Writers Club Focuses on Editing
- Jul
- 14
- 2013
- Posted by Tammy Ditmore
- Posted in Editing, Events
Several dozen folks showed up to get a glimpse of real-life editors at last week’s Ventura County Writers Club meeting and were treated to two hours of information, tips, and anecdotes about real-life editing.
Shelly Lowenkopf, former executive editor for several publishing houses, described the route a manuscript might take when it is submitted to a traditional publisher and how editors would be involved in that process. Monica Faulkner, an editor and publishing consultant for more than 20 years, explained how she coaches clients to write and rewrite and revise so that a promising story can mature into a publishable manuscript. Greg Elliot, a longtime editor, screenwriter, and writing professor, provided practical tips to help writers self-edit. And I offered up “The Top 10 Ways to Make Your Editor Love You.”
We then answered questions from the audience for almost an hour on topics ranging from how to use Track Changes in Microsoft Word to the use of dialogue in fiction to the benefits of self-publishing. Audio of the entire two-hour meeting is available here from the Writers Club website, if you’re interested.
It was my first time to participate in this type of panel discussion about editing, and—except for worries about whether I was using the microphone correctly—I enjoyed it very much. It’s always fun to get to share information about a my chosen profession, especially when so many people seem so mystified by what I actually do.
Search
Blog Categories
Contact
Testimonials
I can’t believe my good fortune to have found Tammy to edit my nonfiction book. I had narrowed down my editor search to ten; then I took advantage of their free sample offers. Nine of the editors were okay. Tammy’s edit, however, really showed her strength for detail and content development. I was absolutely wowed. She suggested, for example, how to improve the Introduction’s hook, added sentences that clarified a paragraph’s thought better, and deleted unnecessary words. She also mentio… Read more
Tammy Ditmore edited my book, The Quest for Distinction: Pepperdine University in the 20th Century. It was a huge assignment, requiring skills that set her apart from most professional editors. She recognized the key themes of the manuscript immediately and proceeded to examine each paragraph, actually each word, in light of those themes. The result was a briefer, more coherent manuscript that will be read with greater interest and understanding.
Tammy has helped me become a better writer. I always look forward to seeing her email pop into my inbox. As I open the email and double click on the Microsoft Word file, I look forward with anticipation to reviewing her edits. Like a used target at a shooting range there are red marks riddled throughout the page. And the right column is full of thoughtful comments. I appreciate her precision and thoroughness. Because I know every word she cuts, every crooked sentence she straightens, and every p… Read more
Tammy Ditmore is an excellent editor. My writing improved grammatically, in structure, and clarity under her skilled eye.
Tammy is just amazing. Before my book made it over to Tammy, I had used two editors — one a well-known author in NYC. I was unhappy with the editing, and basically Tammy was my last try before I just set my book to the side. Not only did she totally understand my “voice,” but she reconstructed, added, and melded in ways I would have never considered. Use her, trust her. She’s the best!
This book has been a major effort for me over the past 15 years—both emotionally and in time commitment. Your feedback helped me give it structure. Your insightful questions encouraged me to go deeper in my understanding and intentions, which provided enhanced clarity. Your recommendations provided a professional perspective that I needed towards getting it published. Thank you so much! When entertaining any future writing projects, you will be the first person I contact.
I had a book manuscript that had a thorough edit by a copy editor, but there were many changes made and I wanted another set of eyes to look at it carefully. So I hired Tammy Ditmore to do a “final” proofread and flag anything that she found awkward, confusing or ill-fitting. That is a difficult job—to look both for errors and to comment, but that is what I needed. Tammy took it on and did a great job. Tammy also understands a schedule and finished the work on time—even ahead of time. Thank … Read more
Personally, I feel the editing process is the most important aspect of writing–it can be a nightmare if the editor and the writer are not on the same page. … Tammy knows what she is doing, she is easy to work with, and she delivers on time.
Tammy is sensitive to my work and does a great job to maintain the integrity of my writing and my voice!
I highly recommend Tammy Ditmore to you. She has edited three of my books in the past two years. Each time, I have been impressed with her professionalism, and pleased with her ability to provide a polished text.