Ask an editor

[stacia_kane]

Hey gang! Just a quick post today.

At some point in the next month or so I’m planning on doing some posts about editors and editing. A bit like my Summer Series but, since I let you all down so grievously with last year’s series, I hesitate to call it that. But it is going to be several posts about that one subject, and I have a few things planned

Comments

[sandy_williams]

I'd love to know what happens between the time an editor receives a manuscript and when they make an offer. I've heard of these mysterious things called "editorial meetings" and I'm curious what happens during them. Also, do they let agents know they're taking a manuscript to that meeting, or do editors only contact an agent if they're offering/passing on a project.

[zita_h]

I would like to know if the editing process starts with correcting grammar and typos or if this is the last step. I have helped out a friend with editing their ms and I always end up copy editing more than anything. I can't seem to help myself. If I see a typo or bad grammar I have to fix it! Does an editor do this and if not how do you stop yourself???

[layrenelement]

I've got a question for your editors:

About how many revisions does a manuscript generally go through after an author submits it, before it's ready for printing?

[sandy_williams]

Oh, that last question is a good one. I'm curious about synopses, too. For example, if an author submits a synopsis of a possible sequel along with their original manuscript, what are you (the editor) looking for in that synopsis?