I love helping writers who are serious about a publishing career in the clean-read or Christian-fiction markets! Although I’m not currently accepting new clients, I have some tips for pre-published writers.
Study writing craft books and connect with other authors. Most write before they have solid foundation, but if you intend to make this your career, don’t skip this step. Look for organizations to join, in your genre, that will help you create a learning lifestyle. For me, that was American Christian Fiction Writers. If Christian fiction’s your genre then you’ll want to connect with us ASAP. In addition to providing writing conferences, and continuing education opportunities, there’s a members-only, online critique group as well as many smaller, genre-specific critique groups eager to welcome new writers.
If you have a finished manuscript, then focus on plot first. Save the Cat Writes a Novel is a great resource! Ensure your story hits all those compelling plot-points. Then verify your opening pages contain all the aspects necessary to set the scene for the reader. The who, what, when, where, why is just as important in orienting your reader to your fiction story (and in subsequent chapters) as it is in news publications.
Ready for feedback? Start with a developmental edit. In the Christian-fiction or clean-read genre I recommend Joleen Gramann. Find her website here.
After you insure your plot is solid with a developmental edit, you’ll want to seek a comprehensive edit which is what I offer. This is where knowing and understanding writing craft comes into play. Some creatives groan at writing rules but understand they’re simply guidelines that have evolved over years of publishing history to provide the modern reader with the strongest possible experience. Craft rules implemented well, allows your voice and meaning to shine through in a clear and concise way.
After you implement changes from the comprehensive edit, seek a third edit (preferably with a different editor) to proofread your story for punctuation and readability. This is the last step that addresses simple things like punctuation, spelling and other minor errors. Copyedits are often lower cost and quick proofreads that focus on providing a error-free manuscript ready for publication. Please note, many newbie writers believe this is all their manuscript needs. But it’s unlikely you’re ready for this step if you haven’t addressed the overall plot and writing with professionals first.
If you’re not ready for an edit or are low on funds, I recommend starting with a beta or alpha read from avid readers in your genre. This is typically a low cost, possibly even free, way to gather feedback. Ask for their impressions on your plot, characters, writing style, dialogue etc. But beware, this is not the time to only target readers who will encourage you. Feedback quality can vary greatly depending on the reader’s skill and their willingness to divulge their true opinion. Which is why most recommendations on finding a beta reader, advise not to ask your friends or family.
After you’ve addressed the feedback from your beta readers, join a critique group. Critique groups require you to evaluate others’ work and provide feedback. Basically, the goal is to learn the writing craft rules by researching the feedback you receive. And because it’s easier to see mistakes in someone else’s work than your own, this time spent developing your skill is never wasted. The stronger your internal editor grows, the simpler it becomes to spot those same weaknesses in your own writing.
Which means critique groups are an outstanding way to grow your self-edit muscle! If you have the drive to learn, then I strongly recommend you join a critique group. However, critique groups can be an extensive time investment on your project as well as others’ stories. And you are likely to receive questionable or conflicting feedback. Which is why seeking a professional edit is preferable.
My editing rates for a full manuscript are negotiated on an individual basis based on time and availability. Cost typically falls as low as $1 per page (for a proofread of a previously edited manuscript) up to $6 per page for a time intensive edit. Most full manuscript edits take between four and six weeks. A quicker turn-around is possible, but may increase the rate. Currently, I’m not accepting new clients, but feel free to contact me for future availability. Edit@RobynHook.com
Robyn Hook 