Indie Authors Monthly Magazine For Authors and Readers discussion
developmental editing?
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I get why you, Marc, are saying you don't need developmental editing if you're self-publishing, and that you might need it to get an agent or publisher to accept it. Also, as Renee says, sometimes you have to make changes to please the latter. BUT, if you feel your book NEEDS developmental editing--if you think it doesn't make sense,or characters aren't quite clear, or consistent, or you just feel there's something wrong or missing--then it doesn't matter WHO is doing the publishing: you want the book to be the best it can be. I understand the impulse to make changes just to please an editor, but my advice is that you begin training yourself to listen to that little voice inside, to what it says when someone tells you what to do with your book, to see if you really agree with what they are saying. If you don't, then don't make the changes they suggest. I know it isn't easy to distinguish the reality of this, but it has to be done, otherwise you'll just keep writing for other people and not for yourself.I'm not sure I'm making sense, but I am trying!
Instead of paying a developmental editor, I would suggest looking into information on how to do an effective revision of your novel yourself. Holly Lisle has some realy good information on her site (http://hollylisle.com/) and even has a 5-month course on doing a deep-down novel revision that takes in plot, pacing, struction, character development, etc. I took that course; it's $250, and worth every penny, and absolutely the best $250 you can spend on your writing.
There is also the problem of focus. I write SF and I have my pint of views of what the future could be like. I have found that many people have a different focus. For example they think that we are worse than 100 or 200 years ago - which we are not by far - others have their own ideas.
An editor has to do two things: make sure there are no writing errors and improve the plot and flow of the book.
If your editor of choice begins by challenging your ideas, that is a problem.
So, the choice of editor depends not only in their proficiency. They must be compatible.
Humberto wrote: "So, the choice of editor depends not only in their proficiency. They must be compatible. ."Not necessarily. It might be hard to find someone who shares your politics, morals, values, vision, etc. Again, I think if you develop the strength to resist what you know isn't right for your book, you'll do fine with anyone.
That course for $250 sounds good. Kyra: Where does it happen, or is it online?
Marcy: It's online, starts whenever you sign up, self-paced (though the lessons are delivered once a week)
Renee--I just tried to send you a message, but I got the stupid Capcha letters wrong, and a message kept telling me that but wouldn't give me a new Capcha to try! Then I went to your blog, and no way to send one there. Then to Facebook, but all they wanted to do was put your name on my timeline! I'm tellin' ya, the technology isn't perfect!--or are you just a hard lady to reach?If you're curious please send me your email to msheiner07@gmail.com.
For those with a smaller budget for editing advice/class, there are tons of free resources online. Too many to list them all but a recent Writer's digest special issue (Writer's yearbook 2014) Lists 101 sites useful for writers.Anyone willing to pay money for an online writing class,should consider buying a creative writing "do it yourself" book. I purchased Writing Fiction for Dummies and I was fairly happy with it, especially under $20. I found the section on editing and character building very useful. There were also parts of the book I totally disagreed with and whose advice I would never follow, but this would be true of whatever book/class one buys/takes.
My personal opinion is that for Self Publishing, developmental edit isn't necessary. The very reason you mentioned is all the reason you need to not do it. If an agent is representing you in your quest to publication the traditional way, they have a word to say about it. But for self published author, all you truly need is to pay for professional copy editing. Your friends and family can give you their two cents and you can take it or leave it depending on how much contradiction there is in their respective opinions. It does help, if your Beta readers typically read the genre you write.