I must say that I toyed with the idea of working as an editor. It’s not boasting to say that when I can take my time with my writing I do NOT let typos through. But reading your article has convinced me that I have much more writing to do.
That said, I looked for quotes through Reedsy to get my novel edited. Oof. Sorry, but that’s not in my budget. I have an artist working on my cover art. Take a couple more reads to tighten the story. Then I’ll publish in digital and see if anyone likes it.
Thank you so much for this window onto your path and advice for others. As someone who edits mostly non-fiction, I find it really fascinating to hear all of the things you've done to build your abilities and your reputation. Thank you for sharing.
Very true! When I worry that I don't know everything I need to for my first academic editing job for a university, I remind myself that I spent 25 years editing non-fiction essays… I think there's no substitute for experience.
This is honest to goodness a path I've wanted to explore. Still do.
But I desperately want to publish first. And I gave myself a lofty deadline. (Or it feels that way). I think I still have a lot to learn. I will need other eyes on it before it goes to print. Because I still have blindspots, and sometimes I'm just to close to the story to check for all the little snags.
Saving this for later exploration into this world!!
This was so helpful like I've genuinely never come across this knowledge before (may not have been following the right peeps? idk) but it felt like you just opened the door to gatekept knowledge or smth lol. I've always loved reading and editing stories especially providing story level critique so I can analyse what's working underneath the hood of a good story. I agree with you in that the craft of stories has to be practiced like breathing first and you have to love doing the work.
An article full of such good advice. Thank you for posting this.
I’ve been looking into becoming a developmental editor and trying to start getting things in place while I’m on mat leave to work towards a career change, so when I saw you were writing this article I was very excited - it not disappoint, thank you! I’ve a few questions if you don’t mind me asking:
1) Are there any good storycraft books you’d recommend as pretty much essential reading?
2) Are there any sources of information or resources you’d recommend for someone starting out? I’m UK-based and have come across the CIEP (and EFA as linked in your article) but any pointers would be very much appreciated.
3) You mention finding indie authors and offering your services as a way of building up experience. I run a micropress and was intending to offer free developmental edits through that to writers who are interested to build my skills and experience. Have you any tips on how to find authors to approach, or are there any additional avenues that come to mind for building experience too?
Thank you for writing this article, I’ve found it really insightful and helpful! It’s exactly the kind of thing I’ve been looking for in my researching.
Since most of my learning came through my degree and Clarion West, I haven't read a huge number of craft books (although I have a bunch on my Kindle and plans to change that!), but a few of my must-reads are Creating Character Arcs & Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland, and The Emotion Thesaurus/Positive Trait Thesaurus/Negative Trait Thesaurus/Emotional Wound Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Dave King and Renni Browne also looks brilliant, although I haven't finished it yet.
The CIEP, EFA, and similar organisations are all great sources of information. Reedsy also has a bunch of articles on their blog that can be helpful, although you may have to go digging through them: https://blog.reedsy.com/
Following other editors/story guides like Ellen Brock, Cee M Taylor, and K.M. Weiland is massively helpful. Many of them have blogs, YouTube, or TikTok channels that I've found pretty invaluable over the years.
The micropress is a great idea! It also widens your pool of potential writers since you'll also be making sure the manuscript gets out there (and doesn't get bogged down for years in the query trenches etc). I don't have any tips on finding authors unfortunately as that's really not my field, but it's a solid plan!
Hopefully all of that helps, but let me know if anything isn't clear etc. My brain is a little scrambled, so I might not have worded things well 😅
Developmental editing is purely about the foundations of storytelling! We don't touch anything to do with spelling and grammar etc. We're purely focused on structure, character arcs, conflict, goals, scenes etc
This is so incredibly helpful! I have been daunted by the idea of starting in my own with lack of credentials, but I've unintentionally found myself in a position where I've been giving deep developmental feedback on manuscripts. I think it's finally time I admit that this is the business path that makes the most sense for me and appeals to me the most. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips for how to start out.
While I don't have the talent or inclination for developmental editing, I appreciate the insight of the work.
I must say that I toyed with the idea of working as an editor. It’s not boasting to say that when I can take my time with my writing I do NOT let typos through. But reading your article has convinced me that I have much more writing to do.
That said, I looked for quotes through Reedsy to get my novel edited. Oof. Sorry, but that’s not in my budget. I have an artist working on my cover art. Take a couple more reads to tighten the story. Then I’ll publish in digital and see if anyone likes it.
It's a super time consuming process and that can definitely make it really expensive and sadly outside the budget of most writers 😞
I did put together some tips for anyone looking to do their own developmental edits that might be helpful. It's towards the bottom of this post: https://pagewake.substack.com/p/working-with-a-developmental-editor
All the best of luck with your book either way!
Thank you so much for this window onto your path and advice for others. As someone who edits mostly non-fiction, I find it really fascinating to hear all of the things you've done to build your abilities and your reputation. Thank you for sharing.
Non-fiction editing is a whole other world to me! Incredible how two jobs in the same field can be so wildly different
I imagine editing non-fiction has its own skillset and demands, that all takes considerable time to learn!
Very true! When I worry that I don't know everything I need to for my first academic editing job for a university, I remind myself that I spent 25 years editing non-fiction essays… I think there's no substitute for experience.
Definitely agree with that! I knew a lot about story before becoming an editor, but actually doing the job has made me sooooooo much better!
Truly helpful and thorough insights - thank you for posting your experience!
Thanks so much for reading! Really glad you found it helpful
This is honest to goodness a path I've wanted to explore. Still do.
But I desperately want to publish first. And I gave myself a lofty deadline. (Or it feels that way). I think I still have a lot to learn. I will need other eyes on it before it goes to print. Because I still have blindspots, and sometimes I'm just to close to the story to check for all the little snags.
Saving this for later exploration into this world!!
Getting published first is definitely a huge help! Wishing you all the best in your journey. I'm rooting for you to meet those lofty deadlines!
This is so informative. Thank you for posting this insight.
No trouble! Happy it helped!
This was so helpful like I've genuinely never come across this knowledge before (may not have been following the right peeps? idk) but it felt like you just opened the door to gatekept knowledge or smth lol. I've always loved reading and editing stories especially providing story level critique so I can analyse what's working underneath the hood of a good story. I agree with you in that the craft of stories has to be practiced like breathing first and you have to love doing the work.
An article full of such good advice. Thank you for posting this.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm really glad it helped!
I’ve been looking into becoming a developmental editor and trying to start getting things in place while I’m on mat leave to work towards a career change, so when I saw you were writing this article I was very excited - it not disappoint, thank you! I’ve a few questions if you don’t mind me asking:
1) Are there any good storycraft books you’d recommend as pretty much essential reading?
2) Are there any sources of information or resources you’d recommend for someone starting out? I’m UK-based and have come across the CIEP (and EFA as linked in your article) but any pointers would be very much appreciated.
3) You mention finding indie authors and offering your services as a way of building up experience. I run a micropress and was intending to offer free developmental edits through that to writers who are interested to build my skills and experience. Have you any tips on how to find authors to approach, or are there any additional avenues that come to mind for building experience too?
Thank you for writing this article, I’ve found it really insightful and helpful! It’s exactly the kind of thing I’ve been looking for in my researching.
I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Since most of my learning came through my degree and Clarion West, I haven't read a huge number of craft books (although I have a bunch on my Kindle and plans to change that!), but a few of my must-reads are Creating Character Arcs & Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland, and The Emotion Thesaurus/Positive Trait Thesaurus/Negative Trait Thesaurus/Emotional Wound Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Dave King and Renni Browne also looks brilliant, although I haven't finished it yet.
The CIEP, EFA, and similar organisations are all great sources of information. Reedsy also has a bunch of articles on their blog that can be helpful, although you may have to go digging through them: https://blog.reedsy.com/
Following other editors/story guides like Ellen Brock, Cee M Taylor, and K.M. Weiland is massively helpful. Many of them have blogs, YouTube, or TikTok channels that I've found pretty invaluable over the years.
The micropress is a great idea! It also widens your pool of potential writers since you'll also be making sure the manuscript gets out there (and doesn't get bogged down for years in the query trenches etc). I don't have any tips on finding authors unfortunately as that's really not my field, but it's a solid plan!
Hopefully all of that helps, but let me know if anything isn't clear etc. My brain is a little scrambled, so I might not have worded things well 😅
Super clear and helpful, thank you! Appreciate you taking the time 😊
Any time!
So developmental editing involves classic editing plus advice on things like three-act structure, character arcs, conflict, and scenes?
I know nothing!
Developmental editing is purely about the foundations of storytelling! We don't touch anything to do with spelling and grammar etc. We're purely focused on structure, character arcs, conflict, goals, scenes etc
I wrote a whole post about it if you're curious!
https://pagewake.substack.com/p/working-with-a-developmental-editor
I shall go and look for it.
I’m new here!
This is so incredibly helpful! I have been daunted by the idea of starting in my own with lack of credentials, but I've unintentionally found myself in a position where I've been giving deep developmental feedback on manuscripts. I think it's finally time I admit that this is the business path that makes the most sense for me and appeals to me the most. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips for how to start out.
No worries at all! I’m glad you’ve found something that calls to you. It’s honestly so important