You’ve written the book. You’ve rewritten the book. Eight times. You’ve had a friend go over it for typos and grammar gaffs. As near perfect as you can make it, you send it to your editor, right on time. Then you wait (and wait) to hear those legal words, “acceptable manuscript” so the publisher can release the next part of your advance.
So… what’s missing here? The edit. In between submitting your manuscript and having it accepted, it must be edited.
There have been several blogs here at Books & Such on the different kinds of edits– the substantive edit, the copy edit, proofreading and the editing process in general. Instead, let’s talk here about the emotional aspect of the edit process.
“I just received my edit. I’m going to quit writing.” Believe it or not, this is the normal first response of almost every writer on getting the edits. You’ve heard it hundreds of times. Firstly, skim over the edit. Secondly, put it down. Thirdly, enjoy your weekend and then, finally, tackle it with refreshed eyes. It’s part of the work of writing.
“I just received the best edit of my career. . ..” This is often what we hear when the author has received a manuscript back with only a handful of changes. Is this a good edit? Maybe. If the writer has already painstaking rewritten until the book is in the best shape it could possibly attain. Rare, but possible. It usually means, however, that the editor has been pushed to the wall and did the best he could with the time allotted.
“I can’t believe it. I got a twenty-two page edit letter. And I thought the book was good.” This probably means the book was good and the editor invested her time into polishing it to perfection. This can be a real gift to the writer and to the eventual reader. But don’t be afraid to question any edits with which you disagree.
“This is not my first book. I figured I was long past a hard edit by now.” A writer is never beyond a thorough edit. We all have blind spots, and it helps for someone to guide us over these. We’ve all read a book by a bestselling author that disappointed. We imagine an editor was strong-armed into a light edit.
“The editor has sanitized my voice from the book.” This happens. An over-zealous editor cleans up colloquialisms and intentional grammar departures and strips the very art out of the manuscript. However, it can mean that the editor has taken out overuse of voice and regional quirks that take away from the story. When voice issues crop up, you need an experienced eye. It’s time to schedule a meeting with your agent.
“I just read my author’s copy of the printed book and was shocked to find some major changes undertaken after the last edit.” This is not okay. Time to schedule that meeting with your agent.
Editing is like the difference between a builder-designed house and an architect-designed house. The builder house may be just fine, but the architect can take that design and suggest subtle changes that improve the flow and look of the house. It’s that gifted set of eyes that can make the house (or the book) sing.
This is about emotions, and no emotion is wrong. It’s often a struggle between emotions and what we know. So, tell us, how do you feel about edits?
Remembering
Wendy, thank you for succinctly outlining the editing process. Most helpful!
Lovely. 🙂
I am wrapped up in my own book. Every single word makes perfect sense to me.
How likely is it that every single word is perfect? Zilch. The editor, I’m sure, is more accurately tuned to probable readers and can hone in on potential misunderstandings, misinterpretations and confusion. Yes, I write to a well-defined imaginary audience, but let’s face it–they are figments of my imperfect imagination.
Oh how it pains me to admit I’m not perfect! One would think that after raising four kids, I’d have gotten over it by now. –sigh– I have not.
I love them. It’s just fun to work with someone who knows and understands my book with a slight different and more experienced eye.
Edits are essential. I am in awe of editors, who can guide a writer to bring a manuscript to completion. Joining a crit group has toughened my emotions. I realized they are “for” me, not against me. Editors are for us, not against us. I appreciate my published friends who share about this editing aspect … how they initially crumble at the feedback, but they soon get to work, remembering and rolling with the true blessing: the manuscript is actually in the publisher’s hands.
I understand the edits,
but your reasoning was flawed
and does not do you credit;
this is dictation straight from God.
I am but His scrivener,
the wielder of a faithful pen,
and you have become dinner,
now served within the Lion’s den,
for He will not take kindly
to the change for which you ask,
the deaf proceeding blindly
upon apostate’s path.
Renounce the red pen on your knees,
for it is Him who you must please!
Andrew, you’re funny. 🙂 Thank you for making me laugh.
Blessings.
Yes to these words of yours, Wendy: “It’s that gifted set of eyes that can make the house (or the book) sing.”
Without the input of editors, the writer’s words will sag.
I felt awful when I first got edits back from a more experienced writer who helped me get a short story ready for an anthology. But she was not only good at editing, she was gracious. And her graciousness made it easier for me to see and agree with her wise advice. I hope to have an editor like her when the time comes for me to have a manuscript edited. If not, I’ll stock up on tissues. A good cry never hurt anyone. 🙂
I found your suggestion to talk to one’s agent in times of doubt comforting. It’s another good reason to seek representation for the publishing journey.
Blessings ~ Wendy Mac
Wendy Mac, graciousness is gold. I also appreciate when an experienced writer offers a suggestion of a possible path forward. One idea can unleash a whole field of opportunity. And it does seem at those breaking points, the way becomes clear (“a good cry never hurt anyone”). 🙂
My first reaction is pain and confusion and being overwhelmed. How can I possibly make these changes? Then I put it away and go on a walk and feed my kids and listen to them arguing about how the zombie apocalypse will arrive … and ideas begin to come. When I sit down next, it feels possible. The next time, it is possible!