Editing

Lets talk about this portion of the writing world.

What is it? Many have the misconception that it's an option feature when writing. However, if you believe that, you're wrong.

Editing is very important. You've seen those comments/posts/pictures of how important commas are.

Lets eat, Grandma. = Lets eat Grandma.

I helped Uncle Jack off a horse. = I helped Uncle jack off a horse.

A bit of a difference, eh? In our mind, both sentences mean the same thing. We know what we're trying to convey along with the reader knowing what you're trying to say. However, not all readers are like that. Plus, it'll make the reader stop and question, what were you thinking when writing and if they want to read anymore.

But, editing is so expensive. Duh!? I hear a lot of authors complain about the cost but yet they don't understand why there are bad reviews, or their work's not selling. Amazon gives you a free sneak peek at the first chapter or several pages, or something like that. I read one to where half the page was nothing but a long run on sentence. Literally. There were no periods.

You need a good editor to help you with the things you missed. Oh, wait, I forgot you're perfect. *Rolls eyes* Get over it. We all do it. Me, included. You've read your work 495947372 times. You KNOW what you're trying to say. Does anyone else? And for those that go by friends and family, (who are 'supportive') sorry, no dice. They're not going to tell you, 'it's crap, but it has potential'. They know it's going to hurt your feelings. They're going to put on a fake smile, nod and say how good it is.

My friends laugh. "This shit is horrible! What the fuck were you trying to say?" AND they let me know exactly where the problem is. You have to be very careful of your 'support' group. I've had friends come back and said they couldn't get past the first chapter. It wasn't their cup of tea. The fact they tried for me, I respect that. I respect them more by them being honest. They could have said they 'read' my work and called it great. But, they didn't. Again, be careful of your support group. They may think they're 'helping'. When in reality, they're doing more harm than good.

I understand the cost for editing is expensive. Plus there are so many different types out there. I went through literally over 50 editors. Literally. Even when I had a "traditional" publisher, I still had to find and pay for my own editing. (We'll cover that under different publishing styles, later) I highly recommend going with one that will read your story for flow and make the correct grammar. I know they say to have two editors. One for flow and one for grammar. The one for grammar is going to read the story anyways. In my opinion, now, remember we each have our own. But, I do like having one editor concentrating on both. Again, depends on your editor.

I had one editor critique everything out my work. Nothing wrong with it. I welcomed it. To a point. They came in the middle of one of my sagas. They didn't understand what was going on. Questioning everything. I received so many emails on them telling me how to write. I ignored them. It got worse. Now, I do a lot of research when it comes to certain parts of my books. I try to stay as accurate as possible. (In many ways) Again, remember it's fiction. If you're writing fiction, it's not all supposed to make sense.

Harry Potter? (Yes, I did enjoy the movies.) Do you think Hogwarts is real? It could be classifying it as a different realm, which many do believe in.
Twilight? Really? The only thing I liked about Twilight is how she gave a new spin to something that's been written about. (Though, the glittery vampires was a bit out there)

I compare the two a lot. Only because it's the two that everyone knows. They either love it or hate them. Even the advanced well known authors critique the two. Harry Potter, does what he needs to do. Bella, just wants to get laid and will do anything to achieve that. Sorry, it's true. When reading/watching you, are the reader/watcher, depends on your view when doing so. If you're reading/watching to get lost in the story, then they both succeeded. If you're reading/watching as if it could actually happen, then they both failed. But, they are fiction. Fiction is mean for you to get lost in. Only 'wishing' something stupid like that could actually happen. I classify Harry Potter with Sabrina the Teenage Witch. If you've never seen Sabrina - watch the movie or the first couple shows and you'll understand.

Okay, back at the topic at hand. Two very well advanced authors, which both have advanced editors behind them. However, you'll still hear people complain about mistakes found in the books. No one is perfect and each editor has their own style. Especially, in the longer novels. I'm not saying it's an excuse, but come on, if we were all perfect, you wouldn't need an editor. There, case in point.

There are a lot of articles about where to find cheap editors. Even where to find a mass selection of editors, period. There are websites booming with people thinking they're editors. All because they find one mistake in a book, they know what they're doing. I can edit my own books. If I let them sit there for years and forget about them. But, that's not how I write. I want to write, and pass it along to my editor.

I have a FANTASTIC editor. Going through 50+ editors, I've learned a thing or two about finding the right one. At first, I wanted someone who understood my work. Eh. Big mistake. Then, I wanted someone who hated my work. (Applying the 'if they hate it, they'll concentrate on it more') You know like singers who pick their bouncers that hate their music? So they're paying attention to the screaming fans instead of them. That was also a big mistake. Finding a happy medium, that's the hard part. One that likes your work, but also willing to put wanting to read for fun, aside. (At that moment, anyways)

If you're anything like me, you write different genre. My editor can edit all my work. She'll be honest and say she didn't like a story or two of mine. But, that's okay. I know everything I write, she's not going to like.

So, where do you find an awesome editor?
Friends? Sure. Right after I found my current editor, my friends (which, we never mix work and fun, if it wasn't mixed before) were about to jump in and say, give me that damn manuscript.
Family? Sure. Though, I wouldn't trust that unless they knew what they were doing. Then you go into mixing business with pleasure. This one I do hold true to.
Websites? Such as guru.com? That's where I found one. She was more content than grammar. You'll receive a lot of negative responses, depending on how much you can afford. Work is not always guaranteed.

Tips on finding the best editor. Give them only a couple of pages. Not the entire manuscript. (I made that mistake more than once) Live and learn lesson. If you have a deadline, depending on the deadline, you're paying for more. Think of it as express shipping. You always pay more for that.

Becomes friends with your editor. If you can. That way your editor isn't running to you every two minutes. (I'll also go through the warnings on editors under the publishing blog, when I get there) I love my editor. I consider her my sister. Though, we're really not blood related.

Where to find an editor. You can use guru.com. I used them in the beginning. You've probably heard of craigslist. Also, try local colleges. There are a lot of students wanting/willing to work for next to nothing to add to their portfolio.

The first time around, I spent so much money on editors who didn't do a damn thing. They had the manuscript for months. When I questioned they said something came up. Ugh!? I wasn't looking for overnight or anything. But, a year later and no work done, and several rounds of that, quite frustrating. One thing to learn, not everyone is honest. Duh, right? Well, I give everyone a chance. Yeah, my mistake. Never pay upfront. Yes, pay them something. But, until and unless you have an established rep-or with them - don't expect to see your manuscript, them, or your money - ever again.

Where did I find mine? I find mine on Craigslist. This is just me personally. You may have different views. I found one who loves to read. It's best if they want to work from home. Someone on SSD or doesn't need to work and is wanting to do it for fun. They'll be able to give your manuscript more time and attention. I'm not saying that someone who has a full time job, or is in high demand is any worse. But, if you can only pay what you can pay, the editor will set yours aside for the one that makes more money. Not fair or right. But what would you do? You're no different than them.

I tried the local college bit. It was a hit and miss. The problem I had, they had student loans to pay (so does the rest of us) so they were wanting more than the one who has 10+ experience doing this, already. They think they're going to get rich and quick. Ah-hem, some need a reality check. We're not called starving artists for a reason. The ones who were willing to do it, thought they were the best. Oh, yeah, they were, when I set up an appointment to meet them, they never showed.

For the editors, we (well, I) know it's time consuming. This is for the writers as well. There are many writers out there with only one manuscript. Remember, bulk is sometimes cheaper, for the writer. If you have one manuscript, be prepared to pay more than if you have several.

I went through three editors in my first saga. Words of wisdom - if you have more than two books in your series/saga, try to stay with the same editor. Makes it so much easier. Trust me. They're already familiar with the plot, the character growth and not questioning every little detail. To where since they've been with the series/saga, they know if the character is supposed to say something, do something, and what-not. Plus, the style stays the same and is consistent.

Remember writing is an art. Editing is an art. Drawing is an art. If people could replicate Picasso, don't you think they would? Again, remember, it doesn't mean that the next artist is horrible. They each have their own style.

If you're not prepared to pay, (either in royalties, cash, barter whatever), get out of writing and find a new career. Why should your employer pay you, then? Trust me, if I ever do make it big, my first royalty check is gone. It's the least I can do for those that help me. (Plus it wasn't money I had before and I wouldn't have had it if it wasn't for them)

In this world, you have to treat others on how you want to be treated. If you're going to use and abuse everyone, then be prepared to have no one there when you need them. I would not be where I am today; without my support group.

Editing is the most important thing in writing. If readers don't know what you're trying to say, then they're going to grow bored and move onto another book/author. Editing is an investment. Plain and simple. You put money into the stock market in hope for a gain. Why wouldn't you do that with your manuscript. That is your stock. Make sure you're investing wisely.