All Writers Need Editors: But How & Where?

[Maria (M.J)]

Some advice and solutions from novelist, M.J. (Maria) Hyland:

Shortlisted for the Man Booker, the Commonwealth Writers' Prize, twice shortlisted for the BBC Short Story Prize, longlisted for the Sunday Times EFG £40,000 Short Story Prize and more...

Hello, dear writers

I'm a novelist, short story writer and lecturer in the MA in Creative Writing programme at the University of Manchester. I'm also an editor.

Writing is among the hardest of art forms not least of all because, sooner or later, the writer can't work alone and must turn to good readers and editors.

Writers need to collaborate with smart readers prepared to tell the truth.

The reason? It's supremely difficult for writers to read their own work with clear-eyed objectivity. This is true for all writers; Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer winners. A writer must find an editor.

So what do if you are in search of an agent and publisher and need help?
For what it's worth, here's my step-by-step guide:

1. After you've written a good draft, put the pages away. For a story, at least two weeks and six weeks for a novel: this act of letting the manuscript 'go cold' will allow you to read your pages with fresh eyes.

2. When you've taken this step, when you've read the best How to Write Books (and more); when you've done all you can, t's time to find two good allies.

3. Find two friends, writers, peers; two smart people who are also good readers and who share your taste in fiction or at the very least understand your stylistic aims and sensibility.

4. Give your work to these allies and ask for frank feedback (in writing is best, but don't abuse your readers/editors by giving them multiple drafts, under-cooked drafts or enormous manuscripts.

5. Thank your friends/allies/readers and then, wait a month and ask them: What do you remember about the story/chapters?

5. Print the manuscript again in an ugly font (one you don't like) and two font sizes larger, then read: you'll see what's really on the page and not what you hope is on the page.

6. Do more work, as much as you can and, if the manuscript still isn't well-received by magazines, agents or publishers then you might need to turn to a professional editor.

7. Search online and make sure the editing business has a good reputation, is managed by experienced writers and editors and ask to see testimonials.

8. Or, join a good writing workshop, or take a short course with teachers respected for their ability to both teach and edit

8. If you've done all the work you can do and believe you have a story or novel that, with the right advice, stands a chance of publication, then contact call on me:

www.hylandbyrne.com
www.mjhyland.net

Yours, with every good wish

p.s Don't forget to read like a writer.