Confession time! I think I have said "my editor hates me" about 100 times this week. The reason you ask? I got my re writes back, and there were so many red marks and comments I offered to pay her more money! It looked that scary when I opened the document. Obviously, she doesn't hate me, but I can't imagine I am the only writer who gets their edits back and feels that way. I am here to tell you that although you may feel like your editor hates you, they don't!
This isn't my first rodeo with the editing process, but I bring this up because it makes you feel like a AWFUL writer when you see all those markings. YES, I SAID IT! I wish when I first started writing that someone would have told me how bad I would feel seeing all those red marks and comment bubbles. So here I am telling you that there is a good chance it will hurt your feelings. Drink some wine, snuggle with your furry pets and move on. Trust me, the feeling will pass, and you need to get to work! I am sure you have heard this before, but here is a friendly reminder. To be a writer, you have to have thick skin.
Here's the thing, you're not a bad writer. Some of us are better at dialogue, and some better at grammar. That is why we have editors! I can't stress that enough. They need us as much as we need them.
How many of you read the acknowledgements page in the book your reading? I do. And you know who most of them always thank...their editor! So, even the most successful writers have help.
Remember the last line above, it's important!
I will leave you with this. Find an editor who not only gives you constructive feedback in those bubbles, but also gives compliments. Some of the many comment bubbles from my editor were actually kind words about a line I wrote, or commending me on my dialogue.
Before you leave and stop reading, go back and read the underlined sentence one more time!
Happy writing everyone!