Recently John and I have both taken on freelance editing. I’m hoping this money will help improve the RDSP cashflow. It’s crazy how performing a service gets you so much more money than selling a product. When you’re selling books you might get a big check but once you subtract what it cost to make the book and the royalties…well, it’s not much to write home about.
I’ve re-discovered how much I enjoy diving into sentences and making them click. With RDSP,even when I’m editing I’m thinking about how to promote the work, worrying about whether it will sell, etc. Also, the book has to be in pretty good shape already or we simply can’t take it on. We just don’t have time to do major editing.
But I do like working with new authors the way I used to do with John’s work. I really saw his writing improve from my comments, though I always felt bad criticizing. Someday I think I might like to run an intense writing workshop. I’ve considered doing it in conjunction with HorrorFind. I wonder how hard those are to organize and whether people would be interested in attending.
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Let me just say, I am absolutely thrilled that you've taken my work on and can completely understand where you worry about the effects of criticism, however, being artistic for a long time, what I've learned is (1) I am not amazing at everything and (2) if someone is willing to truthfully criticize something you've done, clearly they are just trying to help. In this context of course.
After two years I cannot believe I am taking that next step to be an author...and I am so glad that you are so driven and motivated in your work. That dedication is not taken lightly! :)
Thanks! You'd be surprised at how few authors have gotten to the point where they realize the value of constructive criticism. I'm finding it's a lot easier to do professional criticism when the author is not your husband or a close friend ;)
I can believe it, I mean, I see it in music all the time. Some people don't want to think their work is not good, but they miss the point. Sure, some of it is subjective, but technically speaking, something is broke if it is broke.
As for your partner or close friend, I agree, because the words of yours to those people go deeper than professional connection, so they probably sting a bit more. When my GF comments on my songs, I *know* she is being completely honest with me because the last thing she wants to do is hurt my feelings. That said, I can certainly say her response and willingness in telling me the honest truth has been absolutely paramount to me becoming a better song writer. Hands down. I can just not thank her enough for that which she gives me!
Try corporate editing, too. That'll *really* pay off.
Hmmmm ... How does one get into that? For the last seven months I've been editing/writing business plans for a certain company, but that certain company is going the way of all flesh ...
I don't know if I can make that leap. Do you have to know a certain set of rules like Chicago Manual of Style or whathaveyou. I feel pretty comfortable with fiction but not sure about corporate. Thanks for the idea though.