Is the Writer or the Book More Important?

Is the author or the book more important to a developmental editor?

Some writers (example) may tell you that the editor must care more about your book than about you.

As an editor, I know that's not true. My job is to help you become a better writer, and that's a long game.

If I tear your book to shreds, who does that help? You may be the rare writer who loves that, thrives on it, and will pull your work together to be brighter than the sun. Those authors exist, but this isn't true for most of us.

Many of us have delicate tendrils of feeling running all through our work, and an axe-wielding editor feels like a nightmare. And what do you want to do in a nightmare? Run, freeze, freak out, self-abandon?

Why would I want that for you, writer?

Instead, I want to nurture and water the sprouts of goodness. I want to help you love the work and make more. You can't do that if I'm a jerk about it! You've entrusted me with a wonderful thing humans can do, and I want to help you celebrate, while still helping you progress in your writing skills.

For Indie authors, the role of a developmental editor is in the same family as story coaches and agents for traditional industry writers. We must be your champions while we help you build a better story.

How do I champion your writing as your editor?

Step One:

First, I must find all the parts of your work I love. If I can't do that, we shouldn't work together, because it would be unhelpful to either of us. This isn't personal! An acquaintance of mine rejected Harry Potter from the slush pile – and weird politics aside, we know how that went. Was the person who rejected the story wrong? No! It wasn't right for them. It was very right for others.

Step Two:

I'm doing a second read-through and noting significant aspects, including characters, plot lines, locations, and any major stylistic gaps I see.

Step Three:

On the third read-through, I drill down on some of the problem areas, but also (this is important!), this tends to be when I see what is truly strong and unique about your story.

Step Four:

Build a summary letter highlighting two to three areas where you excel. Keep and nourish those aspects, because I will also highlight three to four areas where you need development. Those can be on the level of character, genre, plot points/structure, and setting.

Yes, there are likely more development areas than those of excellence. That's why you hired the developmental editor. In all honesty, how many of us have ever written something that flies right out of the nest?