Editing Novels

I do read my blogger comments. Actually, I LOOK FORWARD to them.

I’m a Gen Xer remember??? I need the gold star, the pat on the back.

Last week, Leticia asked (in the comment section) about the editing process. I asked my editor Andy if he’d be interested in explaining it. His answer was short and sweet.

Andy said:
Basically, the acquiring editor (me) proposes some big-picture revision suggestions to the author. Then, the copy editor (LB) helps the author incorporate some of those suggestions, as well as focusing on some of the smaller-picture issues, such as phrasing, grammar, inconsistencies, etc.

Once the copy editor turns the manuscript over it goes into page proofing. This is usually done in two rounds. In this process, all the little mistakes are found (hopefully) and corrected.

So . . . that is how it works. Andy is the meanie and LB is the one who helps me to play with the scenes and words. (Just kidding, because Andy is as helping and gracious as can be!)

Both of their work makes the manuscript 100% better. They make me look good!

After page proofing is complete, the manuscript comes back to me. THEN I go through it again. (The book at this stage is called a galley.)

This is the fun part–reading the story as it will be printed. It’s also an awesome feeling to see it all come together. It’s then I sit back and whisper a prayer, “Wow, God–together we did good.”