Lessons from a Novelist: The Evolution of Working with Editors

As a novelist with over a decade of experience, I've had the privilege to work with various editors across different genres and companies. While my journey began with a rather unfortunate experience, it has evolved into a valuable and essential part of my writing process. In this article, I'll share my experiences and insights gained from working with a developmental editor for my first novel, Prism, and how my perspective has changed over the years.

The Birth of Prism

My first novel, Prism, was written nearly 15 years ago when I was in my early 20s, a time characterized by youthful anger and a desire to express my disaffection with the world. Influenced by the works of Jay McInerney and Bret Easton Ellis, I was eager to capture the zeitgeist of my generation through my writing. However, my ego and misplaced sense of artistic purity led me down a path of making fundamental mistakes in my storytelling.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Upon re-reading Prism today, I can identify several critical issues:

No Real Plot

The novel meanders from place to place without a cohesive narrative. The supposed character drivers are overshadowed by poorly executed ideas, rendering them ineffective as plot devices.

Dislikable Protagonist

The main character, based heavily on my young self, comes across as unlikable, which explains my conflict with many friends during this period of my life.

Unsatisfying Ending

The ending is definitive proof of my youth. It is unsatisfying in every sense, failing to provide a sense of closure or resolution for the reader.

Positive Points

Despite its flaws, Prism exhibited some positive aspects as well:

Good Pacing

The book maintains a well-executed pacing that keeps the reader engaged.

Compelling Secondary Characters

The supporting characters are well-developed and effective in enriching the narrative.

Authenticity

The book successfully captures a pivotal moment in time, reflecting the reality of my experiences.

No Cliché Imagery

One of the rare moments of success was the avoidance of overused and hackneyed descriptions, such as "smiling eyes."

The Role of My First Editor

Working with my first editor was a challenging experience. Despite her track record with best-selling novels, she failed to communicate the inherent issues of Prism to me effectively. At that young age, I was blind to the flaws in my work and unwilling to accept any criticism.

Communication Breakdown

The editor tried to communicate her concerns but found it difficult to engage me. I was emotionally invested in every word, and this made me resistant to feedback. Her approach of asking open-ended questions allowed me to provide easy answers such as 'it feels right.'

Lessons for the Future

Years later, when reflecting on my experience, the editor acknowledged the shortcomings of her approach, stating that she should have been more direct and forceful in her critique.

Modern Perspective

Over the years, I have worked with a wide range of editors from sensitive to more critical in their approach. The most recent projects, such as picture books, have taught me the importance of focusing on making the work commercially viable rather than merely 'good.'

Publishing Industry Insights

The publishing industry is known for its subjective definitions of 'good.' While creativity and originality are paramount, selling books is equally crucial. I have learned that successful books that can reach a wider audience and generate revenue are often the ones that stand the test of time.

Future Focus

When hiring an editor for my next book, I would prioritize someone who aims to enhance the salability of the work while still maintaining my core vision. The effectiveness of an editor lies not only in their ability to critique but also in their capacity to guide and shape the work in a manner that resonates with both readers and the market.

Working with editors has taught me a great deal about storytelling, self-reflection, and the importance of feedback. It has also reinforced my belief in the value of cultivating a professional relationship that fosters growth and improvement in my writing.