Zaynab Hanan
2-4 minutes
Writers, your editor may be as nervous as you
Before I begin editing a manuscript, I have a call with the author to discuss their expectations and to ask roughly a million questions. Having information about your manuscript before I read it gives me the confidence to work while knowing my edits and suggestions will reflect what you want the story to be.
Think about it this way: writers are very protective over their work and are often nervous to have editors make changes to it. As your editor, I am nervous about how well-received my edits will be because I know how protective you are over it. Therefore, we enter the arrangement on more even footing than you may think.
I’m making changes to and offering feedback on something you hold very dear and have spent a lot of time working on. I want to give you the best edit I can and, while I know you might not accept every change and suggestion, I hope that my changes do align with your expectations and I stay true to your voice and writing style.
The questions I ask
this is all information you should have given in the contact form.
– What is the intended genre(s)?
– How many drafts have you done? Were those edits or rewrites?
– Have you worked with others on your manuscript? E.g. other professionals, critique partners, friends, family, etc.
– Do you have a timeline in mind for the edit?
i like to double check all the information i have is correct.
I then go in with general questions to get to know you.
– Are you looking for a one-time editor or on more of a permanent basis?
– What is your vision for writing long-term?
– What are your communication preferences? E.g. email, phone, video call, scheduled check-ins or only when necessary, are you someone who needs reassurance throughout the process?
– What is your ideal working relationship with an editor?
There are no right or wrong answers here. i want to work in a way that suits you and i can be flexible.
now i want to figure out why you’re doing this.
– Why did you start writing this novel? What were your motivations?
– What are your goals, both with this edit and the novel in general?
– How does your novel make you feel?
– Who is your intended audience and how do you want them to feel while reading?
I know sometimes your mind can go blank when answering questions and these are personal questions so you can take your time, there’s no pressure.
Knowing this helps me ensure your writing accurately conveys your message, is appropriate for your target audience, fits the intended genre, and enables me to retain your voice while editing. Your writing is personal to you and I want to enhance it without stifling your voice, which is why anything you can tell me about it and your process is very helpful.
Can I edit without this knowledge? Yes, of course! However, it allows me to edit with more confidence that you’ll be satisfied with the outcome. By having an initial conversation, we also get to know one another before jumping straight into the edit, which (I hope) makes writers feel more at ease.