I notice that things change between people when they work closely together on a project. Becoming part of a team has an effect on the way we feel about others and about ourselves. Participating as a functioning member of a partnership—whether we’re working for good or for evil—gives us a deep sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves. For many, it’s a comforting feeling of support and a powerful sense of accomplishment.
We have the opportunity to work within the boundaries of a team from birth. Families function best when everyone feels that they are a vital part of a well oiled team. We also know that when the family dynamics don’t allow for clear divisions of responsibility, support, attention, affection, togetherness and love within some semblance of a team environment, it fails. Thus, the rise in gang membership.
We can accomplish more when we work as a team. We are bigger, smarter, stronger, more effective and more powerful when we team up with the right people. We have more ideas. We get more done.
Sometimes teams are formed and other times they just happen. Have you ever been in a crisis or near crisis situation which was averted because of teamwork? Maybe you were in an elevator with strangers when the power went off, survived a bus crash, were involved in a fire in a public place or you were among a few citizens who saw someone take an elderly woman’s purse. Sure, I know, some people will stand back and contribute nothing—they have nothing to give. But most people, in dire circumstances, will band together, form an instantaneous union and work together to alleviate the problem or change the situation. That’s teamwork.
Why this subject in a publishing blog? Because I am becoming more and more aware of the teamwork involved in producing a book. Sure, we all know it takes contributions by many people to bring a book to production, but I’m speaking specifically of the relationship between the author and the editor. As you know, I do a lot of editing for clients. I’ve edited books on beauty secrets, abuse, religious epiphanies, spiritual awakenings, channeled messages, and more. I’ve edited historical novels, young adult fantasies, self-help books, business books and memoirs related to travel, music, grief, coming of age, family dynamics and so forth. And I’m impacted by each and every project.
In recent years, I’ve identified the “high” I feel at the conclusion of each project. It is that sense of accomplishment through teamwork. Here’s how it plays out. The author brings me a book manuscript. It may be a great idea or a wonderful story and it might even be either fairly or beautifully well written. But most of the manuscripts I take on as an editor have some chronic problems. Most manuscripts reflect the authors’ various editorial limitations—or, as one editor says, weaknesses. I’m seeing more authors for whom English is their second language and their manuscripts reflect their various language flaws. Some authors are hung-up on old style punctuation. Others simply have some bad habits such as, run-on sentences, muddy sentences, they overuse or repeat words, they use passive instead of active voice, use clichés, misspell words or use the wrong word and so forth.
We all develop habits and a good editor can help you to create more good writing habits.
I may edit a manuscript once or three times, depending on the magnitude of the work necessary. If I’ve suggested a lot of changes throughout, I practically insist upon seeing the manuscript at least once more before it is ready for publication.
Once I’ve seen the finished product and have made those last few suggestions, I can’t help but marvel at what the partnership has achieved. I recall the condition of the manuscript when I first saw it. I reflect on some of the conversations I had early on with the author and how the author, in some cases, questioned and resisted my suggestions. Some of them have even fired me only to come back months later asking for my help. Not every author is ready to be part of a team because they don’t understand how it all works. They are used to working in a vacuum—doing things their way without interference or, heaven forbid, criticism. Once they spend a little time outside the comfort of their solitude, however, and learn something about the real world of publishing, they are soon ready to join a team for the benefit of their precious project.
I love my role as the author’s partner. It is hard work helping new authors to find their way in this competitive field, especially when the author refuses to help move the many obstacles out of the way of his or her progress. But it can be extremely satisfying work when, in the end, we have a much better product than we started with—one with a larger target audience, one that is more well-written, one that actually portrays the message or information the author hoped to get across.
Folks, just because you have the idea or the dream doesn’t mean that your attempt to put it down on paper will be successful. It doesn’t mean that you can communicate your message adequately. And it doesn’t mean that you have a marketable product. When you hire me to evaluate your book manuscript and edit it (if needed), you are also getting someone you can consult with should you have questions about or need guidance within the vast, fiercely competitive publishing field.
Contact me to discuss your project. Let me be part of your team. Contact me at PLFry620@yahoo.com. Learn more about me and my services at: http://www.matilijapress.com/consulting.html
As a primer to publishing, be sure to read my book, “The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.” I wrote it just for you. How do I know? You are interested in publishing, aren’t you? You are either writing a book, thinking about it or you’ve written it and are trying to get it published. Maybe you have a book you are marketing. Wherever you are within the realm of publishing, this book is for you: “The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.” ( http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html)