So, if you’ve been following my blog for any length of time you’ll know I’ve been wrangling with my debut novel – Guns of Perdition – for a few years. I wrote it, rewrote it, edited, edited some more, edited again, printed and edited, beta’d, edited, and edited again.
The dang thing had to be perfect after all that, right? What could possibly be the point in sending it off to a “professional” editor? Well, my sense of perfectionism got the best of me (as did numerous prods from my writerly friends) and I eventually succumbed and sent what I thought was a very polished MS to an editor.
Wow. What came back has blown me away. The editor called my MS very polished, but she still managed to pick up HEAPS of errors, mistakes, typos, and blips. HEAPS!
I am now going through tidying these up for what I hope is the final pass through before hitting publish, but I wanted to pause for a moment and share my (noob) thoughts that EDITING IS IMPORTANT! I am astounded and amazed at the job my editor has done and the things she’s picked up.
So, if you’re toying with the notion of seeking professional editing, don’t toy – just do it. And if you’re after a great editor, check out Christie at Proof Positive.
*NOTE – For those burning with curiosity, Guns of Perdition is a quarter through it’s final edit. Hoping for a mid-year publish!
I found this enlightening and entertaining— Seems I’m not the only one who chases perfection. And then, occasionally I realize perfection is an illusion. On those days I get stuff done! 🙂 Looking forward to seeing more about your progress.
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Thanks! Yeah, I enjoy those rare moments of clarity… unfortunately they’re few and far between 😁
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Errm, can you describe this clarity thing? Is this something I can buy or borrow somewhere? I’m kinda joking, I think…
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Haha, it hits randomly and infrequently… just wait. It’ll happen.
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It always does, but taking its sweet time these days!
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I also am always surprised at the number of mistakes that my editor picks up, Jessica, and that is after both my mom and my husband read and proof for me. Congratulations on getting this far.
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Thanks Robbie 🙂
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Midyear isn’t too far away. I’m looking forward to reading your debut novel!
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Aw thanks Priscilla! 🙂
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I’m a perfectionist too and polish, polish, polish. I also have critique partners who catch things I don’t and even then my editor always catches plenty. It’s amazing how easy it is to overlook things.
Congrats on your progress. A midyear publication is very exciting!! If your looking for blog hosts, you know my door is always open for you!
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Thanks and thanks again Mae! I appreciate the offer and may come a-knocking 🙂
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Awesome, Jess. I’m so glad you found a great editor. And mid-year. Woot woot. That’s awesome. Congrats!
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Thanks lovely one 🙂
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Gosh, you sound just like me! And probably like most writers, especially with that first book. I still haven’t made the leap yet – in publishing that first book. Editing really is crucial. Thank you for sharing your own experience. 🖤
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It’s definitely not a step that can be skipped – so I know NOW! Can’t believe i’d contemplated doing just that! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Being the world’s worst typist, I definitely see the benefits of using an editor or two. Well put.
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Thanks Mike 🙂
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This is awesome, Jess! I think you are so right about hiring an editor. Can’t wait to see the final product!! 🙂
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Thanks Penny 🤗
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Yep – been there before, Jessica. It’s humbling when it comes back from the editor, lol.
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Humbling but relieving too; so happy knowing I didn’t put it out into the world it was back then ☺️
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