Interview with an editor: Yuki Weaver

BC Watts: When do you enjoy editing?

Yuki Weaver: I enjoy editing at night or on weekends – or maybe that’s because I have a day job. When working on edits, I feel I’m most productive between 8 pm and 11 pm because my normal day is done, I’m fed, and not yet tired enough for bed.

BC Watts: When do you LEAST enjoy editing?

Yuki Weaver: I least enjoy editing when timeframes get adjusted and multiple projects overlap. While I try to plan out my schedule as much as possible, there are almost always delays in contracts getting signed, materials being delivered, or even regular life stuff that cuts into what should have been editing time.

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

Yuki Weaver: Thus far, I haven’t. I was working towards a specific level on a freelancing platform, so every job was important. I’ve definitely learned my lesson and now that I’ve hit said level, I will be more selective.

BC Watts: What would make you say “No” to a manuscript? Are there any genres you would rather not edit?

Yuki Weaver: The pre-contract conversation with a potential client is key. There are definitely red flags that come up like when I ask 3 simple questions and the response I get is "Yes." Discussion of genre, editing requirements and timeline are very important. Bad writing and unreasonable expectations often are a package deal!

Based on that alone, I don't have any genres I would say no to. However, I am honest when someone offers up a topic that I'm not very familiar with - like religious writing. Sometimes, an outside perspective is great to weed out the jargon. It can still be a great fit!

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

Yuki Weaver: It was the first! Well, it was on one platform. I can’t thank BC Watts enough for taking a chance on a newbie and setting me up for success for the past 8 months!

I was REALLY spoiled by this one. The writing is great and the story much more engaging than I ever expected. I found myself connecting with the characters and the world as I read, extending my scheduled editing time by “just one more paragraph, page, chapter…” I was so wrapped up in it that one scene, in particular, made me guffaw!

BC Watts: I’m so glad you enjoyed the ride! 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?

Yuki Weaver: Selfishly, I want more of the story. I want to know where the adventure leads, how the characters develop, and to understand more of the world. In that way, it’s like any other great series that’s out there – you just don’t want the story to end. I’m particularly interested in Sage’s development.

For the series, I want to be part of the team that takes it to a finished product, ready for printing (and mass distribution)! There are so many other fantasy lovers like me who deserve to have this whole series on their bookshelves.

BC Watts: I’m so glad we’re on the same page! It’s a big deal to me to know that whoever I work with shares my optimistic view of my story’s worth.

Yuki Weaver: Hell yeah! It has such potential!

BC Watts: What type of edit is the most suited to you?

Yuki Weaver: I am observant and nitpicky af. That may not serve my husband well, but it certainly serves my clients well. And after a decade in education teaching spelling, grammar, etc. to students PreK-12, I have a great eye for errors. I am also a researcher and a nerd so I enjoy reading a new fact or figure and then looking it up to make sure it is accurate and what the writer intends. I don’t think I’m actually capable of simply proofreading anything. I always find edits.

I’m less suited for developmental edits. I’m not creative. I can help writers think logically through their story progression but introducing new and exciting ideas? Nah.

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?

Yuki Weaver: Oh man, I had a really tough one. I drafted my final response to a client and thought about it for 2 days before I was ready to hit send. There were some issues on race in the story that were not presented in a way that was, to me, at all acceptable. I had to firmly decline my name being associated with the work if my edits were not fully incorporated in those parts.

The conversation that transpired after was incredible. I had clearly hit a nerve, but the author took my comments to heart, and we had a few exchanges that delved deeper into the issues that I saw. Turns out that the problematic scenes were taken from real-life experiences and truly had good intentions behind them as I had hoped. I stood firm that those stories coming from a middle-aged white male in a fictional series would not fly, but that they would make an excellent addition to a memoir instead. The story itself was outstanding, so I’m hoping that my edits and suggestions are used so that it can go to print and be widely read.

BC Watts: Thanks for the interview! I really appreciate it!

Yuki Weaver: Of course. Thanks for the opportunity!

BC Watts: If anyone is in need of some good editing, you can find Yuki Weaver on Fiverr.com! Tip the lady well. She’ll deserve it!

https://www.fiverr.com/s2/bb187f2c6d