Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For June, the question is: “Writers have secrets! What are one or two of yours, something readers would never know from your work?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Pat Garcia, J.Q. Rose, and Natalie Aguirre!
My answer to the question (What are your secrets?)
I had to think long and hard about this month’s question. Since I’m so “brutally honest” and transparent about what I do, think, and write, I feel there are no secrets… I can be blunt and it’s difficult for me to hide my emotions or opinions. But the truth is that I hate confrontations, offending people, being unlikeable, and injustice. Another secret: I’m sometimes totally fed up with writing, English, and language in general. Luckily, those moments never last long.
We temporarily “moved” to Maine for a change of scenery and focus.
My book progress
After finishing several drafts, involving beta readers, spending a year contacting agents, and adding another five months looking for a traditional publisher (in vain), my travel memoir has reached the next step: the involvement of a professional editor. An editor is someone who improves your book, which can happen on several levels.
There are different kinds of editors. They all offer certain skill sets, specializations, and approaches to a manuscript. The terms for the type of editor can be confusing. As a matter of fact, I learned a great deal more about this topic during my research for the right one. I thought I needed a developmental editor, for example, and had no idea what a substantive editor was.
Then, my inbox received an in-depth, compelling, informative, helpful, and – for me – extremely timely article by developmental/substantive editor Chantel Hamilton on publishing and writing expert Jane Friedman’s website. If you’re at all interested in the topic of editors, I highly recommend checking out this all-encompassing piece: https://www.janefriedman.com/comprehensive-guide-to-finding-working-with-editors/
In general, as far as I understand, there are four types of editors:
- A developmental editor is hired in the early stages of book writing and developing. This step requires a lot of collaboration between the editor and the author as they, together, “build” the story.
- A substantive editor is also involved on a structural, “big picture” level but is usually hired when the author has completed his/her final draft and could use a professional’s opinion. This is me! I’ve made my travel memoir as good a story as I can, but feel my themes are still “all over the place”. I count on the editor to let me know which parts should go and which should get expanded upon to make the story more compelling.
- A copy editor (or line editor) looks at the manuscript in more detail and focuses on grammar, spelling, style, inconsistencies, repetition, etc. on a “line level”. Copy editors might offer (free) samples before the hiring process, so the author gets a feel for their skills and approach.
- A proofreader is required as a last step, before the book gets published. Proofreaders offer a set of fresh eyes and perform a final check and read-through of the manuscript to make sure there are no typos, mistakes, or formatting errors.
Some things to take into account when picking an editor:
- The type of editing they provide and you need.
- Their knowledge and experience level.
- Their background and education.
- The kinds of published books they helped into existence.
- Reviews and/or testimonials about their services.
- Their time frame – when is their next available time slot and how long is their turnaround?
- Their professionalism, responsiveness, understanding of your project, and demeanor in emails back and forth between you and them.
- Their rates.
It took me several weeks and the necessary stress to decide which editor to hire. You see, as a frugal nomad, I have never in my life hired someone or spent a big chunk of money on anything (except plane tickets). I created an initial list of ten editors, based on people I knew, who came recommended, or that I’d stumbled upon when reading articles about the craft. That list was soon reduced to about five capable and professional women. Email communications ensued as I gathered information about their rates, process, experience, time frame, and personality. For what I was looking for, prices ranged from $650 to $3,500 (not counting an off-kilter quote of $8,800).
How do you pick the right editor? The person whom you trust your manuscript to? As a couple of them pointed out: you follow your gut. The money played a role as well. Most of you know how frugal I am, but when it comes to my book, I was willing to forego the cheapest option in lieu of my expectations and gut. The three elements that helped with my decision were the editor’s experience with memoir, her passion for the craft, and her ability to provide me with a two-step edit: a first round of substantive editing work and – after my revisions and rewrites – a second round as a copy/line editor.
What’s next?
I sent my manuscript off to “my editor”! It’s slightly nerve-wrecking, but I’m so proud to finally have my own editor. She has other projects going on, but I hope she’ll be able to tackle my travel memoir at some point this month. The substantive edit will take her about four weeks and then, depending on us being back on the road or not, I probably need at least a month to incorporate her changes. Next, it’s her turn again to perform the copy edit. Phew!
Helping out with home renovations
In the meantime, I will focus on blog posts, a writing competition, maybe another article, and… manual labor to put my mind on something else for a change!
Have you ever hired an editor? How did the process and the experience go? Are you happy about that collaboration? Do you have any secrets your readers never knew?
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June 3, 2020 at 12:47
How interesting! I didn’t know that there were different types of editors, but it makes perfect sense. This is a huge step for you and I’m excited to learn more about your progress. Where are your pictures taken? They don’t look like the other pictures of your in-laws’ place. Did I miss a post about you changing locations?
June 4, 2020 at 08:39
Hi Janis!
Mark, Maya, and I are up in Maine at the moment. We (mostly Mark) needed to get out of our constricting room in the city for a bit and shift our focus. We’re helping out with renovations for a family member (who isn’t here at the moment) on a big, peaceful property. Once the workmen are gone, it’s lovely. And, I’m learning new skills. 🙂
I only posted some photos on Instagram and Facebook about it so far.
June 3, 2020 at 12:57
Luckily for me, my publisher used one of their in house editors… So I didn’t need to worry about that.. Though I know I was looking around some in the beginning and was planning on going on recommendations.
June 4, 2020 at 08:41
Hi Claire! That’s so nice to have a publisher and not “worry” about an editor. This was one of the reasons I tried so long to get a traditional publisher, to have most things (like editing, cover, and blurb) taken care of and paid for. Sigh!
June 3, 2020 at 13:36
Very interesting – all good information and obviously very thoroughly researched. Excited for you for this next stage … must be hard waiting to get this kind of feedback!
Peta
June 4, 2020 at 08:44
Hi Peta! Initially, I wanted this editing part done as quickly as possible, to keep moving forward with my memoir project. But, you can’t push these things, especially when other people are involved. And, do I really want to sit behind the computer every day for eight hours? So, now I’m taking this time off from the book, to focus on other writing projects and to actually put my mind on something else or on nothing, while sanding a massive wooden deck! 🙂
June 3, 2020 at 13:39
I’m glad you found one you were comfortable with. That’s probably the most important thing. My publisher has an editor, so all I’ve had to worry about are critique partners.
June 4, 2020 at 08:46
That’s the way to go, Alex! I wish I was in your shoes when it came to having a publisher and editor to take care of some major publishing aspects. I’m hoping it all works out splendidly between my publisher and me.
June 3, 2020 at 13:42
You are a gem! I’ve been realizing I need help organizing Book 2 and 3 of a trilogy I started years ago. Now I know I need the developmental editor. So glad you found a good editor. It does feel good, doesn’t it, like you have someone in your corner.
Count me in for your street team when you get that far, especially if by ‘travel book’ you mean your nomadic life!
June 4, 2020 at 08:51
Hi Jacqui!
Thanks for the offer to help. I will take you up on that. By travel memoir, I mean a decade of my nomadic life, mostly sailing. It’s a book about love, loss, and living in the moment, on the ocean and in the tropics. Many elements are woven into it, like our frugalness, love for animals, intriguing cultural events, my Belgian roots, and starting our own company in the middle of nowhere.
It does feel nice to have the editor part figured out. But, I haven’t received any feedback yet. We will have to see see how I feel about that when it arrives! 🙂
June 3, 2020 at 16:02
Oh my word! That quote of $8800 sure is steep. I’m blessed my publisher provides their in-house editors. It’s amazing the number of stages of editing a book goes through. I was always told to beware of an editor who tries to change your voice. Fortunately, I’ve yet to have any issues with my editors.
June 4, 2020 at 08:54
Hi Jill! I envy you and other authors who managed to get contracts with publishers. It makes some steps of this process much easier. And, I’m glad you’ve been able to get along – and appreciate – the editors assigned to you. Yes, about the voice! I’m pretty sure my editor will respect my voice, based on the email conversations we’ve had. I also gave her a heads-up about why I approached language a certain way. She’s open to discussion and on the ball with communication.
June 5, 2020 at 06:57
That’s good to hear, Liesbet!
June 5, 2020 at 09:08
Thanks, Jill. I hope I’m not jumping the gun writing about all this, since my editor hasn’t started work on my project yet and no money has exchanged hands. But, it was the first Wednesday of the month and a writing update was required. 🙂
June 3, 2020 at 16:34
Congratulations with finding a suitable editor Liesbet and good luck on this next part of your journey! 💜
June 4, 2020 at 08:55
Thank you so much, dear Xenia. Every step taken is a step closer to my publishing goal! 🙂
June 3, 2020 at 17:00
Isn’t it exciting to utter the words “my editor”? I’m happy for you, Liesbet and thanks for the definitions of the main types of editors. I’m glad you found someone who will be worthy of your hard work. With my first small e-book, I hired a fellow blogger who lives in South Africa. Her being 12 hours ahead of me was fun in which to communicate! She also created my book cover and her overall price was under $100! I have been a freelance proof-reader and copy-editor in my younger days so I know what goes into that! For my current fitness book, another fellow blogger who is local to me, is peer-editing (maybe another description?) and is reading for structure, content and also typos, etc. And she is free! I shall pay her back with an in-kind service of something. She already has me on my toes and I’m incorporating her suggested changes. Congrats again and I’m sure you are relieved!
June 4, 2020 at 08:59
Hi Terri! It’s beneficial to know the right people! I love trading work, services, and favors as well. 🙂
In the future, I might follow your path. Actually, I probably will follow it. But, for this first book, which I expect to be my biggest writing project ever, I tried/try to do it all “right”. Hopefully, I will have learned a lot along the way and not just wasted time and energy (and money). I’m dedicated to have this book put together as professionally as possible. Hopefully, one day, I’ll get the invested money back. I can’t ask for more… I’ve been told enough that you don’t write to earn a living! 🙂
June 3, 2020 at 17:00
Well done on reaching the next stage – hope it’s a smooth process!
June 4, 2020 at 08:59
Thanks, Anabel. This whole “road to publication” is just another adventure. 🙂
June 3, 2020 at 23:28
Hi, Liesbet – Remind me to never write a book. The hard work and deicision-making never seems to end. I admire you greatly. Congratulations on finding your editor. I look forward to reading more about this process. It’s very intriguing!
June 4, 2020 at 09:02
Thanks, Donna. Oh, never write a book! It is a lot of work and I sometimes just want to give up on it all and “enjoy my life”. Haha. I go from wanting to finish the darn thing and never think about another book writing project to wanting to jot down ideas for three new books. Funny thing.
June 4, 2020 at 00:11
On the advice of a good friend who has published three different series, I’ve been setting aside funds for a content editor and a copy editor – two very different sets of skills. Congrats on finding the right partners – it will make the journey much more joyous.
June 4, 2020 at 09:04
Hi Lee! That sounds like good advice. Having professionals on your side can only be a good thing, right? Like your author friend, I have one of those as well and she told me the same thing: don’t skimp on a good editor and a good cover artist when self-publishing. I never forgot that. 🙂
June 4, 2020 at 06:18
Liesbet, this post is an education for me. I had no idea about all the different levels of editors. In fact I know so little about book publication, it is great to follow your progress. You really have done huge amounts of work already, but sounds like there is so much more to do. The expense of getting an Editor will be worth it for sure, another necessary step towards publishing sorted. Congratulations!!!
June 4, 2020 at 09:07
Thanks, Gilda! The work never ends. Even when the book is published, there is the marketing part. After all the other steps still on the agenda. Nobody says writing a book is easy. Yet, I’m one of those people who never believes anything until experienced myself. Ha! The saying is correct. I initially thought that all I had to do was write the thing! Many, many, many more steps involved. I’m so glad to have you in my cheerleader camp!
June 4, 2020 at 11:20
Congratulations on getting your travel memoir written and sent to the editor. I am writing a memoir, but it will be published by a trad publisher with their editor. My story will be the first in that genre for them, so I am thinking I should get an editor who knows memoirs.
I’d love to feature you on my blog when you’re ready to shout about the release!. Best wishes!!
JQ Rose
June 5, 2020 at 07:09
Hi JQ!
How exciting that you’re working on a memoir as well. One of the editors I considered had not edited any memoirs before, but she’d read many herself as it’s her favorite genre to read and she always checks out reviews for memoirs, discovering what readers like and what not. While it might be nice to pick an editor who has experience with that genre (I did), it might not be a requirement, especially if you want your memoir to read like a novel. 🙂
I assume your publisher is the same one as for your cozy mysteries? I’m so envious of authors who managed to snatch a traditional publisher!
Thank you so much for the being featured on your blog offer. I will take you up on that when the time is ripe. Probably – hopefully – towards the end of the year. Have a fantastic weekend!
June 4, 2020 at 14:29
I like your list of the different kinds of editors. It’s also interesting because I just had a conversation with our new editor friend we met in the forest about just that – what kind of editing she does.
I hope you don’t give up on writing, English, or language. But I do totally understand wanting to give up. I’m also with you on hating confrontations, offending people, being unlikeable, and injustice. Except you are very likable.
I hope all goes well with your editor!
June 5, 2020 at 07:14
You are so sweet, Duwan! And likable too. 🙂
It’s so nice that you met Holly the editor in the forest! What kind of editing does she do? I checked out her blog, but it didn’t mention any of her services. Who would have thought that there are so many different levels to the editing process? Ideally, we do them all. But, who can afford that?
I’ll never give up writing or speaking English. I just get tired of it sometimes. Definitely when it’s one of those days I can’t find my words. It can be exhausting, especially if you have a mind like mine that never stops! Those days, I wish Mark spoke Dutch.
June 4, 2020 at 18:53
Hi Liesbet! Congratulations! Deciding to hire an editor AND then picking one you like is a HUGE step. Progress is definitely happening for you. And won’t it be interesting to get the feedback from her (I’m assuming it is a her?) Meanwhile I’m sure it is nice to take a breather from the work and enjoy other things. Looking forward to your update in a month. ~Kathy
June 5, 2020 at 07:18
Hi Kathy,
Yes! Slowly making progress. When I lay out the steps in my head right now (and knowing publishing is in my own hands), I can almost see the end of the tunnel. 🙂 I’m still shooting for getting everything done this year.
The feedback WILL be interesting, but I’m afraid it will involve lots of rewriting and refocusing, which means heaps of work still. And you’re right, putting my mind to something else for the next month or longer isn’t a bad thing. Although, I could always start focusing on other aspects of the publishing process…
June 4, 2020 at 20:09
This post is certainly giving potential authors the low-down on the publication process as I gathered from reading the comments.
I was not a frugal nomad, approaching memoir, but I was also not stingy at this stage because I knew proper editing can make or break a manuscript.
My developmental editor was a journalist with the Philadelphia Inquirer. I found her during a writers’ retreat in 2015. Although I had chapter divisions, she helped organize proper content for prologue and introduction and even gave clever names to some chapters.
My substantive editor came from the acknowledgements page of a memoirist whose voice I admired. San Francisco-based, this editor was a gem. She didn’t know a thing about Mennonites and questioned my inclusion of some detail, which I either had to either justify or delete. She was thrilled when I sent her a link to my Amazon book page.
The design and editing company I hired provided a copy editor who pointed out punctuation problems. Apparently I am ignorant of the difference between the em-dashes. He was also my first copy editor.
And you, dear Liesbet, offered to do a late-in-the-game proofing before the book went to press. I’ve concluded that you have an advantage over native English speakers because you’ve trained yourself to “translate” the text as you read and catch errors others may miss.
Since your manuscript is shipped off, you can turn to doing something physical in a peaceful setting. You have worked SO hard; now it’s time to let the book marinate in someone else’s hands.
Brava, Liesbet, you ARE getting there. 🙂
June 5, 2020 at 08:57
Hi Marian!
Thank you for leaving such a kind and detailed comment and for explaining – to me and to the readers of these comments – your editing process. I agree with you that proper editing can make or break a book. I knew you used two editors, but I didn’t realize they were of a different kind and that you actually went through all four editing steps! So much work, money, and time… But, you and I both want our work to be as good and professional as possible. 🙂
That’s exactly what I’m doing right now: physical work (sanding a massive wooden deck) in a beautiful and peaceful setting. Apart from the noise of the sander. Haha. This weekend, I hope to relax and read in a book again. Oh, and do some camper projects. Have a fantastic weekend, my friend!
June 4, 2020 at 20:18
Yay! And now I know who an author means in the beginning of her book, on the Acknowledgement page, saying “Immense thanks to my editor who helped make this book great.”
You’ve taken another huge step forward. Exciting! Enjoy Maine as you wait.
June 5, 2020 at 09:02
Exactly, Pam! But, when I read those words about editors on the Acknowledgement page, I always wondered why authors thank people who they pay and who are doing their job… I’m sure I’ll understand that better going through the process myself. 🙂
Our view from the house here in Maine is fantastic and we are enjoying that. Since we stocked up and there’s a fridge and a freezer, it should be possible to stay put for two weeks. It would be a pity not being able to sightsee a little bit, though. But, we’ve gotten used to that the last few months.
June 5, 2020 at 14:17
I’m sight seeing every day – from my front porch. 🙂 xo
June 6, 2020 at 14:41
I’m so jealous of that front porch, Pam. Although, right now, we can’t complain, as I’m sure my current front porch is bigger than yours! I have “sanding muscles” to prove it! 🙂 And the view is majestic. A comfortable and lazy way to sightsee, for sure.
June 5, 2020 at 03:13
Great information on editors! It’s a confusing and scary thing for a lot of writers. Good luck with your work with the editor!
June 5, 2020 at 09:06
Thanks, Shannon. For some reason, I found the picking an editor process quite stressful. Maybe it was because I never hired anyone before or spent money on something like this. Maybe it was because I feel it’s such an important decision, I didn’t want to mess it up and therefore “ruin” my book… We will see how it goes!
June 5, 2020 at 11:05
I used an editor for a novel and as a result my book became MUCH better. Best wishes as you move forward with your manuscript.
June 6, 2020 at 14:26
Thanks, Liza! I’m happy to read about your positive experience hiring an editor. Especially since there is no guarantee for that, despite our intentions to improve our books with the help of editors.
June 5, 2020 at 11:12
Good for you Liesbet! Although the process of choosing an editor sounds challenging and stressful, who knew there were so many considerations, it sounds like this is a big next step toward publication.
June 6, 2020 at 14:29
Hi Sue! I’m glad you’re learning a little bit more about book writing and publishing here, as I take you and others along for the ride towards publishing. Like you, I never expected this to be so much work with so many steps – each with multiple considerations – involved. The work and focus, really, is and will never done. At least that’s what I’m starting to believe now. 🙂
June 6, 2020 at 14:29
Hi Sue! I’m glad you’re learning a little bit more about book writing and publishing here, as I take you and others along for the ride towards publishing. Like you, I never expected this to be so much work with so many steps – each with multiple considerations – involved. The work and focus, really, is and will never be done. At least that’s what I’m starting to believe now. 🙂
June 5, 2020 at 13:11
Ha! I too am “fed up with writing, English, and language in general.” It feels very inadequate so much of the time. Happy you found your editor and good luck with your home renovations!
June 6, 2020 at 14:39
Interesting that you are familiar with this “enough of all that English and writing”, as you are a very articulate traveler and talented writer! Is English your first language, Atreyee? I just wonder whether getting sick of a certain language happens to bilingual people more than to others.
The home renovations keep us busy and active and focused. But, it’s not our home. That is still our 19ft camper despite a pause in our travels and lifestyle. We’re helping out family members in Maine, who just bought this “neglected” house.
June 8, 2020 at 12:53
Though I’ve grown up speaking English, it isn’t the language of my ethnicity. As someone who is multilingual and interested in the power of language I’m acutely aware of its limitations. I think this is probably true of any writer…but, I don’t know.
June 10, 2020 at 16:44
I find language beautiful most of the time, but I agree that it’s not possible to express one’s feelings or intentions 100%. That’s when I often wish I could use a Dutch expression or word. But, nobody in my immediate circles would understand! 🙁 It’s also the reason I like to invent new English words. Yet, my husband is not a fan of that in my writing. Hands tied… No wonder we sometimes get frustrated with language!
June 10, 2020 at 17:01
😁 I’m a huge fan of inventing new English words! Some of my favorite authors do this so well…breaking the “standards” that are in vogue to create new ones. That is how English became the language it is today, anyway…because people like Chaucer and Shakespeare et al. chose to use and spell words how they did and their use rose to popularity. Language is a moving, ever-changing thing…a product of how we as humans evolve and what we value. And I’m learning to take more advantage of this.
June 11, 2020 at 12:00
Too bad you have to be a famous author to invent words! You ARE certainly taking advantage of language on your blog.
June 11, 2020 at 12:40
Thank you! I appreciate that.
June 6, 2020 at 11:03
Bravo, Liesbet, on choosing an editor. This is a difficult task because we want to be sure we have someone who understands our book and what we’re trying to achieve with it. I always want an open dialogue with the editor, someone whom I can say, “I thought I did that. What exactly is missing?” I have a book coach from Author Accelerator who is helping me dive deeply into my college memoir. I truly believe in her and she believes in me and my ability to convey my story.
I wish you all the luck with this travel memoir. You have fascinating experiences that need to be shared. All best to you, my dear!
June 6, 2020 at 14:45
Thanks for the wishes, dear Victoria. It seems like we have both found the professional support our memoirs need. Like you, I truly appreciate and expect open dialogue, as communication and mutual understanding is very important to me (and to my editor). She’s available for questions night and day, it seems like. We will see what happens once I get my manuscript back and the rewrites and refocusing begin. 🙂
Wishing you well with your move this summer and combining all that with the family and the work!
June 6, 2020 at 17:16
I’m so glad you found an editor you’re happy with! It takes time to find the right match.
I will say, though, for anyone else who might be looking–the terminology can be different, depending on the editor, so pay more attention to the services they offer and what they actually do than what they call themselves.
For example, I’ve always called myself a “developmental” editor, but I’ve never worked on unfinished manuscripts–I won’t. That could discourage an author, so I’d never do that. Based on Friedman’s terminology, I should call myself a substantive editor, but not too many writers are familiar with that term. At the literary agency I worked for, I was called a book doctor. So often the same service can be called multiple things.
My editing parter-in-crime calls himself a copyeditor, but what he does goes FAR beyond that. He’s an amazing fact checker too.
June 7, 2020 at 10:46
Yes! You are so right, JH, and I’m glad you bring this issue up about the terminology. Thank you! I played with the idea of mentioning how editors use different terms for their services, but I figured I’d confuse my readers even more. 🙂 When looking for an editor, it is important to understand what they provide and this is better done by understanding their services and processes instead of comparing terms.
To prove your point, I had no idea what a substantive editor was, mainly because nobody called herself that when I was doing my research. So, I was convinced I needed a developmental editor – which is often described doing what a substantive editor does – and in general that was what I was looking for. It’s confusing!
It’s better to understand what it is you need to then compare editors who provide that service. In my situation, I actually signed up for an extensive manuscript evaluation in combination with a copy/line edit as the two-step process. I didn’t even mention the evaluation option in this blog, which is a less detailed form of substantive/developmental editing. It took me a while to understand all the differences and to decide what I think works best for my manuscript in its current state.
June 7, 2020 at 02:36
Amazing to me just how far you will go in your determination to see your book in print. I guess you could say the editor is steering you in the right direction. 🙂 🙂 Good luck, darlin!
June 7, 2020 at 10:48
Hey, I’ve come this far. It’s a little late to give up now, after almost five years of thinking about and creating this “fascinating” account of my thirties. 🙂 The steering in the right direction is what I’m hoping for, Jo. I’ll just have to handle some more patience and a few more months of determination! Thanks for the wishes, my friend.
June 8, 2020 at 23:23
Congratulations! Despite the stress of the decision, it must feel good to be making progress. Hope it all goes well for you! 🙂
June 10, 2020 at 16:47
Thanks, Diane. I think it’s progress. But, it doesn’t quite feel like that yet, I’m waiting for the “real” progress whenever my editor has time to start on my project. Hopefully soon! No pressure, no pressure… 🙂
June 8, 2020 at 23:28
So glad you finally found an editor. How exciting! 🙂
June 10, 2020 at 16:47
Thanks, Debby. This is the first time I feel the end is in sight!
June 13, 2020 at 22:02
Liesbet, being “brutally honest” is endearing and why your readers love you! You are an exceptionally thoughtful person and this comes across in all of your posts. Fascinating on how you mentioned “follow your gut.” You have many irons in the fire. You have researched many of the options. A challenging journey and you are going in the right direction.
June 19, 2020 at 11:48
It’s been a long road to publication, this travel memoir. And, if I could do it over again, I would do a few things differently. This first time, however, I wanted/needed to try “everything”. The result is a very time-consuming process. But, I will get there eventually. And, yes, about the honesty. Not everyone is in favor of that, though, as my remarks and thoughts can be harsh. I’m hoping my editor can point out where I might have gone a bit too far! 🙂
June 26, 2020 at 04:20
I think it is so wonderful when the memoir ends, and you can move on. I am always impressed by people endowed with a gift of writing …
June 26, 2020 at 11:14
Hi Roger! Thank you for swinging by here and leaving your kind comment. It feels good that the writing for my travel memoir is pretty much done, but the real “end” doesn’t happen until publication and that will take another few months. Hopefully, I can move on next year. 🙂
July 1, 2020 at 15:19
Liesbet, how exciting that you have found an editor to work with! I’m reading and responding a month after you posted this, so I’m guessing the process has moved along even further now, and you’ll be getting the editor’s feedback soon, if you haven’t already. Although I’m sure that the process of researching, choosing and hiring an editor must have been stressful, it must feel so great to be moving forward with your memoir again after the pause while you looked into agents and the traditional publishing route. I admire your determination. As you know from my recent post, I don’t have nearly as much patience as you do with the revision and publication process.
Jude
July 1, 2020 at 21:26
Hi Jude! Unfortunately, I haven’t made any progress with my editor and book since you read this post. You might have read this by now in my latest post. She is a busy woman and told me ahead of time that she couldn’t start the work until the end of June. I was hoping for an earlier start date (she said there was a chance for that), but it didn’t materialize. It sure would have been perfect if she could have worked on it the month of June and I could do the first round of rewrites this month, as I’m only here for so long. It was this delay or choosing someone else. Oh well… I can only hope that she’ll get to it soon, as it does feel like I just “lost” or “wasted” another month. Nothing goes smoothly or quickly in this process.
July 2, 2020 at 22:16
This was a very useful blog post. I could use this information.
July 3, 2020 at 12:04
I’m glad you liked the topic, Kalpanaa, and I hope the info will help you with the hiring process one day!
October 19, 2020 at 08:33
This is such a valuable post to any blogger interested in publishing a book of their own. It is like a whole world I know next to nothing about, although I was a beta reader once. I would not know where to start with the process. I was going to use a print on demand type of arrangement. Was there a reason you didn’t choose that route?
October 20, 2020 at 09:50
Hi Amanda!
Thanks for reading about my quest for an editor and leaving feedback. I’ve been documenting my monthly progress about my path to publication every first Wednesday of the month, for at least three years!
Like you, I had no clue where to start or how to go about it. There are sooooo many steps involved and they all require research, lots of time, effort, stress, and especially determination. But, I am getting there. I will self-publish Plunge as an indie author AND I will use print on demand to distribute the books. That seems to be the way to go, so you are correct about pursuing that approach.
I plan to involve Amazon and Ingram Spark as my POD services. I haven mentioned anything about that on my blog yet, as I haven’t set this up or started the process. I’ll probably touch on this in one of my upcoming “writing update” blogs. Hopefully the first Wednesday in November!