes and your writing strengths, they also recognize what doesn’t fit. It might be hard for writers to cut what they’ve written, even unnecessary parts, but it’s not as hard for editors.
- Asks questions. Good editors probe for more information. Is there more to a character than you’ve let on? Does this plot sequence reinforce the theme? Is this metaphor consistent with its connotation?
- Honors style. Good editors know that there’s not just one way to write. They know a variety of different writing styles find loyal readership, and they won’t impose their own style on yours. When they make suggestions, they’ll work to hone your own style rather than putting words in your mouth.
- Notices the empty spots. My editor will often write something like, “This section is starting to do what you want it to do. But not quite…” And then she’ll suggest places to flesh out more detail. She often tells me to write more than I think I’ll need “because you can always cut it back later,” but we never know what clarity might emerge from the act of writing.
- Doesn’t stop at “It’s great.” An editor might think your work is great. But no matter how promising, no matter how witty and tightly written and gorgeous, it can be better. And a good editor will help you make it that way.
When to call in the editor
If nobody in your current writing circle fits the bill, check out author Erika Liodice’s fantastic post on How to Find an Editor. You’ll know you’re ready to consult with an editor when you…
- Finish a draft of a complete work (story, essay, chapter, book)
- Have read your draft multiples times and polished it accordingly
- Have an idea of what you’d like to do with the draft next (Send it off for publication? Include it in a larger work? Enter a contest?)
- Feel ready to listen to new criticism, and to revise accordingly
I want to include an encouraging section titled something like “How to Be Your Own Best Editor,” but I just can’t. I don’t think it’s possible to see everything in our own work that needs to be seen.
Pull five of your favorite books off your shelf and check the Acknowledgments; there’s a reason why everyone thanks the editor. Those books wouldn’t be there without them.
How have you benefited from a good editor? Do you frequently consult an editor, or do you typically work through the writing process without one? What are the benefits and drawbacks of these different approaches?
I am kind of afraid to find an editor. I really don’t even know where to start. Grant it. I don’t have an entire manuscript done, so I don’t need to worry about it just yet. But still, it’s a little scary.
Ditto. I have the manuscript done, but I need a few more revisions before I’m ready to let a real editor see it. I am scared to find one as well. :}
Ashley, you don’t have to have the entire manuscript finish before seeking an editor. You’ll have a leg up if you start looking now. A good editor does everything Hope said above plus she can help you with the market for your book.
If you’re on the wrong track, why not consult with someone who’s been there for 20 years or so? It can’t hurt. Often, editors like myself will give you free advice if they see that they can work with you. I enjoy helping new writers.
In short, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Except someone like me, who ends her sentences in a preposition!
Lisa’s right; an editor can help you bring a manuscript from not-quite-finished to DONE! Sometimes it’s hard to conclude a piece when some of the elements an editor can help fix– inconsistencies, thematic issues, focus– aren’t resolved. When you find an editor you feel comfortable with, it probably won’t feel so scary to show the manuscript in an unfinished state.
Totally agree. An objective pair of eyes whose judgement you trust is not just invaluable, but essential. For me, at the moment, it’s my tutor on my MA. Once that’s completed and I’m further down the line with my novel, I shall have to find someone else. Fellow students are too kind, perhaps fearing a backlash against their own work. I want someone who’s not going to let me get away with anything less than my very best.
Well put, Claudia. It’s impossible for me to be my own best judge and while compliments are nice, there comes a point when I just want truth…and the improvement that comes with it!
Great post. One of the points that bears repeating is to not submit your work to an editor before taking the steps above. Your MS should be as perfect as you can make it after multiple revisions and outside critiques. Otherwise you’re wasting a lot of money. Thank you for this post.
Thanks, CG. You’re right– the piece should not be rough around the edges and should already have been revised as thoroughly as possible, though as Lisa noted some editors are happy to help a writer even if a manuscript isn’t completely done. I still think that whatever the writer shows to the editor should be as good as he or she can possibly make it! Otherwise, like you said, it’s wasted money…and time.
Hi Sarah,
All of the above is so true. But I have to tell you–I have hired editors in the past, but none of them have been as effective as my online writing group (a group of writers as good at editing as they are at writing). Over the years they have helped me polish my craft. So, I certainly agree with you, but not all editors for hire are created equal, and not all writing groups are poor editors. I think what I would advise is to get as many eyes on your manuscript as you can before you send you work out–just having your husband or cousin read your work is not enough. Develop a competent and reliable group of beta readers, then, perhaps, after a good deal of research, hire an editor if you still feel it’s necessary. After all, many editors for hire are published authors looking for extra income. I’m not sure if there is a program that teaches editing. I think an editor is born from experience—after years of reading and commenting on the work of others. I have become a decent editor myself.
Absolutely, Lisa! Thanks for this wise commentary. I didn’t mean to give the impression that all writing groups would serve as poor editors…certainly they can be set up as excellent substitutes for a single editor. It depends on the structure and the individual members, I’m sure. I’m so glad your online writing group serves this purpose for you. It sounds mutually beneficial and reliable.
You bring up a good point about editing– can it really be taught? I think it’s probably a skill that grows with plentiful practice reading, writing, and critiquing. Of course it’s hard to achieve this trifecta, but I’m thankful so many people have. I don’t know that I’m a good editor, but as a teacher I’ve had a lot of practice commenting on others’ work, and I do know it’s hard for me to apply the same objective eye to my own work as I can to theirs.
I currently go it alone and haven’t been nitpicked too badly, but when I go to do a book, I will want an editor. I will look at Erika’s link.
I was so glad to find Erika’s link– it offered a more concise and complete set of instructions on how to actually find an editor than I ever could have come up with on my own. Good luck!
Number 4 is one I used in reviewing high school essays and writing prompts. Some novels I read seem to have a gap here or there or a passage I don’t understand so the author might have benefited from an editor who was aware of it. Another good question is “do you need this part?” For example one novel I enjoyed had a section on the protagonist’s experience as a soldier in WW 1. Italian and was member of Alpini who fought in the Alps versus Austria. He had 6 pages about the ropes and all the junk mountain climbers use. Well I guess he was an expert but as a reader I did not have to become one too. I would have suggested he weave some of these implements and their use into the story instead of a 6 page handbook.
It’s always interesting to ponder why writers structure passages the way they do. What you’re describing reminds me of the detail-oriented passages in Moby Dick. Editors have the challenge of knowing when to stay true to a writer’s style and vision and when to alter it for the work’s sake.
Excellent post (as usual). I started working with an editor a couple of months ago, after my first writing conference. I realized that, as good as my writing was, I needed professional help to take it to the next level. As you said, someone that knows how to verbalize what I may instinctively know is wrong but can’t fix–because I simply don’t have the experience or know-how. It took a while, but I finally found two editors that absolutely rock–each in her own style. And yes, a MS can never go out to them until it’s been polished, so I submit it to my writer’s group first, revise and rewrite, and *then* send it to the editor. Best system ever!
Thanks Guilie. How lucky you are to have found two editors whose perspective can enrich your work! Sounds like you have a foolproof system for making your manuscripts as good as they can be.
I don’t think you’re alone in feeling like you need professional help to take your writing to the next level. Nobody is good enough NOT to benefit from an editor. Happy writing!
I would love to have an editor as good as yours – perhaps you could post something on how to evaluate a ‘good’ editor vs. a ‘bad’ one (or one that’s not working out for you).
And I can vouch for not marrying an editor. It goes both ways – an editor should never marry a writer as well. My husband and I have tried to edit each other’s work, and more often than not you end up fighting and vowing never to do it again.
Of course, we go back to it again and again. I think I’m a little sadistic that way. Either that, or I’m just desperate for an editor! 🙂
Diane, this is a great idea for a post. I need to figure out the answer first, beyond just the instinctive feeling that “this is the right editor for me.” Food for thought! Thanks for giving me a question to ponder.
As for being married to your editor, I agree, it’s not recommended, except in desperate circumstances. 🙂 Maybe Erika’s post can help you find one outside the family!
I work through the manuscripts myself first, get feed-back from (carefully chosen) beta readers and then, yes, need a proper editor.
Every writer gets too close to their work. We see the pictures in our heads and don’t know if we’ve actually put them all down the way they should be. I find I skip things becuase to write it all down would be too long. I always have to go back and fill in — and cut other stuff that doesn’t matter. But until I get fresh eyes on the project, I can’t see it.
Neither can I, Deborah. The old saying about not being able to see the forest for the trees might apply…we’re just too much “in the middle” of our work to really be able to step outside and view the big picture effectively. It sounds like you have an excellent system, though, one I’m easing into as well.
Fantastic piece. “Empty spots” and identifying major themes is so important. And thanks for saying “they don’t proofread; they read.” I finally gave up professional editing work because 50% wanted nothing but proofreading and 40% wanted me to write the book for them. Only 10% had the slightest idea of what an editor does.
Thanks, Anne. This is an interesting point from an editor’s perspective– writers don’t always know what they’re looking for in an editor. It sounds like the majority of what you saw was people wanting either too little or too much! Maybe many writers feel they’re supposed to just figure it all out themselves. Little do they know…
I believe I’ve followed in your footsteps! I belong to a writing critique group, and while I love the folks I got such varied feedback. Only a few had halfway decent editing skills, but most of all I ended up harangued by a particular individuals pet peeve.
“Don’t have your character ask herself questions! EVER!”
“Never use a gerund!”
Then I started working with a real editor and I’m learning so much. I enjoy the camaraderie of the critique group, but I only visit now and then. I get more quality feedback and writing done with the editor.
Sounds familiar, Viv! I’m glad you found a good editor. The critique groups certainly have their place but it becomes difficult to balance people’s diverse perspectives with what YOU want for the piece. Once you find an editor you trust, all of that becomes much easier.
There is a period of clarity which extends from the point of publication to first responses where every error – every punctuation fail, each style malfunction, word and paragraph placement, every mistake (you believe) stands out clear as fire made especially live by your inability to change it. A good editor is an invaluable and irreplacible talent. Keep looking; they are worth it.
Beautifully written, Robert! There’s something about that transition from “draft” to “published piece” that truly magnifies every possible imperfection. Thank goodness for good editors who minimize the damage.
As a longtime children’s book editor and publisher and currently an editorial consultant, I want to thank you so much for your sensible, thoughtful, helpful, and smart post about the value of having an editor to help make your work the strongest it can be.
Thanks, Emma! I love editors and am happy to extol their virtues on this site. 🙂
What a wonderful homage to the editing process. As a senior editor, I strive to achieve what you describe. When I write, I hope to find the editor you describe – I cannot edit myself.
At a talk I gave last year, a writer asked what to do when an editor wants to change everything. I told him that there is an editor for every writer, and that you deserve someone who understands your objectives.
Now, that applies less when I’m editing “work for hire” and the buyer/publisher has specific criteria. That’s a whole other animal entirely.
Sometimes we editors have helpful suggestions, and sometimes we’ve misunderstood entirely. Either rework the passage or the editor.
What excellent advice. An editor can help clarify a writer’s visions if needed, but a writer with clear objectives shouldn’t have to compromise those. It’s true, there’s an editor for every writer…and finding the right one feels great. Work-for-hire writing is different indeed. I’ve found editors indispensable in both cases, though their role does change depending on the circumstance.
As an editor myself, I know that I try to do this with every piece I edit (from blog posts to academic essays to novels). It is important to go down the levels of editing so nothing is missed.
As a writer, I understand the value of an editor. I want an editor for my own work more than anything else because I know that I am way too close to the piece.
And having worked in a publishing house, I have seen brilliant editors in action–going as far as writing parts of the book themselves to make sure the book is good.
Editors are lifesavers. =)
Ellen, you’ve definitely seen both sides of the coin! I appreciate your point that no matter how much you edit other people’s work, you need a separate editor for your own. Otherwise there’s just no way to achieve that distance.
I’m an editor and even I need an editor when I’m writing! It’s always amazing what a second set of highly trained eyes can spot!
It really is! My eyes must just glaze over after reading my own work too often, because I’ve been shocked at what I’ve missed.
Great post! I recently had the opportunity to work with an editor for the first time in my life. And my article, after she edited it, went from okay to great. I loved the experience of working with an editor; especially since I believe I have found the right editor for me. I am so happy 🙂
Great post! I recently had the opportunity to work with an editor for the first time in my life. And my article, after she edited it, went from okay to great. I loved the experience of working with an editor; especially since I believe I have found the right editor for me. I am so happy 🙂
Great post! I recently had the opportunity to work with an editor for the first time in my life. And my article, after she edited it, went from okay to great. I loved the experience of working with an editor; especially since I believe I have found the right editor for me. I am so happy 🙂
Great post! I recently had the opportunity to work with an editor for the first time in my life. And my article, after she edited it, went from okay to great. I loved the experience of working with an editor; especially since I believe I have found the right editor for me. I am so happy 🙂
Oops! I’m sorry about the duplicates. I thought I was having trouble posting my comment but I can see now all of them went through. Sorry about that 🙂
No problem, Jennifer! I’m glad you’ve found a helpful editor. It really is such an individual decision. I’ve always thought it would be difficult to offer editorial advice while remaining true to each different writer’s writing style, but good editors certainly do!
Glad you found my post useful, Sarah! I certainly hope my experience can help other writers find the right editor for them 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Erika! Your post was great– very helpful for writers.
As an editor, I almost feel like this post is a compliment! Thanks for seeing our value, Sarah! And I have to say, you hit the nail on the head with what makes a great editor; you really must have analyzed yours.
I’ll be sure to pass this post on!
This post is DEFINITELY a compliment! Thanks for all the work you do as an editor, Lauren. Writers wouldn’t go far without people like you. I confess I did try to analyze mine a bit, just because I wanted to figure out why she was so darn good. Even though I identified the qualities I did, I’m not sure I could reproduce them. It’s an art!
This is such great information. I have worked for years as a freelance editor, but I’d never actually hired an editor for my own work until this year. It was one of the best investments I’ve ever made!
My best suggestion to other writers is to do everything they can think to make their manuscript as strong as possible, and then bring in the editor when they don’t know what else to do or when they need to ask professional opinions.
Thanks for the tips!
That’s an important tip, Melinda. Polishing the manuscript as much as possible first will help the editor and, by extension, the writer. I’m glad your experience with your editor was so positive!