Tamara gives me a lot of credit for writing her stories, but the truth is that I give my editors kudos for making it better. Every writer gets in a groove and when we do, the words freely flow uninterrupted from our fingertips to our keyboards. We tend to forget or overlook where proper punctuation fits, and whether or not our sentence structure makes sense, but there's more to it than that. In trying to make a point, some of us are notorious for long sentences or even worse, the dreaded run-on sentences. Then we have the issue of repetitiveness, and misspellings. Oh, the list goes on.
I believe that all too often our editors go unnoticed, while we tend to get all the credit for our stories. Our editors sit behind a desk meticulously going through all the manuscripts making our stories sparkle, not asking for a thing in return.
I wouldn't dare lie to you and say ALL editors are great. No, some should be banned from the profession! For that matter, some authors should be banned from writing, too! However, this blog isn't for them. It's for the editors that took our stories and made them even better.
I am published with eXtasy Books and what a pleasure it has been to be a part of the eXtasy family. I found encouragement and support from everyone there. Even the very busy owner, Tina Haveman finds the time to keep in touch with me, but I have also found the best editors anyone could have, Jay Austin EIC and Tex (sorry to bring you into this, I know you're shy).
My point in all this? Behind every writer, stands an unsung hero, and I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for being there for me, for helping me learn, for having patience even when I don't, for encouraging me when I want to give up and supporting me when the reviews kick my ass. LOL
You're the best!
You know what? I'll sign every word.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm far from perfect, but I want it perfect. I try hard, and then there's the editor and tries even harder. What they do is so infinitely valuable! And yet - you, the readers, won't notice it. You shall not notice it, that's the point, for you will read Annie's story, or mine, the way we write it. You shall not notice an "editor's style". You also shall not miss an editor.
They are best when they go unnoticed, and that's what they do. Hooray!
Cheers, Valerie
Yes...editors can be wonderful for polishing your manuscript. Too often they go unnoticed...but deserve praise.
ReplyDeleteMarianne/April
I'm glad you go a good Editor and that you are Thankful I'm Sher that they do not hear that enuff from there Authors
ReplyDeleteSpeaking as a copyeditor--thank you! And you are most welcome. Our objective is to make you look great. It's all about the work!
ReplyDeleteJesse, your welcome. I only spoke from the heart. I only wished more people felt this way. :0) Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, I'm a managing editor for two publishers, and your words touched my heart and made me blush. Yes, we editors do work behind the scenes and like your "TEX", I like to stay there. I am flourished with thanks and hugs from all the authors I edit, and they try telling me that their story wouldn't be as wonderful without my help. But I must interject here...I didn't write the story/book. It was penned from that author's heart and soul. All I did was read. I consider myself just another set of eyes...a reader, who can give advice.
ReplyDelete