As writers, we all experience occasional problems and stumbling blocks. We don\u2019t always know the best way to tell a story or present nonfiction material. Sometimes we have to think about it and sort of massage and mold the material\u2014mulling it around in our heads for a while before it begins to form into an intelligible piece or a meaningful story.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve seen writers become confused when their writing is critiqued by a group. Each critic has a different idea about what would make the story better. Each has his or her own agenda, writing style, writing preference, imagination, knowledge base, etc. And, perhaps, none of them is wrong. But which one is right? Perhaps it\u2019s the one that resonates with you. <\/p>\n
I know authors who hire more than one editor. They have more than one agent or publisher express an interest in their manuscript. Keep in mind that if there are five such professionals involved with evaluating your work, you will get five different opinions. One might say that your characters are great, but the story is not believable. Another may tell you that they love your story, but your characters need fleshing out. Someone might offer that your writing style doesn\u2019t fit the story type and another professional may insist that you\u2019re right on track with that, but that the way the story is written is a bit confusing.<\/p>\n
You may turn your masterpiece over to your favorite readers and still get conflicting feedback. One might suggest that you take out the American Indian flavor in the second half of the book. Another might insist that you carry the Indian theme throughout the story. One reader might be terribly bothered by your attempt at using an Indian dialect and others consider it cool. <\/p>\n
What to do? How do you fix your story so it works\u2014so every reader and expert is happy with it? I don\u2019t see any way possible to do this. It all boils down to your non-emotional assessment and final decision. You must consider each suggestion, but don\u2019t act on them. Do your homework. In other words, read other stories like yours. Really study these stories from many angles until you develop a sense of what works and what doesn\u2019t. While doing this, you\u2019ll also want to consider the comments of others. (Remember, some are quite valid, others are not. It is up to you to determine the difference.) Without copying other authors, incorporate those things that make for a stronger story or a more effective nonfiction book into your project. <\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t have the experience or the confidence to sort it all out\u2014you\u2019ve just written from your gut or your heart and you don\u2019t truly have a grasp of technique\u2014what\u2019s right or wrong, what works or not\u2014rely on someone you can trust. Hire an editor\/publishing consultant with a track record, whom you can comfortably work with and follow his or her guidance.<\/p>\n
Writing is definitely subjective. We all have personal preferences when it comes to the type of writing we like. But some of us also have a rather uncanny and impressive ability to coach other writers in presenting clear, concise, readable, enjoyable material. This is one of my strengths. Let me know if you\u2019d like me to evaluate your writing project. I\u2019ll evaluate 3 chapters or an article free. PLFry620@yahoo.com. Once we\u2019ve determined if there are any problems and what they are, if you want to work with me to perfect your book or article, I charge $50\/hour to edit and help you to rewrite a story or nonfiction book that needs it.<\/p>\n