What an Editor Can Do For You: Editorial Comments Revealed!

If you’re not a professional writer, you may not have received comments on your work since school, which can add to the worry that working with an editor is scary! Take heart! I’m on your side. And very nice, I’m told.

Being edited doesn't have to feel scary

To de-mystify the process a little, I combed through some of the manuscripts I have worked on in recent years and shared a few of the comments I have given to clients. (Identifying information has been removed.) These real-life edits address a bunch of common issues and came from both Developmental and Line Editing contracts. Much of the time, I follow the instruction with a “for instance” example to help my beginning clientele get started.

If you were worried that editorial comments will be harsh or over your head, worry no more. Here are some ways an editor can make your book shine.

Because you know what you mean, sometimes you don’t see inference or questions your writing has introduced.

·      The way this sentence is phrased, it sounds like this guy doesn’t care about his own kids!

·      I don’t understand what this phrase means. Likely it will be confusing to your audience.

·      This sentence is dense and could use a simple example as a follow up.

An editor can hear the patterns you’ve forgotten you use . . . or the ones you should start using.

·      Your cynical readers will see multiple exclamation marks as bombastic! or overly exuberant! I’m going to cut all but the most necessary ones to avoid undermining your point.

·      This is the fifth time you used the word "time" on this page. Re-work at least half of those.

·      This sentence construction is overused. “ABC, but DEFG.” Fix it by cutting the downside and just boldly stating the affirmative.

·      Suggest adding one beat here. The thought needs to linger/be explained with an example before moving on.

We help you see things you missed.

·      Break science explanations down into laymen’s terms the way a news/podcast host would state the meaty description, then follow up with a personal interpretation.

·      Overly explained. Suggest cutting this sentence.

·      Truncated sentence

Because we know the potential pitfalls of the business

·      Cut because song lyrics are copywritten, and I don’t want Dave Mathews to sue you.

·      Cut this timestamp because you want to keep this book around a while and having a specific date makes it less evergreen.

·      Chicago Manual of Style uses a serial comma, which means all the books at the store do . . . and you should too.

·      Here’s the citation format we’re going to be using for your references . . .

Most importantly, it’s so nice to hear when you did well.

·      This sensory detail made me smile.

·      Bahahaha! I lol’d when this lady swore so eloquently!

·      This was a lovely sentence.

·      Applause! Excellent point well made.

Hopefully reading through this list has helped you feel a little less intimidated and more inspired to reach out to me. Whether your manuscript is complete, or you need help plowing through the end, I’m here to help.