Verse & Vision: The Editing Process Exposed

Welcome to “Verse & Vision,” your essential guide to mastering writing and navigating the publishing world. This series is a comprehensive toolkit for authors at any stage, offering insights on crafting stories, character development, and strategies for success in the literary market. Join our community of writers as we explore the craft and business of writing together.

Meet Jay Lang, our guide and a prolific author with 13 novels in just four years, including her latest release, “One Take Jake: Last Call.” Jay’s journey from avid reader to celebrated author showcases her passion and versatility in storytelling. With experiences from living on a houseboat to designing for musicians, Jay brings unique perspectives to her writing and mentorship. Dive into “Verse & Vision” for Jay’s expert advice and inspiration, helping you achieve your writing goals and connect with fellow authors.

In her first two instalments, Jay talked about getting your manuscript published, and the grit it takes to thrive as a writer. This week, she’s talking about one of the hardest aspects of the entire craft: editing. Of course, as with everything we do here at V13, Jay’s take is all about Love & Logic, and the balance between them. 

Introduction to Editing

It’s time to get naked, strip away the excess and reveal the bare core of your manuscript.

Editing is a for some a bone of contention and for others, a labor of love. An editor is an invaluable asset in crafting the highest quality work. Good editors not only correct grammar and punctuation issues but also refine the structure and overall readability of our writing.

“Bleeding”

Most accomplished authors emphasize the importance of editing. Some meticulously edit their manuscripts more than a dozen times. Can you imagine? While attending creative writing courses at university, I learned of a term used for writers who tirelessly edit their work: “bleeders.” Bleeders love dedicating as much time to editing as they did to writing their manuscript.

Acclaimed novelist and CTV video journalist, Mike McCardell, offers this advice: “To a writer, and to myself, there is only one thing to do: Write. Then write some more. And then do it again, and this time get it right. Then have some coffee and read what you wrote and say something like, ‘What does this mean? I can do better.’ Then go back and read what you first wrote and say, ‘That wasn’t so bad. I’m pretty good. Stop doubting myself.’ Then add a tiny idea from the last thing you wrote and say, ‘Wow! That’s it. That’s what I wanted to say.’ And then move on to the second sentence.”

Watch as Mike McCardell shares stories of people who live or once lived in Metro Vancouver, every weeknight on CTV News at Six. Read more about Mike here.

Don’t Let the Perfect Be The Enemy of the Good

Unlike many authors, I am not a “bleeder.” I lack the fundamental discipline required to pore over my work until my eyes pop out. When I finish a manuscript, I typically undergo five or six careful edits before handing it off to a pre-editor for further polishing prior to submission to the publisher. It’s not inexpensive to hire a good pre-editor, but the benefits of having a skilled professional who can approach my story objectively have proven invaluable. Some advice: If you are contemplating hiring an editor, consider someone who is specialized in your genre.

Alana Wilcox, the Editorial Director for Coach House Press, holds responsibility for acquisitions and editing. Wilcox is recognized as the author of A Grammar of Endings. When asked about the importance of editing a manuscript, she stated, “As a publisher, we expect to work with an author to edit the manuscript of a book we acquire. We don’t expect it to be perfect! But it’s helpful to make a good impression by tidying up spelling and grammar. Make the manuscript as good as you can, but then expect the publisher to want further changes and be open to that.”

Books by Alana Wilcox

My Experience with Editing

There have been numerous occasions where I believed my work was ready for publication until the pre-editor shed light on critical issues that I had overlooked. I have always used the same pre-editor, and because of her innate ability to uncover even the smallest errors, I’ve affectionately nicknamed her “Hawkeye.” Hawkeye has been with me since the beginning of my literary journey, and through the editing process, she has taught me a great deal about becoming a more effective writer. While I commend her expertise, I must admit that there are times when her hyper-vigilance about certain aspects in one of my stories makes me want to pull my hair out at the roots.

However, it’s my goal to reach my fullest potential as a writer, which is why I try to approach criticism with openness and humility.

After signing my first book [ed.: Hush, published in 2020] contract with a publisher, I was appointed to a staff editor. I was shaking in my boots because, up to this point, I had only worked with Hawkeye. I was worried that the staff editor would read my manuscript and discover that my work was sub-par and conclude that the publisher had made a mistake signing me on. So, I barely slept until I finally heard back from the editor. Thankfully, she was pleased with my work, and I could breathe a sigh of relief.

Every Writer Has a Reader Out There

The writing game can be an emotional rollercoaster at times.

It’s important to remind ourselves that although our art is an extension of us, it is subjective and will not appeal to everyone. If you’ve completed your manuscript, and have made sure that it’s edited and polished, you’ve done everything right. The next step is to release it into the literary universe and hope for the very best outcome.

There are always book enthusiasts waiting to read your new and original novel. With this in mind, don’t worry about being the perfect writer or editor; we are all learning as we go. If the process starts to overwhelm you, remember: you are one of the privileged, an artist who has the ability to transport readers to magical places through the written word.