Editing Schmediting! Who Needs It? We do!

In this workshop, Book Shepherd Ann Videan walks you through everything you need to know about finding and working with an editor. How to find one. How to prepare your manuscript for submission. Becoming familiar with writing tools like MS Word. Editing issues to watch for.
And a few tips to help you create compelling writing your editor will love.

1. Editing Schmediting ! Who Needs it? we do. An editor’s secrets to edit manuscripts that sing. Ann Narcisian Videan ANVidean.com Oct. 19, 2024

2. About Ann Book shepherd, author, editor, illustrator, composer A professional writer since 1981 Owned award-winning marketing firm, vIDEAn Unlimited, LLC, since 1996 Editor : corporate, publishing house, and 150+ client books Author : Rhythms & Muse , Song of the Ocarina, Enchanted Faerie Portals Co-owner Absolutely Wild! Enchanted Faerie Portals & Other Whimsy — inspired by Fae characters in  Song of the Ocarina Other career highlights: 2007 – Selected by peers for the Public Relations Society of America's top honor: the PERCY Award 2005  – Selected by national panel for Crown Jewel Award: top U.S. home-based business 2004  – Served as catalyst to reintroduce white rhinos to the Phoenix Zoo. 1996  – Enticed 15,000 extras to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, AZ, to film football movie scenes for  Jerry Maguire

3. Today’s Topics How to choose an editor Prep your manuscript (MS) Know your tools Self-editing tips Edits for writing that compels For both fiction and nonfiction authors

4. Readers Several fellow authors/ editors (beta readers) A critique partner or group A co-worker in your marketing department Not solely your mother or good friends, even if they are avid readers. Pro Professional editor (content/line edits) You cannot edit your own writing. No exceptions! Your manuscript needs fresh eyes! No self-editing

5. Questions to ask about the process . How does the editing process work? Will you do a sample edit for me? Are all edits to be taken as hard rules? Ask about key items up front. Find an Editor

6. More questions to ask about the process . How long does it take? How do you charge? What can I expect to pay for my book? Should I expect an editor to do other work for me, like formatting? Ask about key items up front. Find an Editor

7. Questions to ask about the editor . Do you do content or line editing? What style manual do you follow? Will you read my manuscript (MS) more than once? Will you give suggestions to improve my writing? Ask what an editor will do for you. Find an Editor

8. Questions to ask about the author’s role . How do I fit into the process? What writing/tech tools do I need to know to make the process easier? Who’s ultimately responsible for the quality of my MS? How do I best format my MS for an editor? What does the editor expect of you ? Find an Editor

9. Manuscript formatting standards: Microsoft Word document Letter-size (8.5"x11") 1" margins .5” indent ( using the Ruler, not tabs or spaces ) Fiction: Typically uses a first-line indent with no extra space between paragraphs Nonfiction: Typically uses no indent, with extra space between paragraphs Times New Roman, 12 pt. font Double spaced One space after a period Include book title and author name in top header or on first page Add page numbers Set up your manuscript like a professional. Standard MS Prep

10. Leverage MS Word Know your tools, so you can concentrate on content, not tech (and make your editor happy) The menu bar and ruler Search, and find and replace Track Changes MS Word tips to help ease editing and formatting

11. Track Changes tutorials (see handout) MS Word tips for writers

12. MS Word Keyboard Shortcuts Cntrl+B : bold Cntrl+I : italic Cntrl+S : save Cntrl+E : center text Cntrl+L : left align Cntrl+R : right align Cntrl+1: single spacing Cntrl+5: 1.5 spacing Cntrl+2: double spacing Cntrl+J : justify Cntrl+M : indent Cntrl+Shift+M : unindent Cntrl+T : hanging indent Cntrl+Shift+T : un-hang indent Easy formatting. See links on handout for more.

13. Read in small chunks Edit for one thing at a time: Consistent headers Specific trouble words Spelling (read backward) Read out loud (computer) for: Flow Dialog true to each c haracter unique, and never trite or linear Make editing easy on yourself by doing one step at a time. Self-Editing

14. Search for: Double spaces after periods “As if” and “seem” Sentences starting with “And”/“But” “That,” “which” hunt “Then” Inactive verbs Homework: Search, especially for “is,” “was,” “had,” “been,” and other “to be” verbs. If you have more than five such words on a page, rewrite in a more active voice. Use your word processor’s global search and replace function to look for issues. Homework

15. Active Verbiage Use active verbs Not “to be” verbs (was, had, be, +) Active voice Not passive voice Word choice subliminally affects readers. They may not even know why they love or hate a story, but it’s often because of active verbiage choices.

16. Active Verbs Inactive/"to be" verbs = is, was, has, have, be, been Active verbs: cheers, pray, binge, stumbles, stared Use active verbs to create a mental picture

17. Passive voice uses inactive verbs often followed by words ending in “-ed” or “- ing ” Passive voice is cheering, are praying, have binged Active voice cheers, prays, binged We often use passive voice when we speak, but it should not be in our writing, except in dialog. Active Voice

18. Passive : They are misusing the forbidden spells and have undermined the elemental structure of both realms. Active : Their misuse of the forbidden spells undermined the elemental structure of both realms. In active voice, you start your sentences with the subject and use an active verb to describe what the subject does. Example

19. When something happens, characters react in this order: Emotion “ Oh, darn!” or teeth gnashing Review, logic, and reason What just happened? Was I at fault? Is anyone hurt? Anticipation What’s going to happen. What do I do? Choice What steps do I take? Who do I call? Emotion Review, logic, and reason Anticipation Choice *http:// jimbutcher.livejournal.com Emotional/Sequential Reaction*

20. We covered: How to choose an editor Prep your MS Know your tools Issues to watch for Edits that lead to compelling writing Wrap up

21. Next workshop in series: You’ve Got to Read This Book! How to entice readers to sell your book for you TPL, Sat., Nov. 2, 2024 9:30–11:30 a.m. Writer in Residence M–F through November Schedule an appointment at www.zcal.com /avid Ask me anything… Learn more!

22. Ann N. Videan Accessible writing support... Words.Music.Village website http:// ANVidean.com [email protected]