I took time off.
I needed time off.
I took time off from writing.
I took time off from editing.
I took time off from proofreading.
I needed that time off.
My brain needed a break.
My mind needed a sabbatical.
It’s time to get back to work, though.
I’m ready to edit.
I’m ready to write.
Bring me all the things.
I’m ready.
There is a story in all of us. Sometimes that story is fictional; sometimes it is a detailed account of a life plagued by pain and anguish, but we all have a story to tell. We all have something to say. I cannot tell your story for you, but I can help you tell it better.
As your Developmental Editor, my job is to help you, the writer, develop your literary piece into something your intended audience can’t put down. If your readers are not chomping at the bit for something more from your pen by the time they finish your book, I haven’t done my job. There may be a drastic need such as substantive editing, but that’s another topic for another day.
My role in assisting in the development of your book is to walk with you, chapter by chapter, toward the ultimate goal of putting together a masterpiece. Everything is not for everyone, but my job is make sure the audience you want to reach is left satisfied.
I’m here to help you work on character development. I’m right here to help you recognize and fix plot holes. I’m here to help you pull it all together and package it up nicely.
I will never take away your voice. You are the storyteller. I am the editor. We will work together to make that voice sparkle. We will work together to make yours a bestseller.
The title of this post has nothing to do with the TV show The Voice, then again, it has many things in common with it.
Lot’s of people like to use the quote by Oscar Wilde about imitation. They love this part: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…”, but you rarely see the complete quote. Here you go:
Writing is indeed an art form. It is about speaking from the heart. As an editor, I know of all the different genres of writing. I know about fantasy, poetry, science fiction, mystery, biography, etc. What I also know is that regardless of your chosen genre, your voice – the voice of the author – must never be lost. It must never be taken away.
When I am charged with editing the work of an author, I take special care to make sure that the work product is error-free. I take just as much care in making sure that the writer’s voice shines through brightly. I’m not there to take away your dialect. I’m not here to take away the way you want your message to come across.
What I am here to do is make sure the words are spelled correctly and that punctuation is proper. I know, I know – that sounds a lot like proofreading. It is. Scrivener Shine Edits provides solid proofreading services, but for editing, my job doesn’t stop there. I look for flow. I look for readability. I look for continuity. I look for syntax. I provide honest, tactful feedback. What my writers do with that feedback is entirely up to them, but I would be remiss not to give the benefit of what I know about the industry.
Readers must stay engaged. Readers must feel that they are there with you. Readers must be able to drop into your story without having to stumble backwards to find their place.
If you’re looking for an editor who cares about your voice, you’ve found her. Let’s talk about your needs. Let’s get it done.
Scrivener Shine Edits, L.L.C. 