In the last few posts I’ve been outlining how publishers edit manuscripts – which, at this part in the process, is quality control ahead of release. This process applies just as much to those who are self-publishing. Once the manuscript has been proof-edited and the author’s comments taken in, a variety of things happen – all … More Editing secrets for publishing – line editing and final quality control

When a publisher receives an author’s manuscript, several things happen. If it’s unsolicited (which happens where the agency system doesn‘t apply), it’s sent to the ‘slush pile’ – the term for the heap of unsolicited manuscripts that might, maybe, contain a gem. Typically the most junior editor gets the task of reading them, then packing … More Editing secrets for publishing – the necessary skills for proof-editing

‘Editing’ is an oft-misused term. In the next few posts I’ll be outlining what it is in terms of editorial systems for publishing – which isn’t what authors mean by ‘editing’. To do that, I’m drawing from the thirty-plus years I’ve spent in the business, not just as a writer but also working professionally in publishing over that … More What ‘editing’ means to publishers – and it’s not what you think