Hope you had a refreshing weekend hiking through the woods or spring cleaning out your closets and attics, whatever your passion ;)
Today with us we have editor Ally E. Machate, to to talk about why fiction writers need editors. You know, that little something many of us balk at and yet, when it comes time to start sending out queries and sample chapters, we start to wonder, "maybe I should..."
As someone who has bit the bullet and become a better writer for it, check out Ally's four reasons why...
4 Reasons Why Fiction Writers Need Editors
by guest editor Ally E. Machate
You’ve slaved over your manuscript, and now it’s time to edit. You could do it yourself, but with rare exception this would be a mistake. Here are four reasons why fiction writers need editors:
- Your brain is working against you. It's impossible for the brain to be 100% objective about its own creations. Have you ever thought you said something, only to have your listener tell you the words coming out of your mouth were different? Likewise, when we read, our brains often fool us by filling in missing words and processing misspellings or incorrect punctuation, reading what it knows should be on the page rather than what's actually there.
- You know too much. Technical errors aside, there are other aspects of your manuscript that may not be as obvious to readers as they are to you. As the author, you know what you meant and how you want readers to feel about it. Your perspective is more informed than your audience's; that knowledge further hinders your objectivity.
- Your friends and family are lying. Though you’ll get better results if you choose test or “beta” readers representing your target audience, it’s human nature to be kind when doing a favor for someone; readers (especially loved ones) may not be 100% honest or they may emphasize what they liked, downplaying or omitting what they didn’t. They may also not be capable of fully articulating weaknesses. An experienced editor will be much more analytical, identifying problems and offering suggestions on how to fix them.
- Editing requires more than good grammar. Each kind of editing requires different, though sometimes overlapping, skill sets. Good grammar and a sharp eye for punctuation are strong advantages, but not equal to working with an editor, who should also aid with “big picture” issues. The reverse is likewise true. [Check out my article explaining different types of editors here.]
If you can’t hire someone, get at least one critical person not obligated to be nice to you to edit your book: no spouses, siblings, parents, or best friends. Fellow writers make excellent critiquers: one great partner can work, but I recommend critique groups because you get a wealth of feedback at once. Of course, other writers will be harder on you than the average reader—but that's the point! A reader may not be engaged by your characters or excited by the romantic tension, but won't know why. They just won't love the book. However, like a pro editor, a fellow writer will show you why something isn't working, and will have suggestions on how to give your characters authenticity or how to better cultivate tension. And if you’re submitting, remember: industry gatekeepers are tougher than average readers, too.
It may take a while for a crit group to make its way through your manuscript, but if you have the time (and don’t have the money), this is an excellent alternative to hiring a professional. And I encourage you to try a critique group even if you do intend to hire someone! You want to give your book its best chance at success in a world where millions of new books are published each year, and millions more are rejected. A good editor, whether a pro or a skilled writing partner, can make all the difference.
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| Ally E. Machate |
