The Importance of Editors

The Importance of Editors, guest post by Yolanda Renée

When writing a book, the first advice you get is to write it all down, no matter what… put pen to paper, or fingers to the keyboard and write, write, write. Editing comes later— grammar, research, and syntax will all happen once the story is on paper. Cool, I can do that, and for the most part it’s exactly what I do.

Once the rewriting, tweaking, research, and cleaning up is done, you have a novel! It’s true, that’s exactly how it works.

The Importance of Editors, guest post by Yolanda Renée
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So what’s the point of my post? EDITING! What is the editor’s role? Why do you need one? Who knows the story better – you, or a stranger?

Moving on.

However, most likely you’ll hear – “great idea for a novel, now you just need to learn how to write. Where did you do your research – the back of a cereal box? This is a sadistic killer and you write like a, well a lady. Quoting Gilligan isn’t going to win you fans, most of them don’t know who he is…”

And the comments go on and on!

Suddenly your masterpiece is so much less.

What do you do? Rewrite a book you were certain was DONE?

Seriously, now you have a decision to make.

This is where you decide to work with the editor and make that book the best it can be. OR you’re done, you close the lid and flush it all down the loo. It’s over. No more time spent on a bad idea!

But if you’re smart you’ll take a HUGE breath and get over yourself. Time to and buckle down for the long haul, because this is where your true writing skill comes to the forefront. You dry your tears, face the rejection, consider the editors recommendations, and finally begin to write your heart out.


A good editor is worth ten times their weight in gold! I was lucky to have 3 such talented people looking after Stowy and me in The Snowman. Michael Di Gesu, Susan Flett Swiderski, and Chrys Fey.  My editing angels. Otherwise I wouldn’t have produced such an amazing book. Yes, I do think The Snowman is an incredible book. And, Michael, Susan, and Chrys each contributed.


The Importance of Editors, guest post by Yolanda Renée
At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I've traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influence my writing.

Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!


You can connect with me here:
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3 Comments

  1. Yolanda Renée17 May 2017 at 11:36

    Thank you, Jo!
    I'm thrilled to be able to give three great writers and editors their due! Thanks for hosting The Snowman Tour!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mason Canyon17 May 2017 at 12:06

    As a reader, we don't think about how the author and editor have to work together to bring us such tantalizing stories. Glad you found the right editors, Yolanda.

    Jo, thanks for sharing this informative post and for being a part of Yolanda's tour.

    Mason
    MC Book Tours

    ReplyDelete
  3. Michelle Wallace20 May 2017 at 15:32

    They are 3 great writers whose work I've read.
    Sounds like the perfect editorial team!

    ReplyDelete

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