In this episode we’re going to talk about how to maximize your relationship with your editor.
And yes, you already know who it is from the intro, Erin Healy.
If you don’t know Erin, let me give you a quick rundown.
- My editor.
- Four of my five Christy wins came from books Erin edited.
- Ted Dekker’s long-time editor.
- AND … is a bestselling author for her own books.
- So she’s one of those rare folks who truly understands publishing from both sides, as an editor, but also as an author.
- Freelance editor who works with indie authors and trad authors.
- Seventeen years ago … put up her website, has never had time … she’s that good.
- And has become a dear friend
Erin, welcome to the show.
- Which do you like better? Writing or editing?
- We always say the absolute best piece of marketing material authors can develop is an excellent book … because that sells the next book and the back list. And creating an excellent book depends to a great extent on the relationship between the editor and the writer. So talk to us a bit about how to make that relationship sing. What are some must-dos when you start working with a new editor?
- Don’t have to be best friends, but do have to have mutual respect
- A good editors job is to:
- Catch the vision for the book
- Match that up with readers
- Ask the hard questions
- What do you want to make sure you DON’T do?
- Don’t rush the process. It takes time. Both macro/line edit take time!
- Ask the editor how long it will take on your specific book
- What are some things you’re seen done, or have been done to you that were shocking or horrifying or just plain stupid?
- How can authors make things easier for their editors?
- Do you end up having authors you like working with more than others? Why?
- How do you find a great editor?
- How much do personalities clicking play into putting together a great story?
- You’ve worked with a lot of best-selling, award winning authors. Have any of them done something innovative with regards to marketing that you admired?
- Are you able to take on any new clients currently?
- Where can people find out more about you and/or get in touch?
Links:
- Erin’s website Erin Healy dot com
- wweditorial@msn.com
Featured Patron: David L. Winters
A Christian ride-share driver lands in hot water with the Russian mob. Antonio and his cop brother must solve a murder before it’s too late.
Thank you, David!
Sponsor:
MyBookTable is a way to quickly and easily build an online bookstore on your WordPress website. Use it to rank #1 on Google for your book and to boost your book sales on sites like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Get it free at MyBookTable.com. Novel Marketing Patrons save 25% on MyBookTable Pro. www.mybooktable.com.
Oh my gosh this is a fantastic episode. Miss Erin divulged valuable insights into the editing process. I love it and is exactly what I didn’t realize I needed to know. So one question for any or all of you: is it okay to ask for a certain or preferred type of editing feedback? For example, I find it difficult to read and understand comments made in a word doc and much prefer highlighting and inserted comments within the text at appropriate points. Is something like that too much to ask of an editor? Thanks