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Longtime author, editor, and publisher, Mark Gilroy, shares three simple secrets to help writers work most effectively with editors. Simple enough for novice authors - with some insights that will help the most experienced of writers.
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3Secrets of Working
With an Editor
A PRESENTATION FOR AUTHORS AND OTHER CREATIVES
BOOK CONSUMER COMPLAINT
Too many writers.Not enough editors.
The self-publishing movement is great
but without great editorial …
TYPOSBAD GRAMMAR
INCONSISTENCIESINCONGRUITIES
ABOUND!
Whether working with a publisher or self-
publishing, even the most meticulous and
talented writer needs a good editor.
Great Editorial Delivers 3 Cs
CONSISTENCYCLARITY
CORRECTNESS
Secret #1
PICK THE RIGHT EDITOR
If the decision is yours, make sure to hire an editor
who knows your book’s category (and subcategory).
Do you really want your romance author friend to edit your book of political
essays?
Some professional editors can cut across fiction and nonfiction lines and handle many subcategories – but better to find someone with knowledge and experience in
your genre.
After you select the right editor your task will be to trust that
editor!
If the decision is NOT yours, ask for a short list of books the editor has previously worked on. Do some spot reading to discover more
about who you are going to work with.
Secret #2
DEVELOP A STYLE SHEET
A Style Sheet is a short document that
communicates your vision for the work – and itemizes
some rules for handling your style and content.
A Style Sheet lists what is unique in your manuscript. It
highlights details and specifics that are easy to get
wrong.
Examples
NAMES WITH CHARACTER
DESCRIPTIONS
PLACES BOTH REAL AND IMAGINARY
DATES AND OTHER TIME ELEMENTS
SLANG | IDIOMS | “FOREIGN” PHRASES
CULTURAL REFERENCES
WRITING RULES YOU BROKE (AND
WHY)
“Isn’t this a lot of work?”
YES
“If I do this will my publisher and editor finally understand and
always comply with how I want things done?”
NO
The publishing process is filled with redundancies. By design. The extra sets of eyes and hands on a manuscript improve consistency,
correctness, and clarity.
A GOOD EDITOR CAN SAVE YOU FROM AN IDEA OR
APPROACH IN YOUR WRITING THAT MAKES
SENSE TO NO ONE ELSE BUT YOU.
A style sheet isn’t just for your editor. It is a great
reference tool to help you as you write.
Many publishers have a “house” Style Guide.
ASK FOR A COPY
This gives your editor time to focus on improving quality, not
just fixing problems.
Secret #3
RESPECT YOUR NEED FOR EDITORIAL INPUT
This doesn’t mean you have to agree with every mark and
correction. But if your way is better every time, it might be a warning sign that you are difficult – not that the editor is
bad!
Believe in your writing. Protect your voice and style.
But respect your editor – and your reader too. Readers will lose respect for your writing
(even if it has flashes of brilliance) if it is not …
CONSISTENTCLEAR
CORRECT
Connect With Mark GilroyBlog www.markgilroy.com
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© Mark Gilroy Creative LLC