[stylist] lessons learned

[Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter]

Definitely. And editing involves so much more than grammar and punctuation.
Whether your own writing, or an editor working on others, editing should
consist mostly about fleshing out the story and characters. Tightening
sentence structure and plot structure. Finding the cuts that can, and
usually, should be cut out. And as the creator of your work, you know the
characters and world best, so it behooves us to have the ability to edit so
we can make necessary revisions that work without having a stranger do it.
And at the very least, involving the writer in the editing process.

I think some people think they can just write what's in their head, not
considering any of this, and that an editor will just fix it all. But a good
writer, in my opinion, goes into the writing process understanding that this
kind of revision must happen, and it's best if they can begin the process
themselves.

Not all writers are great editors, but I think we all, as writers, have a
responsibility to learn as much about the editing process as we do the
writing process so we can create and submit our best work possible.

I know I've done a great job when an editor does not need to fix or change
my work, or only needs to do surgical editing on my material. It's a great
feeling to know you have come at your work from all angles and attacked
where attacks were needed, tightened where it was loose and polished it
over-all.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Semirhage via
stylist
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2015 10:22 PM
To: Writers' Division Mailing List
Cc: Semirhage
Subject: Re: [stylist] lessons learned

I think during my own useful editing I do a lot of fleshing out. Making
something more defined, showing even more of a character's...character. 
Painting with words as it were, and tightening up sentences too. Yes my
editor will tighten,  but if I see it, I'll do it first, my way. And the
fleshing out, the defining the character, no editor can do right as they
won't know my characters like I do.
I often go back and reread old chapters while waiting on more inspiration to
strike for new ones while working on a book. Improving stuff with a new eye
after being away for a while often gives me inspiration for what's to come
next as well.
Sem
I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head. 


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