@CindyDevoted

When I attend conferences folks are always asking, “After the contract comes, what next?” Often, we focus on only learning the craft. Don’t get me wrong. We need to know the craft inside and out, but it’s important to understand what does happen once we earn that contract.

Let’s spend a little time seeing that process. Keep in mind, like anything, nothing is written in stone. Things will vary from publisher to publisher. Still, the basics are the same.

Once the details are penned and your contract is signed, the book is placed in the pipeline. It will be assigned a publication date and an editor – not just one editor, but a couple, depending on the size of the publishing house.. There is a managing editor and a content editor who work together to get your book in the best possible shape prior to printing. The managing editor will monitor your editor, assuring all deadlines are met and the book flows through the publishing process while your content editor helps you fine tune the manuscript.

There are content editors, proofing editors, editors who edit the editors. There’s tons of types of editors. From here forward, we’ll note a couple but we’ll lump them into one categorary.

Content editors can have additional titles, but they will be the editor who reads through your work, finds any holes, clarity, or timeline issues. They will make suggestions to help you fill in and smooth out things in your storyline that may cause the reader issues. They may see a need for a character to be fleshed out a bit more in order to give your story a more rounded finish. Editors may even ask for you to rewrite small sections in order for the story or timeline to fit perfectly together.

It’s important to remember editors are your friend. Publishers are not in the business to lose money. They invest a lot of money into the publication of your book and they want it to be the best it can be. Working with an editor may require you learn to loosen your grip on the words you’ve written. Their job is not to force a full rewrite of your book but to refine and fine tune anything that may cause your reader to lay the book down. There may be times you need to fight for something in your manuscript, but your editor is very willing to listen and understand why you feel that is important. They will take that into consideration and often help you find a work around that keeps your primary thought intact. When your project is complete, and you reread the galley copy, you will be pleasantly surprised how your editor has helped polish off any rough edges, clarify odds and ends, and how they’ve spit-shined your words with simple tweaks that make things sing.

Your editor is the person you and your agent work through as the liaison to the managing editor and then to your publisher. There is a hierarchy within publishing houses so should a problem arise, it’s your agent’s job to negotiate those issues through the editor, to the managing editor, and if necessary, the publisher.

Finally, attitude is vital as you begin working with editors, keeping in mind they have years of experience in place to help you hone your work. Keep a teachable spirit and a willing heart. Remember you don’t know everything. Learn to trust your editor – it’s their job to make you and your book look amazing. Let them.

When your book is complete, you will be blown away at the beauty an editor tacks onto the work. It’s hard to loosen our grip on our work, but when you are assigned an editor, take that step of faith. Trust them. Work with them on any issues and if you feel there is something you can’t manage, hand it to your agent. Together you will work through the process and turn out a book you will be proud to present to readers.

One last thing. Editors are people too. They juggle a number of projects at a time. Be respectful of the deadlines they set for you and understand if you miss a deadline, it only effects your book, but it affects all the projects they juggle. Make every effort to meet your deadlines. Editors are understanding of illness or family losses, but if you just want extra time…rethink the request. Your editor is your friend. They are gifted with amazing talents and they will champion you and your work. Help them out by being timely with your deadlines.

Editing is a long process – perhaps the longest part of the publishing process. Be patient. Be prayerful that God will work through your editor and make your book the best it can be. And one last thing. When you write your acknowledgments page, remember the hard work invested by your editor. Editors are often the unsung heroes rarely appreciated for their hard work. Offer your best attitude, kindness, and appreciation and you and your book will travel far.

Don’t Miss the Other Posts in This Series:
The Publication Process: Part One – The Editor
The Publication Process: Part Two – Following Protocol

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us and InspireaFire.com. Cindy is the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, both imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is an award-winning and best-selling author and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.  @cindydevoted