Dannie Hill is an American and lives in Thailand with his wife. When in the States he lives in Houston, Texas. Dannie has 4 published novels that are enjoyed by many readers.
When not writing, Dannie enjoys sailing, motorcycles, reading and farming. He has a small farm in Thailand growing many exotic fruits and vegetables. The main crop is tapioca and corn. The hard work of farming helps relax his mind while his daydreams come to life. Thailand allows the sounds of English to quiet and daydreams to take shape on paper.
~~
I did it! I finished my manuscript with the perfect final sentence and I feel so good! As this euphoric feeling fades the thought of rewriting comes to my mind and then—the damn-editor—crap.
I only found out a few weeks ago that editor was not half a word. That’s a joke.
For many writers the word editor strikes fear into their every thought. These people want to change my voice, want to tell me what I did wrong and never seem to have a kind word.
The real truth is we need these wonderful people to look over, make corrections and suggestions, and their true purpose is to help make our manuscript a book we can be proud of. They’re not working to take away your voice—they wouldn’t be in business long if that was their purpose.
But a writer might say, “They are slapping my baby!” Are they? Or are they making your great work of art into something that readers will see the beautiful of your words and thoughts?
Having just gone through the long process of changing a 1st draft into a novel I’m still reeling a bit. I went over my manuscript at least 10 times before I sent it off to my long time editor for a proof read and her intelligent suggestions with the writing errors she found. (She found too many errors to mention.) I’ll admit that I am extremely lucky having found this wonderful lady. She was new to novel proofing and I got her trained right—That’s another joke. She is always positive and truthful and I couldn’t ask for a nicer, anal retentive person to help me. (her words, not mine)
I went over my manuscript at least 10 more times and then I sent what I thought was a perfect piece of writing to a copy editor. This was our first time working together and I really didn’t know what would come of it. The manuscript was returned looking like an evil spirit had raked its black, ink tipped nails over every page—crap! I’m throwing a lot into this to make it exciting—it really wasn’t that bad but man, there were a lot of corrections and side notes.
I sucked it up and did what several big time authors have written about—and made the corrections. I couldn’t believe someone was telling me to change this word or that phrase—I mean I’m the damn-writer!—that’s two word for you editors out there.
After taking a nerve pill and waiting a few weeks I went back, set the manuscript up to look like a novel and read it like a reader. I couldn’t believe it. It was my story in my voice and it was so smooth, and just what I was trying to project to someone who might actually buy my book. I do all I do for the reader. It brought tears to my eyes.
This happens every time I write a book. You’d think I would learn, but I am a writer and I know what I’m doing—he says with a wry grin.
~~
Connect with Dannie on his blog, A Writer’s Life in Thailand, and follow him on Twitter.
His latest release, DEATH’S DOOR:
When a terrorist’s dirty bomb threatens to contaminate the United States heartland, only pure American courage can disarm and disassemble the threat of Death’s Door.
New Jersey State Police Detectives Dell Sharpton and Bill Anders have been supporting the state’s Terrorism Task Force by using their Arabic language skills to gain trust and solve crimes within the tightly knit Arab American community. When officials at the National Security Agency learn of Dell’s remarkable courage and odd but proven ability to “see” the immediate dangers facing his tactical operations team, he and his partner Bill get caught up in a secret government-run counter-terrorism mission that leads both men—and the ones they love—directly to Death’s Door.
Death’s Door is a fast paced thriller with non-stop action, suspense, humor and a touch of romance.
Available on Amazon.
I’m going through this now. It’s excruciating. I hung on every word written here. If my first novel doesn’t kill me, then it will be the greatest writing experiences of my life.
Thank you
Best of luck, Lance and great success. It doesn’t get much easier but it is always worth seeing the results! Glad you enjoy my little poke at editors.
I am editing a novel right now and trust me, it can be soul crushing for the editor as well! I didn’t decide to destroy a writer, I want to build him up…AND his book! Thanks for reminding everyone that editors are the GOOD guys!
I think it should Hug An Editor Day! Hugs, Lorca! You do everything!
Lisa you are the BEST! I don’t know how you do it all. I wanted to wait until this post came out– didn’t want to sound like I was sucking up, lol. I’ve just finished your book, Thirty Something and I loved it! So real I felt like I was there! Still drying my eyes.
Awww Dannie, it was sincerely a pleasure, honey. And THANK YOU for your kind words about my book!
Great post, Dannie. It’s important to find the right editor for each writer. It sounds like you have and that’s a win-win situation.
The first time I received my m/s back with “red marks” all over it, I was quite devastated. That’s a newbie author who thinks the sun rises and sets on her words. I didn’t get along with that editor for various reasons, but I learned a good lesson — her criticism was legitimate for the most part.
Now I have a great editor I collaborate with, and that’s how I see it. It’s not a one-way street of her telling me what to change and me changing it. I accept certain suggestions and reject others. She helps me to organize my thoughts and does not change my ‘voice.’ This latter bit is very important to me, as we all have a unique voice to our story-telling.
I would never put out a book without getting a professional edit first. To me, getting a proper edit is an essential part of writing something you want readers to buy.
eden
You are so right, Eden. Finding the right, skilled person to work with means the difference between success and breakdown, lol. I think a good editor is also willing to listen to the writer– but the truth is they are correct most of the time and it is the writer who should do most of the listening. I’ve read you books and hear your voice– your editor is helping in the right way!
Being an editor is a tough job and I wouldn’t want to do it. They are the hidden hero behind any great writer. A very nice post thanks for sharing it.
You’re so right, Alex! There isn’t a bestseller or classic that hasn’t felt the touch of an editor. Editors aren’t perfect– some forget that they work with special people that are sensitive and creative– and words mean so much, coming and going. To be an editor you need to be a bit anal(finding every error is hard) but you don’t have to be an ass. That can be said about writers as well.
Excellent post! Love the ink-stained talons! Sounds you’ve put together a great team. I’m now reading Death’s Door – so I’ll see all their hard work and yours too btw.
Thank you, Kathy! I’ve been lucky and blessed meeting some of the best people in the business– and that includes you, sweetness. I do hope you enjoy my book.
Pingback: South Africa to the States– you can find me there | Dannie C Hill- The writer