Do I Need An Editor? - by Judy L. Murray

I am asked this question frequently. My opinion is an emphatic yes. But it is advice newer writers often resist. Why? Sir Arthur Conon Doyle through Sherlock Holmes said, “You see, but you do not observe.” That’s a brilliant deduction.

Much of it is our human nature. You dive into a storyline you believe exhibits your special talent and originality. Without that self-confidence, a writer, new or experienced, seldom finishes the project. But I’ve learned rather quickly that my developmental editor is invaluable. I may wince as I run my eyes down the summary. At the same time I rejoice in knowing that the little niggling in the back of my mind of loopholes, missed opportunities, and enhancements I ignored until now just got validated by my editor.

Here is the advice of two very successful authors:

Lisa Scottoline is a #1 Bestselling Author, The New York Times bestselling author and Edgar award-winning author of 36 novels. She says: "Get it down, then get it good.” Lisa believes in working with an editor. “Acknowledge that editing is a crucial process, not an attack on your work…Be open to feedback.” Lisa says willingness to receive critique is a key part of the process. “Trust your experts.” Editors have specific skills that enhance your writing. Find someone you trust and work through the editing process together.

Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of 16 psychological thrillers, a five-time Agatha and Anthony Award winner, and the recipient of the Mary Higgins Clark Award, is also an Emmy-winning investigative reporter. She tells her story of enduring editorial feedback when working on her first novel. Editor Ann Leslie Tuttle at Harlequin initially found the manuscript "too light" but later called Ryan’s agent to express her interest in the memorable plot. One of Ryan’s initial problems was her first draft manuscript. Printed out, it was 723 pages long—a five- or six-inch stack of paper. Ryan was asked to rewrite the entire novel with a more serious tone, which she did in about a month. “I edited relentlessly. Took out everything that was repetitive, unoriginal, overwritten. …I wouldn’t be in the place I am today had Ann Leslie not seen a hidden talent that she encouraged and nurtured so that I could write the best book possible.”

Still not convinced you need a professional’s, not a best friend’s, advice before self-publishing or submitting? Consider these points: • An editor identifies gaps in the narrative • Refines the overall structure • Sharpens the central message • Adds clarity and polish; Protects the writer’s unique voice • Pinpoints a writer’s recurring stylistic weaknesses from passive voice to overused words

We may hire an editor for the developmental edit stage before we submit to a literary agent or publisher. We may hire an editor before we choose the self-publishing option. Regardless, make hiring a professional editor part of your commitment to produce the best you can. Later, you’ll sit back, hold that final manuscript in your hands and be proud. Very, very proud.

Writers, do you have a for instance in using an editor you would like to mention?

Judy

Judy L. Murray, author of the award winning Chesapeake Bay Mystery Series Illustration-Sidney Paiget public archives