Interview with an Editor: Part 2

Today’s post is an interview with a friend that I tricked convinced to edit for me. She won’t be editing THIS for me so if you see any missteaks, I’m to blame. Her name is Katie... and since my lady is also Katie, I’ll refer to her as “Other Katie”… because we’re ridiculous.

BC Watts: When do you enjoy editing?

Other Katie: I'm more of a day person so during the day is when I get most of my editing done. I most enjoy editing when I am not the only one in the document working on it.

BC Watts: When do you LEAST enjoy editing?

Other Katie: I least enjoy editing under pressure. Personally, I don't do well with conflict so great amounts of pressure, no matter where it is coming from flips me into shutdown mode. This is something that I am actively working on to resolve within myself in all areas of my life, because editing is not the only aspect of my life this is an issue in.

BC Watts: Have you ever said ‘no’ to a manuscript, and if so, why?

Other Katie: I have actually said no to several manuscripts. The reasons vary greatly. Most actually started out as a beta reading gig and I was asked to do full edits, only one or two started out as potential editing gigs.

The first was a new author, like you, they had an amazing plot and feel to the story, however, the sample I read was extremely raw and very difficult to get through. I provided them with feedback and they took it very well.

The most recent was a veteran author that wanted very little editing done, more of a polish, unfortunately, the sample provided indicated they needed more than just a polish. The work needed would have, in my opinion, taken a lot longer than the turnaround they needed.

Some things to remember as a writer, when you approach an editor, is that we are there to make tough decisions for you and none of those suggestions/decisions should be taken as a slap in the face... unless the editor you approach is an ass and cares nothing for your work.... A good editor is someone who is just as invested in your work as you are, they should see and understand your vision, and want to bring your dreams to reality.

BC Watts: Is there anything, about "Vision of a Kingdom's Fall" that stands out amongst the other works you've edited?

Other Katie: I have only worked with one other author/writer (I only add this because of you... lol). Your visions and worlds are very different. You are both amazing authors, where your world is fantasy and pretty much built from scratch, their world is pretty much present-day earth. The biggest stand-out is the vivid world you paint for the reader, which is needed in a world not our own. Through the eyes of your characters, we get a sense of the world you see when you tell their stories.

BC Watts: You said you're down to perform an edit of "Rousing Dragons." Is there anything you're looking forward to in the next books of my series?

Other Katie: I look forward to it all. Mostly I'm looking forward to seeing how your writing style has matured. Yes, I just said that...

BC Watts: Thanks! I really appreciate that! I hope the readers will agree! What type of edit is the most suited to you? (structural/developmental, copy edit, line edit, proofread,)

Other Katie: I am not a traditionally trained/educated editor. I have no formal training or university to back me up. I am the friend that reads your post and is mentally editing it for spelling and grammar. I am not perfect myself mind you, it just reads/looks wrong. I am an avid reader and there have been many authors, that have been around a long time and have professional editors, I have read and found mistakes in their books. When I read I pick up on weird stuff like extra spaces and missing words. For me it's the feel, read, and how something looks that sticks out.

BC Watts: What is the most difficult edit or change you've suggested to a writer? Was it difficult to do or were you already mentally prepared to give the tough news?

Other Katie: The most difficult has been in a manuscript I did not continue with after reading the sample. I didn't so much suggest a change or edit as some major rereading on the writers part. How do you tell someone who has put their heart and soul into something that they need major work. I have a tendency of putting myself in other people's shoes and being empathetic to the extreme at times, especially where their art is concerned.

The most difficult where you are concerned... anything I KNOW you are going to fight. Although you usually agree on a compromise fairly quickly... after seeing the issue. Lol

BC Watts: If someone is in need of some good editing, where can they find you?

Other Katie: I am very selective about who I work with and I am willing to read samples, however, I am quite happy with the two authors I am currently working with. I kind of have my hands full with them...

BC Watts: Well I consider myself lucky to be one of your two! Thanks a million for answering my questions!

Other Katie: You are very welcome.