Notes from the Editor

Here I am again with something on my mind I feel needs to be discussed with all of you.

There are some misconceptions about what the duties of editors, copy editors and proofers are.It is NOT the job of the editor to write your book. Editors read for content and to be sure the storyline stays true to the premise outlined. We suggest different words when an author has dropped into a word rut. We question language, actions and clothing if the story is historical. Often instead of sending back ‘piddling’ corrections, we’ll make the change we know our author meant. It is our job to HELP the author create the best story they can—not to write it for them from vague notes. Writers get lost in the flow of the story and sometimes fingers don’t move as fast as the
brain is dictating. That’s where an editor comes into play. We spot the boo-boos the author has missed or overlooked and gently nudge the writer to correct them.

Copy Editors or Proofers do line by line corrections of punctuation, spelling and sentence structure. (As far as I’m concerned they are the gods and goddesses of the publishing house.) It’s their job to follow the Editor’s footsteps by polishing the final touches of the book. As most copy editors/proofers are experts in their line of work, they don’t have the duty to send the book back to the author. That’s what the editor does.

The final unseen job is the formatter who sets up the master for the printer to use in reproducing the writer’s work for others to enjoy. Once the formatting has been accomplished, the writer receives a ‘proof’. This is the last time the author has the opportunity to go through their work and spot errors. It’s not a time to rewrite the book but to make sure all the characters names are the same; that there are no glaring errors to detract from the story. Once the proof has been sent back with the "all clear", changes can’t be made without great cost.
At the beginning of your relationship with your editor, if you find yourself unhappy with the way they interpret your story or don’t seem to "get it", ask for another editor. The only person suffering in silence will be you.

The biggest difference between most online publishing houses and big brick and mortar publishers is online publishers don’t have full time editors, proofers and formatters. Most of us have full time jobs… our bill paying jobs. Some of us are published authors with books in the queue and deadlines to meet.

 When you turn in your manuscript, take a good look at what you’re sending. Ask yourself if you would be embarrassed if the work you’ve sent was published – just as it is. If so, you have some editing and proofing to do.

If your editor has very little work to do, you’ll have a very enthusiastic fan to help promote your work.

　

 

Sable Angel - Editor, copy editor/proofer, novelist, administrative coordinator.