Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Catrina Barton on March 18, 2012 at 7:20pm

Depends. If you place it aside for at least two weeks {or longer. It needs to be long enough the characters and plot aren't in your mind for at least a week} and you know how to edit, you can self edit. Though most people suggest editors.

Permalink Reply by Karoline Barrett on March 18, 2012 at 7:34pm

I completed my novel in November and it was edited along the way by published author Kathryn Jensen (WriteByYou).  It was worth the cost because she picked up a lot of stuff I missed! Hope that helps!

Permalink Reply by Catrina Barton on March 18, 2012 at 7:36pm

I bought the book "Self Editing For Fiction Writers By Renni Browne and Dave King. It's been a HUGE help in editing my stuff as I revise. But I also post them through several critique groups as well. So what I don't catch {with the help of the book} they do. :)

Permalink Reply by Fi Phillips on March 19, 2012 at 4:24am

Personally, I'd self edit. If (when?) it's picked up by a publisher, they will edit the book anyway.

Permalink Reply by T. S. Johnson on March 19, 2012 at 7:16am

Thank you all. 

Permalink Reply by Shannon Alexander on March 19, 2012 at 11:07am

If you can find a writing critique group whose skill and passion matches yours, they can be invaluable in the revising process. I'd suggest using peers and self-editing for your first major revision (and possibly second and third . . .).

I'm in a group that meets once a month for critiques, so I can get feedback on difficult sections as I work through my own revisions. When I'm done, the group will set a separate meeting time for a whole novel critique. I'll use their suggestions to polish it and decide from there whether it is ready or whether I need a professional.

On a related note, even after setting the piece aside, it is always helpful to have another writer look at your work. Often, what seems clear in my mind because I'm so involved with the characters and story is blurry to another reader. I've had a few ah-hah moments with my critique group like that. Ever thankful!

These days, the market is so tight, agents and editors at publishing houses really only have time to look at beautifully polished pieces. 

Best of luck, no matter what you decide.

Permalink Reply by T. S. Johnson on March 21, 2012 at 10:36pm

Thank you Shannon.

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Lane on March 25, 2012 at 10:58pm

I'm having the same issue.  I found an editor at create a space.

Permalink Reply by Melanie Conklin on March 26, 2012 at 3:50pm

I'm taking the first few passes myself, and also using beta readers for feedback. Then, if I really believe in it, I might pay for professional editing. However, I am wary of doing that, because I think to myself, shouldn't I be able to land an agent, and then work with an editor once it's sold? Otherwise, am I just paying to edit something unpublishable? Or do agents expect pro editing in submissions these days?

Best

Melanie

@MLConklin

www.melanieconklin.com

Permalink Reply by Darlene on March 28, 2012 at 7:22pm

It felt good to get the story out of me and on paper. 

While I work through my edits, I find great reward in writer's critique groups. Currently, I'm in a writing group that I submit to monthly.  They are helpful with messy sections and also share perspective and insights on the time period of my historical fiction. 

But I'm just about ready for a serious editing session with an editor. 

Anyone have thoughts on how to select an editor?  Any thoughts on the best working relationship between writer and editor?

D

Permalink Reply by Melanie Conklin on March 29, 2012 at 11:19am

i'm curious as to how you found your writing group. I didn't study writing in school, so I don't have classmates to connect with, and it's been a little challenging finding people out of the blue :)

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Lane on March 29, 2012 at 12:07pm

There's a website called meetup that lists writing groups and other types of groups in various areas.  I found a writing group but I'm thinking about starting one in my genre.

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