A few thoughts on how to get value from your editor

As editing can be expensive, I’ve sometimes had writers ask me how they can get good value from their editor. One thing I always say is that they should do as much with their manuscript as they can before approaching an editor. If you know there are plot holes that still need fixing, then try and fix them before approaching editors for quotes (most editors will want to see your full manuscript first, before quoting). Similarly, if you know there are characters who aren’t fully fleshed out, see what you can do to flesh them out. If your editor isn’t trying to come up with potential solutions to issues you’re already aware of, they can focus on helping you with other aspects of the story that you might not have considered.

Of course, you may know that there are weaker areas of your manuscript and have tried addressing these on your own, but without success. If so, then by all means, see what a developmental editor (or story coach) can do to help. No doubt they’ll have ideas about how you can strengthen these areas that you hadn’t thought of as you’re too close to the work.

However, if you’re still fleshing out your story, then it’s usually best to allow your creative process to play out first, before contacting an editor. I know it can be tempting to want to contact an editor as soon as you finish your first draft but, for most authors, this isn’t likely to be as productive as it seems. Almost every author will need to spend time envisioning their story, then redrafting it at least once to get a good idea of the story they want to tell and how they want to tell it.

Of course, there are always exceptions. One of which is if you just need a little accountability along the way, or someone to help you brainstorm ideas. In this case, story coaching can be a helpful tool when writing/redrafting.

If you’d like some help with your novel or novel-in-progress, then I’d love to hear from you! You can contact me using the contact button below. Alternatively, feel free to email me at: kendraroseolson@gmail.com.