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

Fresh Brown Eggs for Sale by Judy L Murray

The devil is in the details. Edit, tweak, rewrite, enhance. When you approach the final version of your mystery you might feel a bit like a gerbil on a wheel. Are we ever finished? Wrapping up Villian in the Vineyard, this fourth book in a series, I obsess once again about fresh ways to reintroduce my setting and characters for returning readers. How can we use that age-old advice for writers – show, don’t tell? How do I engage my readers and not bore them with repetition?

Last week I attended a women’s group meeting at a local restaurant in the center of North East, Maryland, where I live. I left the restaurant about eight o’clock. It was dark. Street lights and the occasional headlights led the way as I strolled down the street toward my parked car. The air was that crisp, faint chill of early Fall. I enjoy these short but quiet moments by myself. Like many of you, daily life is all too often filled with hustle bustle and extra noise. These moments give me a chance to drop my shoulders and lengthen my stride. I look around, hesitating in front of shop windows, watching diners coming and going.

Given that my mystery series is set in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay, I often find these infrequent strolls surprisingly valuable. They’re an important part of bringing my setting or characters to life. They help me turn this village into a strong character of its own. And as often as I’ve walked these few short blocks, I find new village details can pop out in front of me with what I call opportunities to ‘refresh’.

My formal education was as a newspaper journalist. You know the mantra – Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. Back in the days when we were trained to report not opinionate. So I’d say my attenuator for details comes in handy.

The setting for my fictional Port Anne centers around a very old village that is experiencing ‘times that are a changing’. The century old work of fishermen, crabbers, farmers, and shop keepers mingle with new money discovering, perhaps encroaching, on a lovely spot for big new houses and fancier goods.

Which leads me to my latest observation, a small appliance store right on Main Street that has been in existence since 1955, Logan’s Appliance Store. I’ve walked by many, many times. Do I wonder how it competes with the big box stores a mile down the road? I do. Is it country charm and old-time service that overcomes more competitive pricing and zero financing?

Take a closer look at my photos of their shop window. It's certainly not glitzy.

Now notice a small, printed cardboard sign tucked in the window next to a fancy new front-end washer and a washing machine dating back to the fifties.

The little sign reads “Fresh Brown Eggs for Sale – From Free Range Chickens”. Can sign provide readers a rare sense of place?

You can bet I’ll be injecting this detail into my fourth introduction of Port Anne. It shows, not tells, much about this burgeoning town in a different, non-repetitive way.

Writers, what helps you keep your series fresh? Have my thoughts helped you become even more observant? I’d love to hear your illustrations.

Warm regards and Happy Thanksgiving, Judy