Into the Fire

So, as planned, Sherrie Holmes, freelance editor and sole proprietor of Sherrie Holmes Editorial Services , joins us today to answer the questions posed to her.

1.As a freelance editor, what do you find is the hardest part in editing a manuscript for a novel, either for someone you know or for someone you don’t?

There are two answers to this question: technical and personal. The technical aspect addresses the actual manuscript. The personal aspect addresses the writer’s ego. An editor must deal with both. Let’s talk about the personal aspect first.
The client has poured months or years into the effort, and here I come like a playground bully and give them a bloody nose with a rolled up copy of their own manuscript. Worse yet, they were expecting me to calf-slobber all over them in praise of their writing, and instead I point out every fatal wart and pimple with my Red Pen of Doom. The reality can be a severe blow to the ego. It also separates the serious writer from the wannabe. The serious writer works through the pain of growth and improves. And gets published. The wannabe just whines and makes excuses. And collects rejection slips.
As an editor it is difficult for me to understand how someone can pay me for my expertise, and then ignore it.
Now for the tecnical aspect of this question. This is going to be painful for me to say, but one of the hardest things about my job is reading mediocre writing day in and day out by writers who are unwilling to invest the energy it takes to improve. It’s discouraging to me as an editor because I feel like I’m wasting my time. I am also somewhat stunned by the number of writers who don’t know the most basic elements of using their word processing programs because they’ve never taken the time to learn. They single space instead of double space. Instead of letting the system automatically wrap text and double space, they manually insert two hard returns (“enter”) at the end of every line. Instead of automatic indents for each new paragraph, they use the space bar and manually indent. They also use the space bar to center text instead of using the “center” button. That’s an unbelievable amount of hard work when the system could do it for them!

2.What do you find is the most common problem you see in writing?

Just one problem? Oh dear. High on the list is excessive wordiness. And rambling. And boring, pointless stories (see rambling). Also lack of originality. In other words, mundane writing by authors who don’t challenge themselves to rise above the ordinary. Lack of logic. Characters I don’t care about. Characters who are TSTL (to stupid to live). Writing that is larded with back story in the beginning. Lack of conflict. Inconsistent character behavior and unbelievable situations. Anachronisms in historical novels. This is fun! I could go on, but then I’d fall into the “excessive wordiness” zone, and it’s already crowded.

3.If you could facilitate any kind(s) of change in any area of Christian fiction, what would it be?

Don’t preach and don’t be a Bible thumper! Be realistic–Christians are no different than other people. They are not saints. They make stupid mistakes and say things they regret and sometimes they turn their underwear inside out because they don’t have time to do laundry. Give them real challenges with serious consequences, and make me care desperately for them. And don’t be so melodramatic–a little humor never hurts.

4. (Sherrie’s volunteered question and answer) What advice can you give to a person being edited for the first time?

Come to the experience with an open mind and heart and a flameproof, biohazard suit. Set aside ALL resistance and understand that you and your editor are working together as a team, not as opponents. Your editor knows the publishing business better than you, so it pays to listen to her advice. Don’t whine–she didn’t make the rules. Don’t hate the editor because she points out flaws in your writing. Educate yourself. If your editor says you have a problem with x, go to the library and check out books on x and read up on it. (Or ask the editor if she has material she can send you. I keep a file of writing resources for my clients) Behave like a professional. Treat your editor with respect. She worked very hard on your manuscript and her primary goal is to help you become a better writer. Dedicate your first book to her and name her in your will. Don’t forget to send her little gifts: chocolate, money, cars, vacations in Europe. But most of all, keep your sense of humor!

So there you have it! And, boy, did she let us have it, huh?

Lord, thank you for Sherrie’s dedication to the craft, her willingness to help and mentor writers. I pray that you would give her the joys that come with fulfilling your calling. I pray she would receive your love and guidance, your rest and rejuvenation when she requires it, and that her time spent with you would be comforting and uplifting. Go before her every endeavor and keep her safe. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.