Building A Successful Writer-Editor Relationship – PART 2
In my April 2024 newsletter, I suggested building a relationship with your first professional editor prior to deciding who you will work with. Establishing a strong working relationship with your editor will improve the quality of your final draft. Last month, I focused on two important questions:
Question #1: Who is the intended audience for this book?
Question #2: What are your goals for this finished manuscript?
This month, I present two additional questions a potential editor might ask you, that can help guide your working relationship. Consider answering the questions below with one of your trusted writing buddies, to get clarity before pursuing further conversations with a potential editor.
Editor Question #3
Are you ready for editorial feedback?
REMEMBER: “Fresh writing” is not the time for suggestions about changes, improvements, or deletions. In my writing circles, we always begin with feedback regarding what’s strong, and what each listener recalls from the piece, after reading aloud. I believe it’s essential to begin with the question, “What’s strong in this writing?”. It’s often suggested that writers set aside their new writing for a week or two before returning for further development. When you are feeling the strength of your story or poem and have a strong foundation of knowing your audience and why you are writing, then it’s time to reach out for further – professional – support.
There is one more question that can be invaluable to your writing progress.
Editor Question #4
How do you feel about the state of your manuscript?
Exploring your relationship with your words is often unmapped terrain. If you are wondering whether it’s time to give up your project, or think that whatever you’re doing isn’t worth pursuing, pause and take another look. Find someone you trust, to share some of your concerns before you go any further. Like my favorite bumper sticker reads, “Don’t Believe Everything You Think!” The moments of self-doubt and self-criticism can be an indication that your writing is strong, and that you’re ready for a breakthrough.
Believe it or not, your inner critic is an integral part of the writing relationship. Once you accept that inner criticism is part of the creative package, you can learn to tap into the great wisdom that lies underneath the surface. The inner critic will no longer run the show once you know how to decipher its messages and work with that energy.
Stay Alert
First, remember you will never banish the inner critic. Instead, I have learned that it’s best to stay alert to noticing the energy of that critical voice. It might be a sense of tightness in your gut, or pain in your lower back, maybe a headache. Learn to recognize those physical cues that tell you when criticism is happening within. Then, if you can, pay attention to the thoughts running in your mind.
Second, learn to translate negative messaging into positive intent. Very often the inner critic has something important to say, just in an “upside down” kind of way. For example, If you hear the critical voices telling you your writing is no good, or that you have nothing important to say, very often that’s the opposite of what’s true. My inner critic can be quite brutal. As I gain more confidence, my inner critic holds less power over my process. I’ve found it can help to embody some of the gestures and postures of your critic and make them larger than life; have fun! The critic hates laughter. This video is a great example of what I’m talking about.
Writing Circle
One great way to counteract the critical voices is to have at least one writing buddy, or a trusted writing circle where you can bring your fresh writing and have listeners hearing what’s strong in what you’re creating. This is the basis of all my writing circles.
I also support emerging writers by offering manuscript reviews and structural evaluations based on a positive revision process. Please contact me at www.mariemaccagno.com/contact to schedule your free discovery session, or check out my website at www.mariemaccagno.com
marie
If something in this newsletter inspired you, send me a note at marie@mariemaccagno.com.
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The Writing Feedback Guidebook
How to Ask For & Receive Helpful, Supportive Feedback on Your Writing
Not all writing reviewers are created equal! When you hand your carefully crafted pages to someone to provide feedback, the result is often unhelpful & at worst, can be crushing. This FREE guide will help you choose insightful, supportive readers. It will also teach you how to ask for what you need and want from them to continue honing your writing with confidence.