A New Gen of Editors (continued)

Choosing an editor can be one of the toughest decisions a writer faces before publishing a book. Sometimes, writers who sign with a small press can choose their editors. Most times– especially when dealing with larger houses–this choice is not offered. With the rise of self-publishing or indie publishing, writers have more control over this and other aspects, from editing to release. This new control can be a blessing or a burden with a lot of trial and error.

Fortunately for me, I found my editor, Tania Cardenas, early in my voyage to publication. And luckily, I suffered only a few minor war wounds prior to her appearance. I found her among my beta readers. She critiqued the manuscript that got me RWA’s PRO status, when I was still considering the traditional route to print. We’ve worked together over many manuscripts since.

Now, the new generation of editors is appearing from within the workplace, from inside the league of would-be writers, from within the blogosphere, and from the classes of our reputable colleges and universities. I’m intrigued with the last group I mentioned. These young writers hope to supplement their incomes and hone their writing skills by hitting the ground running, before many have left the university library.

I sense a young hunger from this group of grammar savvy new adults, and with it, a genuine wish to help. They seek to sharpen their skills in the real world, as soon as possible, and have an open-mindedness that is fresh and invigorating when sometimes compared to the weathered warriors. Make no mistake; however, both camps have their undeniable strengths and weaknesses. It’s really up to the author to choose what characteristics are best for her projects, on her own terms.

I had the opportunity to interview a young editor and writer named Victoria Shockley. I appreciate her candid answers to my questions and her young perspective.  -Kara

VICTORIA SHOCKLEY

KARA: Thank you for stopping by, Victoria.  So what made you decide to tackle school and freelance work at the same time?

VICTORIA: The reason I decided to begin my career while still in school was because I hated working in food service. I got my first job as a cashier at Krispy Kreme when I was 16, and immediately I knew it wasn’t the right place for me. After that I tried a couple of other part-time jobs and never enjoyed them. Shortly after I turned 19 last summer, I began my first writing internship and continued on from there, eventually quitting my last food service job – for good! I knew it would take a lot of work – getting my name out there, building my social network, and proving to people that I could deliver quality results while still being a college student – but it was worth it.

KARA: How have you kept your schedules of school, writing, and editing together?

VICTORIA: I’m a naturally organized person, so I make a lot of lists and keep a planner and my phone calendar constantly updated. I know every assignment I have to do for both work and school and what days they’re due on, and I prioritize and schedule my time to make sure everything gets completed. If I know a deadline is flexible, I make sure to find out exactly when the hard due date is, and if I have to get something reviewed before submitting it, I make sure to find out how much time the other person needs so that I still turn it in before the deadline. Currently I’m proud to say I maintain a straight-A average in college, and I have never yet missed a deadline for a client.

KARA: Is there a particular freelance job of which you are most proud? Why?

VICTORIA: I’m especially proud of the novels I’ve edited, and am excited to see them go into print (one already has!).

KARA: What types of writing do you edit? Do you have a favorite genre?

VICTORIA: I edit all genres of writing, both nonfiction and fiction!

KARA: Who are your favorite authors?

VICTORIA: There are so many great writers that it’s hard for me to choose favorites! If I had to pick, though, I would say H.G. Wells, George Orwell, and Jules Verne are near the top of the list. I also like one or two books – Lord of the Flies, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Othello for example – from other classic authors.

KARA: As far as editing is concerned, what rule do you notice writers missing time and time again?

VICTORIA: There are a few rules that writers consistently seem to forget. One is the fact that single quotes (‘ ‘) can’t be used in place of double quotes (“ “). If you want to emphasize a word or include dialogue, please use double quotes! The other grammar issue I see a lot is a comma splice, meaning they separate two independent clauses (full sentences) with only a comma instead of a semi-colon.

KARA: What are some style and usage books you would suggest all writers have on their shelves? Why?

VICTORIA: It depends what genre you’re editing or writing in, of course, but I’ve found that When Words Collide is an extremely helpful book for both writers and editors, especially if you’re not an English major or are just beginning your editing career. It not only goes over grammar and punctuation rules, but it lists commonly misspelled words, explains how to check for agreement problems, and includes sample exercises in the back if you get the book/workbook combo edition. Writers should also have a copy of their style book on hand (e.g. AP, Chicago, etc.).

KARA: I use Chicago –or I at least try to stick with that one as much as possible. As a writer, what rules of grammar have you found difficult to nail down? How did you finally succeed in applying them? Any helpful tricks for remembering a few rules?

VICTORIA: As far as grammar rules, I’ve always been pretty good about remembering them, but there were a few issues I never understood until I took an editing class last fall. For example, the difference between “compared to” and “compared with” and when it was appropriate to use each one. I learned a lot in that class, especially by reading and studying the grammar and usage book When Words Collide.

KARA: Great suggestion. Tell me a little bit about the novella you are working on. What elements of writing your novella excite you the most? When does it come out for readers to enjoy?

VICTORIA: It’s a children’s novella that is set to be published in April of this year through Wandering in the Words Press and will be sold on Amazon and in local stores around where I live (Raleigh, Wake Forest, etc. in North Carolina). I originally wrote it in my Creative Writing class during my senior year of high school and submitted it to the press after I started working for them as a copy editor (and now Assistant Acquisitions Editor). The part I enjoyed the most was writing the dialogue of the main character, a gnome. I feel that I was really able to develop his personality through his interactions with the other characters!

KARA: Sounds great, Victoria. I look forward to reading your book and others by your publisher when they become available on Amazon.

Readers, if you have any questions or comments, please share them. I am testing out a new web filter so bear with me if your post doesn’t appear immediately. I will be checking throughout the day!

And thank you all for stopping by! 🙂

-Kara xxooxx