Critiquing, editing and coaching, OH MY!

I spent the last 48 hours editing and critiquing other writers' work.The first piece was something I'd seen much of before. It was more of a line edit job with a few content edits thrown in for good measure. The writer has been working his craft for years and will publish an amazing non-fiction book for beginning teachers. When it debuts, every new teacher should have a copy. The second was a first read of a novel written by a man with a dream. He'd never written before, didn't really know anything about the craft, but this great character bugged him until he started writing.When he finished his first draft he sent the book out to some of those publishers who email you about living the dream. They were happy to publish the novel for $1200-$6000.He called me first because of a friend of a friend situation.I'm glad he did.The foundation of story is in the work. But it's a detailed first draft right now. After a couple conversations I knew what the author needed first. He needed to read.I sent him two articles about scene and sequel. Easy articles that won't overwhelm. Then I told him to let those percolate while he studied the craft while enjoying some great books.When the man called me originally I sent him to some business of writing sites so he could see how the "publishers" willing to publish his work weren't really there to help him. They were there to take his money. I talked to him about elf-publishing vs traditional publishing and ebooks and book sales. I talked all about the business.Then he sent me the work and I realized WHOA THERE, BABY. We need to take ten giant steps back and focus on the craft.Today the author and I talked. I hope I get to continue working with him on his journey. More than anything this whole process has hit hard with me.I don't spend a lot of time working the business side of my writing. I have a seven-year plan. However, I do spend a GOD AWFUL amount of time thinking about, reading about and talking about the business side. And yes, the business side is important. BUT the craft has to come first.That brings me to Lil's book, the one I'm working on right now. I really like the book and the characters but the heroine's opening scene needs a colossal amount of work. I've worried because the business side of things says girl, you gotta get that baby out there. It's been five months since your last book published. But the craft side knows better. Off to write more Lil words. Focusing on the craft. The business side comes later.
Happy writing. <3