Are you asking your editor the right questions?

[Michelle]

Hey writers,

It's been a while! I hope you are all doing great. :)

I have just updated my blog with a new post: Are you asking your editor the right questions? Here's the link: http://www.mjbookeditor.com/blog/

I hope you all find it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, let's discuss! I'm happy to help.

MJ

[Tony]

Good question Michelle. One to ponder. I pretty much broke all the rules of web copywriting on my own site giving a partial answer, I think. It went like this:

"Words have power.

Words can take you back in time, or forward to worlds only dreamed of. They can persuade you you’re in love and they can freeze you to the spot. Words can change the world, can make you laugh, can take you out of yourself and make you thankful that someone took the time to write them…

But only if they work. If they flow, if they weave, if they’re allowed the chance to do their job properly.

Because the wrong words have power too. Nothing turns off a reader, an agent, a publisher, a tutor faster than the wrong words. Words out of context, words misspelled, words with inappropriate or halting punctuation actively stop you from making the impact you want to make.

That’s where we can make a difference."

That's why we started an editing business in the first place - to make a difference, to help writers free their ideas and help them fly, help them hit their targets and make others feel what they want them to feel.

Since we started, I think there's been a development in my thinking too - I think it's an enormous privilege. When people send me sample chapters (like an increasing number of editors, we offer free sample edits), I have no idea what will be in the document. No idea what people I'll get to meet, what adventures I'll get to have, where the next author will take me. I'm a lifelong Doctor Who fan, and editing is the equivalent of a Tardis to me - every sample, every project I work on is a chance to open the doors on a new life, a new adventure - AND to make a difference, to help the author tell their lives and stories and adventures more clearly, more effectively.

Who else gets to do that for a living? Who else is TRUSTED to do that for a living, with other people's imaginations? Yes, that's an enormous privilege, I think.

Cheers

Tony
www.jefferson-franklin.co.uk

[Longhare]

Michelle wrote: "Hey writers,

It's been a while! I hope you are all doing great. :)

I have just updated my blog with a new post: Are you asking your editor the right questions? Here's the link: http://www.mjbook..."

Great blog, Michelle. This is advice every writer needs.