WORKING WITH EDITORS BY RITA KARNOPP

Once you’ve finished your book and are now in the enviable position of having (or seeking) an editor, how do you communicate with him/her?  What are their expectations?  What if you don’t understand what they want?

Above all, editors want quality work.  Period.  It’s their reputation on the line when a book falls short of expectations.  So what exactly does that mean?

Quality is subjective from editor to editor.  Like readers, they have different expectations and likes and dislikes.  You have to know what he/she wants.  That’s why it’s so important to have a good working relationship with your editor.  Ask the questions that need to be asked or you’ll find yourself floundering, adding extra stress (and who needs that) and you’ll realize you’re not giving your editor what they want.

Study successful authors in the genre you write.  This will give you a good basis for comparing and assessing the quality of your own work.

No matter what your editor expects, you must know they all want a story that grabs their attention, is emotional, with a new and exciting plot.  You want the editor to say, “I must have this book!”

Show your passion about your writing and your book(s).  That means you must pay attention to the little details such a spelling, grammar, and a crisp presentation.

Know your business.  Does the editor you’re submitting to handle the style and type of book you’re writing?  You’re wasting your time and theirs if you haven’t done your homework.

Send out your best work, not a manuscript that you know needs editing and revisions.  Believe me, editors remember poorly submitted work.  You might have the tightest story ever – and that editor won’t give it a glance if you’ve damaged your reputation earlier with a haphazard submission.

Show your confidence and pride in your work with each submission you make.  That right editor will grab you up if you’re submitting what he’s looking for.