How I Write: Time to Call In The Professionals

Several weeks ago, I made the decision that my book was ready to go out to a developmental editor.  I’ve done five drafts of it so far, and I felt that I had spent more than enough time staring at it.

It needed a new set of eyes.

After a few unsuccessful queries, I found an editor that appealed to me.  Yesterday, he sent back my first 3,000 words, with his suggestions, and a full critique of what I sent.

His suggestions were spot on, and I was happy to have been proven right. 

 I did need a new set of eyes on it.

 Developmental editing is not about misplaced commas and wrong tense.  It is about “this character seems flat” and “These names are too similar” and “you need to start about twenty minutes before the place you started.”

 It is about someone being able to read 3,000 words and tell you that you are on the right track, but you might be missing a railroad tie or two.

 I spent today reading through his critique, re-writing the first part of the first chapter of my blood-sweat-and-tears draft, and really trying to focus on what was right with it, rather than what was missing.

 We have agreed on a price. And once I find out what his schedule is, I cannot wait to send him the full book, which will include a fully re-written first chapter, courtesy of his suggestions.

 I am not so deluded to think I did not need this step.  I can read my own story and realize there are issues with it and know that someone with more experience will be able to steer me in the right direction. 

 I am also not so vain to think I will not need a grammar/style edit when this is done.  I am comma happy.  I am ellipses…happy. Sometimes, it is reign, not rain or rein. I am a writer.  But I am an imperfect human with a tend to use a ten-dollar word where a three dollar one would fit better.

When I finished the first draft early this year, I knew this would be a long road.

But it makes my spirit soar to know I have crossed that first mile marker.  A friend had offered to read it, to give me some feedback, but I was not ready to let anyone read it.

 Hopefully, after the developmental edit is done, I will be.

 This is a long row we hoe as writers.  Good thing I have enough coffee for the whole trip.

We are all perfectly imperfect.

And there are people who can make us appear as if we are not.

Maybe.