Last week, I shared a few thoughts on how I edit manuscripts very little, if at all. But rest assured, when you work with me, you are not alone.
Using definitions of different types of editing offered by Steve Laube, I’ll explain my process over the next two blog posts.
If developmental editing, that means someone “fixing” the story.
Like most writers, I call this “brainstorming” with authors. When an author’s been working with me for some time, I’m always happy to help them get unstuck. How to move the plot forward? What should happen? When and why? During this process, I’ll always, always, always say that the author never has to take my suggestions. And I mean that. In fact, I often hope they don’t because I’m thinking out loud. Not every recommendation would work, no matter what. Yet even the nuttiest ideas can make an author think–of something better!
As for new submissions, the most common change I tend to suggest is to bring the conflict to the forefront early. Readers want to know what will get them interested and keep them intrigued with the plot. We want to enthrall them early and keep them with the story until the end!
If copy editing, that means someone “fixing” the grammar.
Since most authors have access to both free and paid grammar computer programs, grammar worries should be minor. However, since no author is immune from the occasional grammar error, typos, corrections that didn’t take, or computer glitches, the copy edit is necessary. Also, consider that style guides can vary from publisher to publisher, so two ways of approaching, for example, commas, can be correct. The wise author understands the publisher’s guidelines rule.
Next time, we’ll talk about the fascinating world of line editing!
Building Your Platform Without Becoming a Narcissist
I guess God is in the editing business, too.
And yesterday the plot was changed,
a literal bloodletting
in organs now so disarranged…
is this what’s called Dev Editing?
And my grammar’s diff’rent too,
words are spoken with more care,
respecting that which I’ve gone through;
am I still here, or am I There,
dead but called to higher days,
transition that I somehow missed
along the bleedout’s paths and ways
that brought me with a happy twist
to blindly vault bright Heaven’s fence,
and would I know the difference?
Andrew, you are making everyone cry. What a touching poem. Thank you!
Thank you, Tamela.
The bleeding won’t stop, but I have a DNR.
That’s something, though I didn’t expect God to call and raise quite so soon.
But, hey! Life is still good, and maybe I’ll get through.
One more time!
Andrew,
I need you to know I care. I am sorry for what you are going through. I appreciate you and your poetry.
Prayers,
🌸Robyn
Robyn, thank you so much for your care, and for your prayers.
Andrew,
You, through your sonnets, I’m sure have become a part of many lives in this group besides mine. Today my beloved husband of 54 years received a diagnosis we did not want, and your words have become an even more personal blessing.
Linda, I’m so sorry to hear that. I am praying for strength, healing, and wisdom for you.
Love your touching poetry Adrew. I pray your pain lessens!
Claire, thank you so much.
God is here. All is well.
Great info, Tamela! Thanks for so clearly defining the difference.
Steve gave me tons of advice which I read and did implement because well… it made 100% sense. My editor now has a bullwhip long enough to reach Oregon from North Carolina. She now works with Elk Lake Publishing but has been cracking that whip since I started writing back in 2012. She is a developmental, line editor, copyeditor, proofer. She also has a long history of a head labrat back east and so when I made a mistake(s) there we dueled through the issues. I love my editor (and fear that bullwhip too…). She makes me look like English is my first language!
Thank you, Tamela. I always learn when I read your posts.
Thank you for the free education you give all of us who follow the Steve Laube Agency postings! You are appreciated so very much!
Thank you, Tamela. I like your analogy between developmental editing and brainstorming. I had not thought of it in that way, but it makes perfect sense. 🙂
Thanks also to Andrew for his moving poetry. I appreciate you, Andrew. You are a blessing!
It’s amazing how brainstorming, especially with a partner, can unlock the deeper, better ideas. It’s almost never the first thought that sticks in those moments, but it can feel silly to play the game. So glad your clients have you to piggy back off of.