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LTUE 2018 Authors and Editors

Develpmental Edit

For structural and story changes. Plot, Character, Story, Pacing. Like Interior Designer in a house.

Line Edit

For paragraph and sentence level editing.

Copy Edit

Grammar, punctuation etc. Make sure names are consistent.

Proofreading

For typos and other stuff. Any last errors that would pull the reader out of the book.

Galley Proof

Looks like the printed version. Final grammar and typesetting edits.

If you are indie publishing - ask what usage manual they use. Make sure their definitions are consistent with what they are offering.

Editors job is to help bridge the gap between the author and the audience.

When to follow editor notes and when to push back. In the end, it has your name on it. Make sure you know why you are choosing.

Traditional - you have to give them what you agreed to.

Descriptive and Prescriptive - Here is the problem vs Here is how you can fix it.

Spoilers vs no spoilers - What do you want to give the editor. Depends on the Editor.

Tips and tricks

  • Take it as far as you can on your own.
  • Have a clear goal or outline.
  • Follow submission guidelines.
  • Keep manuscript uniform.
  • Be familiar with Grammar basics.
  • Send complete manuscript to editor. Approach new ideas in the revision phase.
  • Take a break after you send it off.

First Chapter of Harry Potter

www.the-efa.org/rates/

Find an editor that matches your genre. Look for macro and micro changes.

Questions for Freelance editor What style manual and dictionary do you use? What interests you in my story enough to work on it for a few weeks/months. Can you provide me a 5 page editing sample. What are your credentials. What do you do to keep updated in your field. Prescriptive or Descriptive. What books do you enjoy. What books/ developmental stuff do you recommend.

Don't constantly email your editor

Rob Skidmore Profile Photo

Rob Skidmore writes science fiction stories about being human. Raised in rural Western New York, he now lives with his beautiful wife in Utah. They have four kids whose initials spell HOME. By day he's a software engineer. By night he's exhausted. Every door in their basement is painted with a Disney-themed mural. His claim to fame is that he was an All-American and the 2004 New York state champion in the 400m hurdles in high school.

More about Rob
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