Surviving the Grammar Apocalypse: Is an Editor Your Ultimate Ally? Part 1
The Developmental Editor
If you've been following my journey across the wastelands of self-publishing, you'll know I'm dedicated to doing everything the “right way”—all while rationing the scarce resources of my budget.
Hiring an editor is a lifeline mentioned in every 'Survival Guide' out there for writers who intend to publish—providing clean water in a murky environment. If you land a contract with a traditional publisher, this sustenance is handed to you. But in the unforgiving realm of self-publishing, you must fend for yourself.
I went into self-publishing, feeling confident I could scavenge my own ‘water’. I’m a competent writer, and editors come with a hefty price tag.
However, the tail-end of 2022 marked a turning point.
The Currency of Survival: Editor Costs
In the bleak landscape of publishing, one's words are only as valuable as the clarity they possess. My novel, “The End of the World,” sprawling across a hefty 130,000 words, demanded meticulous attention. Turning to Reedsy for guidance, I unearthed some staggering figures on average editing costs for 2022. If you opt for an editor with commendable credentials, the math starts to feel overwhelming. Between securing cover art and engaging not one but two skilled editors—a developmental editor and a copy editor—my modest $5000 writing budget was swiftly consumed.
The Developmental Editor
Navigating Traditional Publishing: The Push Towards a Developmental Edit
As 2022 neared its end, the fortress of traditional publishing loomed large in my sights. Yet without a literary agent to act as my keybearer, its gates stayed shut, despite reaching out to various agents throughout the year. I quickly grew disillusioned with the rigorous querying process, the wait times, and the form rejections—a story for another day.
But it left me with the question: Was there something wrong with my book?
Feedback, on those rare occasions it wasn't a templated rejection, complimented my world-building and writing quality, but indicated that the story either didn’t "grab" them or "wasn’t right" for them.
This feedback lit a beacon of doubt: Was there an inherent flaw in my work, or did it simply not align with what agents sought? Determined to uncover the truth behind these rejections, I recognized the need for an expert's gaze—a developmental editor.
Diving Deep with a Developmental Editor
What is a Developmental Editor?
A developmental editor delves deep into your manuscript, pinpointing potential weaknesses in plot, structure, characters, and overarching narrative. They don't wear the hat of a grammar sentinel—that's the domain of copy editors.
Why Might Friends or Family Fall Short?
While they mean well, they're often too close to provide the hard truths. Authentic, raw feedback is vital to success.
What’s the Catch with Beta-Readers and Critique Groups?
Beta-readers are individuals who read a manuscript with the goal of providing feedback before it's finalized or published. They might be reading enthusiasts or fellow authors engaged in a mutual exchange of reviews. Critique groups, on the other hand, are gatherings of writers who share their works-in-progress with each other to receive feedback. Both offer a fresh pair of eyes, mirroring a reader's viewpoint. However, unlike professional editors, their feedback typically comes free of charge and might lack the depth and precision a seasoned editor would provide. While these insights are invaluable, their commitment can sometimes waver, especially if there's no compensation involved.
Why Seek Professional Insight?
Understanding the root of my book’s disconnect with agents became paramount. While feedback from peers, beta-readers, or critique groups can illuminate certain areas, I recognized that only a seasoned professional from the publishing world would have the discernment I sought.
After extensive research, I entrusted my manuscript to a developmental editor via Reedsy. Her resume? Twelve seasoned years as a literary agent, with a portfolio boasting collaborations with the Big 5 publishers. The investment? Well, you've seen the figures.
The Verdict: Was It Worth the Investment?
I’ll be upfront: parting with money is not in my nature. The decision to drain my budget to hire an editor wasn’t easy. Was it worth it? Absolutely—for a one-time deep dive. I justified the expense by viewing it as an intensive writing workshop, tailored exclusively to my own work. I have since abandoned the search for an agent, and embarked on the road to self-publishing, but the value remains.
What I Got For My Money
A thorough assessment of my manuscript. Utilizing Microsoft Word’s commenting feature, my editor highlighted both strengths and areas that needed improvement. One point she emphasized was my slightly outdated over-reliance on italics for inner dialogues.
A two-page comprehensive summary. This summary pinpointed three major areas for refinement and several minor ones. An entire new chapter grew out of her suggestion to delve deeper into the After Cult’s practices, for instance.
What I Did With the Feedback
Developmental editing emphasizes the "big picture" aspects of a story. Naturally, this means significant revisions. By February 2023, just two months after receiving the feedback, I had a revised draft ready. Some of the changes included:
A newly minted Chapter One, further detailing the After Cult’s role in the story.
A deeper bond formed between Mica and Animkii, my protagonists.
A more profound exploration of Animkii’s ‘machine side.’
Enhanced depth to the Fire Bones culture.
And, I bid farewell to the excessive use of italics for inner thoughts.
Interestingly, many of the issues my editor highlighted were those I instinctively felt were present but couldn't pinpoint. For example, it became clear that the dynamic between my two main characters felt off because they weren't interacting enough. This tied in with my overuse of italicized inner dialogue. I realized these characters were often lost in thought rather than communicating with one another. This prompted major rewrites, converting introspective moments into active dialogue and conflict.
The resulting draft, sculpted with my editor’s insights, was exponentially stronger. And the skills I acquired? They're already shaping Book 2.
In the Aftermath…
Our journey through the ruins of the Grammar Apocalypse began with the chronicle of my experience hiring a developmental editor. To my fellow survivors navigating these trenches and weighing the value of such an editor, I can vouch: the guidance I received was a pure lifeline. As storytellers, we’re sometimes unaware of the contaminants lurking in our own waters. The discerning gaze of a seasoned scribe may be what we need, not just to refine our words, but to distill their essence.
Our next foray into the Grammar Apocalypse (Part 2) will explore my experience with the world of Copy Editing. As we await that post, I'd love to know: have any of you braved the wastelands with an editor at your side? Share your tales in the comments below.
Until we reconvene by the fading embers of storytelling, may your words write, rewrite, and resonate through the desolate literary landscapes.
This has been an insightful read for someone like me with no knowledge of publishing, especially self-publishing. Absolutely loved it!!
A writer friend of mine set up a Facebook group to proof read his novels. I wasn’t sure how useful this would be, as most of the people in the group would inevitably be too ‘nice’. Too close. But maybe it would help iron out some of the bigger holes in the plot? Has anyone else done this?