It's almost Thanksgiving and already my mind is shot. I have been editing for clients and thinking about opportunities. Yes, other writers trust me enough to pay me to edit their Indie books. Any idea why?
I think it's because I don't like to mess with a writer's voice or style or rhythm. So what do I do?
1. I suggest corrections for grammatical errors. Yes, I know dialogue and introspection aren't always grammatically correct. However, I'd like to give my writers the chance to make both clear and sharp and effective. Do I leave fragments in scenes? Of course I do, just not a lot of them. I have even added a few fragments.
2. I correct punctuation. Yes, there are rules, and a misplaced comma can make a BIG difference in meaning.
3. I add emotion and impact to scenes to engage readers without changing the tone the writer has set.
4. I let my writers know when I get lost in their scenes or moving from scene to scene and suggest ways to transition or fill in blanks.
5. I use each writer's words as much as I can and delete extra words that dilute the effect of a sentence.
6. I do let my writers know if actions, dialogue, or emotions don't make sense and I make suggestions.
7. I do try to read each manuscript at least twice so I can find typos and spelling errors.
As long as I work for my writers and for myself I have options and control of what I say and do. Now about those folks who wonder how an editor can miss a spelling error or three.
What would you want an editor to do for you? The secret is still a secret for this week.
Haunting Refrain is still free on Amazon for Wednesday. Go get it!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I want my editor to know a lot more then me! LOL and my critique group too!
An extra eye is always great, but, I want someone smarter then I am to find my big errors!!!
Mary, I totally understand why people pay you to edit. Your ability to find errors and make suggestions is a gift from God. As one of your critique partners, I know this firsthand. My commas would be all over the place without you. LOL. As for what I want in and editor, well, I want an editor who believes in my talent and is willing to help me perfect my craft.
Mary, dies that mean you trust your editor?
Pam, you always make me feel good! Sometimes editors make so many changes we wonder what they did like. Why take a fresh new voice and take out the things that make it fresh?
OOPS, see above error. Does Mary R trust her editor in all things?
MM,
I'm not surprised that you are an amazing editor. And, a belated thank you for your free promotion.