Edit Me

[Writers Plot]

I've been waiting to hear from my editor. He's a very busy man. He works with some really, REALLY big-name authors. Supposedly he was reading my book over Memorial Day weekend and had liked what he'd read. So I'm hoping this is a good sign. Really good. Like, so good he's going to say, "PERFECTION, Lorraine! You're even better than BIG-NAME author!" (And no rewrite necessary!)

That's the way it is in my dreams, anyway.

In my real-life, I've been doing some editing of my own. As it happens, I was a copy editor for a major corporation for eight years. Sometimes I still even remember how to do it. I also a edited a number of amateur publications over the course of 17 years, so I've critiqued a fair amount of (mostly short) fiction.

During the past few weeks, I've had requests from members of my Sisters In Crime chapter to give them input on their work. I get this a lot more often now that I've become a "published author." (Whoa--instant respect after more than a decade of rejection.) I got hit at the right moment...between projects. (Which is about to change any minute.)

Critiquing is always an iffy proposition. One of these writers I know well and have given her feedback on a number of projects over the years. She critiques my work as well. So it's a good relationship. (And I loved her rewrite.)

Another was from a new member who is also a local acquaintance. It's always a gamble when you critique the work of someone you barely know. Half the time you end up with a brand new enemy, but if you're lucky, you end up with a brand new friend who's grateful for some helpful feedback. (I think I lucked out!) This one was the most fun. Interesting setting; unique occupation, but most of all the writer has the enthusiasm needed to take that diamond in the rough, add interesting facets, and polish it to perfection. It's a joy to work with someone like that and I've offered to look at a rewrite.

I've been sitting on the last edit. I don't have good news for the recipient and I don't think she'll want to listen to a word I have to say. And I think that's been her problem all along. This isn't the first time I've looked at her work, but she never seems to take any useful advice, deciding to stick with what she thinks she knows (while lamenting that no one will buy her work).

I've missed editing on a regular basis. I've been told I should do some freelance work, but I'm not sure I'd want to take that on. Not that I can't use the money. Let's face it, only a handful of authors actually make a living at writing fiction. But I don't mind taking a look at other people's work and hopefully giving them a few suggestions that will help them get published.

Other authors did it for me. It's my way of paying forward.