3 Secrets Editors Know That You Don’t.

Writers, write and Editors, edit. It’s the necessary cycle of every book, blog post, and article. But one thing is certain if you don’t edit your work, your readers will.

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We get so excited to write our stories down that we forget one of the most important parts of writing is hiring an editor. This one person can take your manuscript and help you massage your message.

Many writers choose not to use one. Maybe it’s too expensive, or maybe they think the editor doesn’t know their reasoning for why they write the way they did. Whatever the reason, an editor takes our message and allows it to breathe, so that the words shine and the message is clear.

When I wrote, Divine Providence I had no idea what I was doing. Looking back at that manuscript, it was scary and I was embarrassed anyone read it before any editor touched it.

I was encouraged by my friend, Lois Walfrid Johnson, who’s a best-selling children’s author, to hire an editor for my book. And that’s exactly what I did and the product today is the result of hard work on both our parts.

Editor and author, Arthur Plotnik said this; “You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what’s burning inside you. And we edit to let the fire show through the smoke.”

So what are the secrets behind using an editor and why should you hire one today? 3 Reasons.

1. Editors help clarify your message.

I’m part of a writer’s guild here in the Twin Cities and one thing I’m asked about is, do I really need an editor? Won’t they soften or change my message?

I know it’s a real concern, and it’s a valid question. Writers are protective creatures. They don’t want anyone to touch their work. It’s their baby, after all.

Editors don’t soften your message. They don’t even change the meaning of your hard work. Editors work hard to keep your voice and help you clarify your message. They help you get to the point and cut out the fluff.

If you want to get clear on your message, and look like a professional author, hire an editor.

2. Editors help you discover a deeper message.

When I hired my editor for Divine Providence, she encouraged me to look at a character in a different light. She saw something that helped me take my story to the next level.

I took the advice and rewrote a character throughout the story. The ending result, I had a character who became the silent hero of the story. The message became very clear and understandable.

Editors can take a big picture look at your work and help you not only clarify your message but help you see things from the reader’s perspective. If you can help the reader connect the dots on what you wrote, the better you’ll connect with the reader.

##3. Editors give you freedom to be creative.

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard writers say, I can’t have someone edit my book because they stifle creativity.

That statement drives me nuts. Yes, it is daunting and scary giving your baby to someone else to care for. It’s kind of like giving your baby to the nursing staff at the hospital so the mother can rest for a few hours.

When you’re waiting for an editor, you might have a different direction for a chapter, and the editor might come back and agree with your sentiment. They give you suggestions to foster your natural creativity.

It’s this collaborative part of writing that makes for the very best books to read.

Remember editors are your friends. They are there as a guide to help you along your journey of becoming a published author.

It doesn’t matter if you’re going to be self-published or traditionally published, an editor is your best friend. They give you permission write what’s burning inside you to connect with the hearts and minds, of your readers.

If you’re looking for an editor, here are two resources I highly recommend. Believer’s Book Services and Redemption Press.

[reminder]What has been your experience with an editor? Why are you hesitant to use one?[/reminder]