Every book I edit is different. Every author is different. Every idea is different. Most interestingly, every author fails in a unique way. They may write too long, forget to include context, fall victim to the Curse of Knowledge, be unable to write grammatical sentences, repeat their ideas, be too formal, be too informal, repeat…
There is no definitive book on developmental editing for prescriptive nonfiction — and certainly no book on what editing should look like in the age of AI. So I think I ought to write one. Where I start from on this is similar to where I started when I conceived Writing Without Bullshit. That is,…
People think developmental editing is about improving words. It’s not. It’s about feelings. I’m sure that sounds like it makes no sense. But it’s actually the most important thing an editor does, and no machine can do it. How a developmental editor works I start my developmental edit on your manuscript by reading it. As…
In yesterday’s newsletter, I pointed out that editorial experts are now cleaning up other people’s AI-generated messes. And I’ve now heard from lots of ghostwriters and editors that their clients are sending them content that’s clearly AI-generated. If you’re given AI-generated text to edit, how do you need to protect yourself, and what should you…
The developmental edit of a book manuscript should come back with two files: the electronically marked-up (redlined) manuscript and an edit memo. The edit memo is crucial. It is a document written directly from the editor to the writer, describing the general issues with the manuscript. It not only explains what needs changing, but why….
Here’s the situation. You have a manuscript, let’s say, 60,000 words. You’ve asked me to do a developmental edit on it. Now you have some reasonable requests regarding my work — and I have some surprising answers for you. So let’s dive into some frequently asked questions. Can you edit my novel or memoir? An…
The Editorial Freelancers Association has published the results of a survey of 1,000 respondents, 30% of its membership. My main takeaway: these rates are pathetically low. That’s not good news for editors, writers, or the quality of books. The EFA’s rate estimator based on the survey is here. Here are some highlights from the survey:…
I think the reason I like editing is that I’m so curious and easily excited. I’ve edited books on cybersecurity, medical cures, networking, customer experience, disruption, AI, clear communication, data, ethical management, personal productivity, the future of transportation, and financial advising. Plus two memoirs, one of a musician and public speaker and the other of…
I am very selective about ghostwriting clients and very open to a broad range of editing clients. Part of the reason is that a ghostwriting commitment means living in your skin for six or nine months, while an editing commitment means living in your manuscript for two or three weeks. But it’s not just the…