Edit after editing

I learned early in my writing to be willing to edit. Even after I thought I was done. And if not exactly willingly, I had to learn how to accept the story needed adjustment with as much grace as I could muster because editing is a significant part of writing, as I think anyone who ever put pen to paper has come across.

And even when an industry professional accepted my work, quite a few rewrites were still waiting for me. An agent can love the story but want to make it even stronger. And after, it can be the editor at a publishing house who has another level of strengthening they wish to apply to your book. Whatever the reason, chances are there is some more editing waiting for you even when someone's given their thumbs-up and there's a contract in your hand.

When my agent asked to represent my book, I already knew there was editing to be done since we talked about it before signing a contract. I could see there were ways to strengthen the story, and I agreed the only solution was to roll up my sleeves and do it.

I appreciate being warned that the same procedure can happen at a publishing house and believe it gives me the mental strength to tackle revisions. If the publicist buys the rights to print a book, then there's most probably some more editing to be done. Since we all bring our own experience and professional backgrounds, there is bound to be a continuous editing process throughout the whole line of traditional publishing.

The publishing crew has different editorial hats honed to identify specific issues within their competence. Some will focus on big-picture edits, others the fine-line editing, while others will make sure the story is consistent. Sometimes one person owns all these skills, and sometimes multiple people work on the book as it's passed down the line.

However, the process looks, there's a good chance there is editing to be done in every stage, and being prepared for that helps keep the pain away as you hand in your work, only to have it returned marked with a red pen.