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What are the different kinds of editing?

Why do I need an independent editor?

How do I find an agent?

What is a book proposal and why do I need one?

How should I format my manuscript?

What are the different kinds of editing?

“Editing” is a broad term that encompasses many different skills. The following may help you clarify your needs:

Developmental Editing. This is often the first step in the editorial process. A developmental editor can help you clarify your ideas, develop your book’s “hook,” and structure your story. If your manuscript is already complete, a developmental editor will look at all the big picture elements that are important to making a book successful. For fiction, the editor will look at such things as character development, theme, plot, pacing, structure, genre, writing style, point of view, etc. For nonfiction, the editor will look to see how well you’ve developed your idea, how the information is presented, and whether your writing reaches your target audience. “Critiques” and “evaluations” fall into the category of developmental editing.

Line Editing. Once all the elements of the book are in place, the next step is to polish the prose. A line editor goes through the manuscript line by line, fixing syntax, improving the flow of the language, making academic language more reader-friendly, cutting where appropriate, and filling out passages that need more information. Line editing can range from making occasional changes to reworking the entire manuscript.

Copy Editing. This is the last stage of editing before the manuscript goes to press or becomes an electronic file. The copy editor works on a minute scale, fixing punctuation and spelling, grammar, syntax, inconsistencies, and being sure the formatting is consistent.

The editors of CLA can help you decide which type of editing would be most appropriate for you. (top)

Why do I need an independent editor?

A good independent editor will look at your manuscript or proposal the way a publisher would, if she had the time. That is, she will recognize its unique qualities AND point out any areas where it needs to conform to publishing conventions. Your independent editor can help you clarify your goals and decide which form of publishing is best for you (commercial publication, self-publishing, or e-book format, for instance). He will help you define, and perhaps broaden, your audience.

For more tips on working with an independent editor, see our article in Jeff Herman’s Guide. (top)

How do I find an agent?

Your first impulse might be to start surfing the Internet for agents. But before you do that, we recommend starting first with the library and large bookstores, which offer a wealth of information.

LMP (Literary Marketplace), found in the library, is the main reference book for the industry, citing names, contact information and the type of books appealing to each agent listed.
Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents lists reputable, effective agents, gives excellent details about what each agents is looking for, what they don’t buy, and the best way to contact them. This book, updated annually, is a bookstore staple.
Writer’s Market, another bookstore favorite, describes agents and their needs.
Look for books that appeal to you and that you respect. Frequently, the author will mention and thank the agent in the dedication or acknowledgements. When you query the agent, it’s a good idea to mention these books.
In terms of the Internet, Publisher’s Marketplace and Media Bistro are the two major websites containing agent and publishing industry information. Some of the information is fee based, but if you plan to write seriously, the nominal monthly fees are worth it.
Attend author readings and talk to the author about his or her agent.

In terms of the Internet, there are a great many blogs, newsletters and lists of agents. It is best to stick to the published guides and major websites and use the Internet as back-up research. Caution: no legitimate agent will ask for a fee to read your book.

Yes, it may seem overwhelming, but with a quality manuscript and proper research, you can find an agent who will help guide you towards publication.

The editors of CLA also have good connections with agents and — while we cannot guarantee that after working with us we will be able to get you an agent — we can help steer you in the right direction. (top)

What is a book proposal and why do I need one?

A book proposal is the selling tool of your project. It should contain the following: a statement explaining the book’s basic concept; the anticipated audience for it; competitive titles already published; marketing strategies and opportunities; a list of brief chapter synopses, and at least one sample chapter. It is crucial that you prepare your proposal in the most thorough way possible making it completely professional and polished. This is your opportunity to create a lasting impression on the agents and editors that you are on top of your game and can handle the immense responsibility of writing a book—a good book.

Preparing the proposal will and indeed should take you a long time. (Proposals can run anywhere from 50 to 125 or more pages.) But it will pay off for you in two major ways. It will enable the sale of your project and once that is accomplished it becomes your road map. Having worked through and established precisely the content and order of your book means you will be ready to plunge immediately into writing it. (top)

How should I format my manuscript?

Agents, editors and publishers generally prefer a simple, standard format that offers no distraction from your book’s content. Do not make the mistake of formatting your ms to “look like a book.” Stick to these tried-and-true formatting rules, and you will have taken the first step to being seen as a professional writer.

Do:

Use good quality 8 ½” by 11” paper.
Double space throughout.
Use 1-inch margins.
Choose a standard, simple font like Times Roman (a “serif” font) or Arial (a “sans-serif” font).
Indent paragraphs.
Include only a few sample photographs, if relevant, and present them in a separate, clearly-labeled folder.
Use running heads on the upper right of each page (except for title pages): your last name, your book’s title, and the page number.
Include a separate title page for each chapter, with the chapter title centered on the page.
Have an electronic copy of your ms. ready to send, if requested.

Do Not:

Include a copyright notice anywhere in your ms.
Add extra space between paragraphs.
Justify your text.
Print on both sides of the page.
Have your manuscript bound.
Include illustrations.
Include photos in the body of the text.

Always use a separate title page as the first page of your manuscript. Center your title on the page, with the subtitle, if any, beneath it. Leave two blank lines, then center your name. Leave three blank lines, then center your address, telephone number, and e-mail address. (top)