If, by any chance, you happen to believe that it is not good practice for a book editor to refer to another fate-mate’s blog, please be prepared to see one example right now, right here.
I, as is apparent, think otherwise. After all, I have created this web site not to list or detail my own work but rather with the intent to help you, the writer, deepen your insight into your capabilities to read your written draft critically, analytically, and harshly.
In his blog, David Kudler makes mention of a masterpiece of modern times a large number of us know well -if not all world-countries, which have their basic media means intact: J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Kudler states the following on the said much-celebrated writing: “Pretty good book, and it’s sold millions of copies, absolutely — but it’s at least a hundred pages longer than it needs to be.”
It is no intention of mine to elaborate on Kudler’s claim (with which, for the record, I am in full agreement). I will, instead, offer you a glimpse of my own experience with a recent book editing process: The author’s writing is “[p]retty good” -to echo Kudler’s two words (though the one that has been on my desk for a while could not have sold any copies because its publication is pending). What I am trying to make succinctly clear here is simple, and I will be brief: The book manuscript under my jurisdiction was considerably stretched beyond the point of doing the author any justice. Had that esteemed individual proceeded with his/her enthusiasm to have it published as written, the book’s readership would have never been gifted with the gem of its content. (I promised I would be brief.)
Out of respect for “my” anonymous author (as well as for the many others who have for long entrusted their work with my editing skills and diligence), I will retire behind the vital principle of my professional stance at this point: Avoiding the slightest elaboration on any identifiable details of the writing of focus. I will not, however, shy away from inviting you to the provided link below with eagerness. Please do see for yourselves how unsuspecting we all are in actuality -or can be when lending a critical eye to our book drafts are concerned.
I look forward to your visit next week.
With my best wishes in all your reading, writing and self-editing endeavors,
hülya
Link of Reference:
7 Deadly Myths and 3 Inspired Truths About Book Editing
