Longtime author, editor, and publisher, Mark Gilroy, shares three simple secrets to help writers work most effectively with editors. Simple enough for novice authors - with some insights that will help the most experienced of writers.

1. 3
Secrets of Working
With an Editor
A PRESENTATION FOR AUTHORS AND OTHER
CREATIVES

2. BOOK CONSUMER
COMPLAINT
Too many writers.
Not enough editors.

3. The self-publishing movement is great
but without great editorial …
TYPOS
BAD GRAMMAR
INCONSISTENCIES
INCONGRUITIES
ABOUND!

4. Whether working with a
publisher or self-publishing,
even the most meticulous
and talented writer needs a
good editor.

5. Great Editorial Delivers 3 Cs
CONSISTENCY
CLARITY
CORRECTNESS

6. Secret #1
PICK THE RIGHT EDITOR

7. If the decision is yours, make sure
to hire an editor who knows your
book’s category (and
subcategory).

8. Do you really want your
romance author friend to edit
your book of political
essays?

9. Some professional editors can cut
across fiction and nonfiction lines and
handle many subcategories – but
better to find someone with knowledge
and experience in your genre.

10. After you select the right editor
your task will be to trust that editor!

11. If the decision is NOT yours, ask
for a short list of books the editor
has previously worked on. Do
some spot reading to discover
more about who you are going to
work with.

12. Secret #2
DEVELOP A STYLE SHEET

13. A Style Sheet is a short
document that communicates
your vision for the work – and
itemizes some rules for
handling your style and
content.

14. A Style Sheet lists what is unique
in your manuscript. It highlights
details and specifics that are easy
to get wrong.

15. Examples
NAMES WITH CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
PLACES BOTH REAL AND IMAGINARY
DATES AND OTHER TIME ELEMENTS
SLANG | IDIOMS | “FOREIGN” PHRASES
CULTURAL REFERENCES
WRITING RULES YOU BROKE (AND WHY)

16. “Isn’t this a lot of
work?”
YES

17. “If I do this will my publisher and editor
finally understand and always comply
with how I want things done?”
NO

18. The publishing process is filled with
redundancies. By design. The extra
sets of eyes and hands on a
manuscript improve consistency,
correctness, and clarity.

19. A GOOD EDITOR CAN SAVE
YOU FROM AN IDEA OR
APPROACH IN YOUR
WRITING THAT MAKES
SENSE TO NO ONE ELSE
BUT YOU.

20. A style sheet isn’t just for your
editor. It is a great reference tool
to help you as you write.

21. Many publishers have a “house” Style
Guide.
ASK FOR A COPY
This gives your editor time to focus on
improving quality, not just fixing
problems.

22. Secret #3
RESPECT YOUR NEED FOR
EDITORIAL INPUT

23. This doesn’t mean you have to
agree with every mark and
correction. But if your way is better
every time, it might be a warning
sign that you are difficult – not that
the editor is bad!

24. Believe in your writing. Protect your
voice and style.
But respect your editor – and your
reader too. Readers will lose
respect for your writing (even if it
has flashes of brilliance) if it is not
…

25. CONSISTENT
CLEAR
CORRECT

26. Connect With Mark Gilroy
Blog www.markgilroy.com
Twitter @markgilroy
Facebook www.facebook.com/markgilroy
Facebook Fan Page
www.facebook.com/MKGilroy.Author
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/markgilroy/

27. © Mark Gilroy Creative LLC