A Writer's Journey: How Many Hands Shape an Author's Story

This November marks 14 years of being a book editor. (Wow, that is surreal to think about.) During that time, I've learned many skills on the job, including how to be an effective editor who helps a novel grow rather than shrink.

But in addition to working in the publishing industry, I'm also a writer. To date, I've finished 4 full-length novels (none published yet), have started many others, and have even more bouncing around in my head.

A Writer's Journey

Writing has always brought me joy, though I know for others it sometimes elicits dread. Not because the writer's story doesn't sit well with them, but because they know that the publishing world can throw so many wrenches in the mix. I'm here to say that yes, oftentimes publishing in the traditional sense (through a literary agent's negotiations or straight to a publisher's inbox) means getting other people's opinions. And those opinions can vary wildly. Which, in turn, can lead to substantial revisions to a plot the writer worked thanklessly on for months, years, even decades before gaining the publishing gods' favor.

The truth is, no first draft is flawless. Even the most polished author needs feedback in order to improve. Without constructive dialogue, the writing journey might fall flat. Characters might not act in believable ways. Settings might be inaccurate. Plot holes might pop up like daisies.

That's why it's a good idea to have others read your draft before you leap into publishing. After all, many hands make a story a success. Your job is to sort out which hands will help and which will hurt.

Here are a few different ways you can get feedback from others. But remember, at each stage in the publishing process, your book might be due for a tune-up.

Critique Partners

Critique partners are often other writers in the same genre as you, or well versed in the genre at least. They work with you to bounce ideas off of or improve your writing before the draft is ready for test readers. There are some great programs out there to match critique partners, such as:

Critique Partner Matching from The Manuscript Academy

The Beta Reader Match Up by Bianca Marais

The Women's Fiction Writers Association critique program

Inked Voices

Or consider posting on a writer-focused social media page asking to pair up with someone.

Alpha/Beta Readers

Like critique partners, alpha/beta readers stand at the front line of your draft's mission to succeed. Typically, alpha readers are the first ones to read a completed draft you feel comfortable sharing with others. Pick one or two people you trust but who may not be directly related to you to take on this first step.

Beta readers typically come after you've received feedback from alphas and incorporated it (or not) into the manuscript. They read a more polished piece and can dive more thoroughly into what's working and what's not before you submit to publishers, a professional editor, or a literary agent.

Remember, getting your work as solid and complete as possible will help you stand out on submission.

Freelance Editors

Working with a professional freelance editor prior to self-publishing is a must, in my opinion, to make sure you have a solid understanding of the triumphs and pitfalls your narrative offers before you upload. Whether it's a manuscript assessment, proofread, or a more thorough line/dev edit, working with an established professional will help you get a stamp of approval before releasing your book to the world.

Invaluable places to search for a freelance editor include:

Reedsy

Upwork

Editorial Freelancer's Association

I also offer editing services, so reach out if you'd like to discuss your project!

Literary Agents

 If choosing to go with the traditional publishing route (through a publishing house), you likely will also send your manuscript to literary agents. Agents typically request sample pages rather than a full manuscript at first, so no matter what else you focus on, make sure your first 50 pages captivate an audience.

When you get representation, however, be aware that some agents are more hands-on and will also give ideas on ways to improve your novel. This is not a criticism of the hard work you've already invested, but rather part of the business side of publishing. If the product doesn't appeal to consumers, it's not worth the risk.

Pro tip: Be open to editing your book at every stage of the writing journey.

In-House Editors

Say you've secured an agent, have done all the necessary updates, and are FINALLY putting your novel in front of an in-house editor at an established publishing house. Well, guess what? The editor that acquires your novel will likely have opinions too.

Some edits will be small, while others could require more substantial revision. Be patient. They are trying to make the book work for readers all over the world, not simply your friends and family, so of course they will have opinions too. And if you don't want to take them on board, it's okay to push back.

But before you do so, ask yourself if the revisions they're asking for would hurt your vision or improve it, and try to see the narrative from a readers' perspective. Will readers love what you did for the climax, or could you add more to it to make it really catch fire?

Keep Moving Forward

Finally, don't give up. The writing process is a giant mountain. Tread each step of the path with care and determination. In the end, your novel can be a success. Lean into those around you who you trust to give you quality feedback, have patience with industry professionals who want your book to do well, and prepare to get even more comfortable with your characters as you work through the redrafting process.