5 Reasons Why It's Important to Take an Editor's Advice
by Alycia Morales
One of the most frustrating things for an editor is when
they advise a client on any particular issue, and the client fights tooth and
nail against that advice. It’s like a Christian asking their pastor for counsel
and then ignoring every instruction he gave, thinking they knew better.
Remember Naaman? The leper? He desired healing, yet when
Elisha told him to take a dip in the Jordan River seven times, he balked. “Why
the filthy Jordan? Why not the rivers of Damascus?” Naaman expected something
grand, but God simply wanted him to wash and be clean. In the Jordan. Naaman became
enraged and stormed off, refusing to do what God’s prophet told him. Until his
servant came and persuaded him to do as he was told and receive his healing. Obedience is always better than sacrifice.
Here are 5 reasons why it’s important to take an editor’s
advice:
1. Editors are professionals in the writing business. We
understand what publishing houses and agents are looking for. If they’re like Andrea
and me, they may edit for a publishing house and know a few people who have the
power to accept or reject your manuscript. It’s a good idea to heed our advice.
2. Editors are trained in the art of writing. We know the elements
that make a good story. We understand grammar and craft and more. When you
submit a manuscript for editing, don’t be a rebellious student. Learn from your
editor.
3. Editors can pull your story out of you. There have been more
times than I can count when I’ve had an appointment with a writer or worked on
a writer’s manuscript and have taken an idea or a half-baked plot and helped
the writer discover their story. Allow your editor to help you brainstorm until
your manuscript goes from not-so-good to great.
4. Editors know the amount of work it takes to create a story
no one will be able to put down. If we tell you that your novel needs more
work, it needs more work. If we tell you it isn’t ready to be presented to a
pub house editor or agent, it’s not. Don’t try to shortcut the process. That
will only leave you clinging to your manuscript, wishing you’d listened the
first time. Put in the effort. Do the work. You’ll have a much better chance of
publication if you do.
Photo Courtesy of Mary Denman Photography |
Wouldn’t you rather have a clean manuscript that will catch a gatekeeper’s attention than have one that will sit in the slush pile until the publishing house editor or agent has the time to send you a rejection letter?
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What other reasons can you give as to why it would be important to take an editor’s advice?
Thank you Andrea and Alycia for sharing your practical knowledge and your wisdom with your fellow writers and editors. Your blog is not only informative, but an encouragement as well. You will make a difference in the quality of a writer's work. Blessings to you both.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Carol! Your words of encouragement are equally important to us as well. We appreciate you hanging out with us here. Blessings to you too.
DeleteI'm so glad and thankful I found your blog. I feel like my editor is a comrade in arms, someone to help me battle my way through this complicated and intimidating industry. I appreciate all that y'all do. Blessings on this new work.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol and Nan, for stopping by. We love what we do, and we hope this new blog will be a blessing and encouragement to writers. We plan to offer all sorts of writing and editing tips, as well as guest blog posts from other editing professionals. Watch for words of wisdom from Ann Tatlock on May 12th.
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ReplyDeleteAndrea,
ReplyDeleteAs a magazine editor, I find that if a writer is willing to take suggestions, I'm more than happy to spend time with them making their piece print-worthy. If a writer fights me, that's usually the last time they write for me. When Red Pen Discouragement threatens, it helps to remember that an editor's job is to make her writers look good. Congrats on the blog, and keep up the good work!
You're right, Lori . . . our job as editors is to help our authors/clients produce the best work possible. Thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging words.
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