Expert: Susan Rand - 3/23/2010

Question
Hello there,

I'm a passionate creative writer and I've been making up stories and typing them up on the computer since I was ten years old.
Recently, I have decided to take the next step and turn my writing over to an expert but I'm a little unsure of how to go about it.
I have already written one book though I will need to go over it a few more times and edit, make alterations and look for any inconsistencies.
I wonder if you could give me any advice or techniques as to how I can always make sure that my stories flow and have no inconsistencies. Also how I may go about polishing it up ready for a professional to get their hands on it?
I will leave the questions specifically about publishing, the finances and the steps to get there, to another expert if you cannot help. The woman I was going to ask is currently on vacation but any advice you can give me on this subject is most welcome.
Be aware that I live in the U.K so if you know of any differences in how we do things here compared to the U.S please let me know about it.
Thank you,

Louise

Answer
Hello Louise:

I'm not sure who you mean by a "professional," whether an editor, agent or publisher, but the same thing is true of all of them: they want to see polished work, with all errors, inconsistencies, etc. removed. If you are experienced at editing, you can do this yourself, but few beginning writers are able to do it efficiently. The only way to ensure that your stories flow and have no errors is to turn it over to an experienced editor with a sharp eye.

You mentioned that you have already written one book, but "will need to go over it a few more times and edit..." Does that mean you intend to edit it yourself? Have you experience as an editor? If you don't know how to "polish" it up, which, basically, is editing, how can you be confident your editing efforts will actually improve your writing?

There is no point in changing things unless they improve the writing. It may take years to learn what is good in your own work and what is not. If you don't want to give yourself a college education in the subject, you'd be well advised to hire a professional.

At my web site, http://www.susanrand.vpweb.com/ I offer editing services at a reasonable price. Why not check it out?

I hope this helps. If it does, a nice rating would be greatly appreciated. I am proud of my high scores over 1900 questions.

And thank you for writing!