3 Signs You Need an Editor
I was on a podcast that aired last week (hello, Something Businessy!) When I was chatting with Frannie, she said that what I do is more than what she thought editors did. And she’s right! So many people don’t actually know what editors do, and that means that so many writers don’t know when they need an editor, why they need an editor, or how an editor can be an amazing resource and support. Today, we’re talking about not just what editors are but what signs will indicate that one could help you.
You feel like you’re spinning your wheels and not going anywhere.
We’ve all been there. You have a manuscript—full or partial—and your own words are driving you insane. If you have to look at your own stuff one more time, you might just lose it. . . . But then what if you changed this? Or that? And you’re back in front of your screen, slowly descending into madness.
An editor can pull you out of your head and guide you back into your manuscript in a way that feels authentic, refreshing, and invigorating.
2. You are second-guessing everything about your writing, your story, your purpose in life.
This sounds a little dramatic. But then sometimes we can get a little dramatic, right? I have been in this place before, and I’ve needed someone to pull me out. Mindset is a huge part of writing and doesn’t always receive the attention it needs. So much of writing is mental. When you’re in a good headspace, you could write for hours, right? When your head is where you want it to be, you know your story and you advocate for it. But when that energy fades, it’s easy to feel stuck.
An editor is as much cheerleader and coach as comma nerd. Your editor will listen to you and provide you with the resources and encouragement that you need to push through those mental blocks and get back to writing.
3. You’re lonely.
Writing is solitary. And even while many bookish people I know are introverts and like being alone, even introverts can be lonely. Sometimes as a writer, you can feel like you’re writing to the void. Even when you’re confident in your writing and story, loneliness can creep up. Sometimes you just need to connect with someone who knows how you feel and where you’re at.
Editing is partnership. Truly. An editor will be your partner: She will be your sounding board, cheerleader, commiserator, and coach, all while refining and streamlining your words. Your editor is the best kind of professional partner. She gets it, and she’s removed enough to see the big picture when you can’t. From beginning to end, your editor can shepherd you and your manuscript from concept to agent to bookstores.
Writing is solitary, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. When you partner with an editor, your writing will improve, your confidence will grow, and you’ll start to see the results that, up until know, you’ve only dreamed about.
If you think we’ll be a good fit, you can book a free writing strategy call here.
And if you want guidance and insight from an editor but can’t make a big investment just yet, check out my new series, The Story Collective. Each month I’m hosting a class that dives deep into the writing and publishing industry. Learn more here!
