Working with an Editor

I was scared to work with an Editor, I heard horror stories about how they change your whole story or ideas. Tell you how to write remove you from the story and art. Maybe if you find the wrong Editor. If you find a good Editor, they give you the information you need to make your story work just right. They give you suggestions, market stats and information regarding the audience you are writing for. This is what editors do, they are also another pair of eyes to spot things that you might not have seen because your are so close to your work. I think that having a collaboration with not only and Editor, a Literary Agent or even other illustrators you trust can make you a better writer and artist. The Editor I am working with gave me suggestions on character strengthening, story flow and word choices among other things but also gave me a lot of praises on sections that worked. She gave it back to me to make the changes as I see fit with her suggestions and with the knowledge that she would be there when I needed her through the editing process to bounce ideas and changes.

So here is my take away, don't give up, read the editors biography and work history do some research see if there are comments or reviews about them. Submit to multiple editors and read through the offer they send you carefully. Try to pick out tone, experience, helpfulness and positivity. I know an editor can cost a lot, but if you can afford it go with the person who strikes a chord with how you feel, or try to save up for that person it can make a difference between a good Editor and horrible one.

Remember stay positive, if you want to create something amazing it takes a lot of work and time. It can be daunting making changes to your story and illustrations, but changes if done with an open mind can bring out amazing rewards.

Have a wonderus day!

Monica