When I say, editors know nothing, I’m not talking about their ability to edit. I’m talking about your manuscript. When it comes time to turn to a professional to edit, mark up, offer suggestions, and work with you to fine tune and improve the work, you want someone with “fresh” eyes, someone who hasn’t read previous versions of your manuscript.
Your beta readers have been reading, offering ideas, marking up the pages. You’ve probably made changes based on their comments. You’ve made improvements. Now it’s time to turn to someone who knows nothing … about the changes or what the story looked like in the beginning.
You may end up paying multiple editors to look at your work. Most writers only pay one. That one needs to be someone with experience and knowledge in editing and coaching -- someone who will tell you the hard truth.
The good news is that person is a professional. They’re not going to be hurt when you disagree with them. They’re going to continue working with you. They’re not going to be jealous of things you’ve written that are pure gold. They’re going to tell you what a gem that phrase or character or chapter is. They’re not going to be afraid to point out weak areas or what they see as problems. You’re paying them to do just that.
Editors know a lot when it comes to editing and coaching writers. And, yet, they know nothing.
And that’s a good thing.
Have you worked with an editor who knew nothing and, as a result, helped you to make your writing better?
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