EDITORS UNEDITED: Abby Davies

Abby has been a Jericho editor for just under a year – but it feels like she’s been with us much longer! Abby loves working on thriller/crime/mystery novels, as well as exploring gothic and dystopian worlds across YA and adult audiences.  

Every time I read a report from Abby, I learn something new about storytelling, particularly when it comes to gripping your readers. It’s no surprise – her debut thriller MOTHER LOVES ME took bookstagram by storm, and I can personally vouch for it being a rollercoaster ride. Luckily, we’ll also get to hear from her as an event host for this year’s Summer Festival of Writing (info here).   

Let me give you an insight into Abby’s editor and writer brilliance:  

Q: So that we can learn a bit about you, tell us about one writing-related thing you’re proud of, and one non-writing related thing you’re proud of.  

I feel very proud of the fact that I persevered for so long and finally got offered a two-book contract with HarperCollins! Note to self – NEVER give up! In the world beyond writing, I’m super proud of my little girl Heidi because she’s such a friendly, kind, curious, creative little dot.  

Q: What brought you to the world of writing? What keeps you writing?  

Stories! I adored reading and writing stories from a young age, so I have my parents and teachers to thank for introducing me to the magical world of books and writing. I’ve always enjoyed using my imagination to escape the real world, and that’s what keeps me writing; that incredible feeling of total absorption – hours pass like seconds when I’m writing, and there’s something so addictive about that feeling. It’s also the act of creating that I love. I’m happiest when I’m being creative and productive.  

Q: Tell me about what you’re currently working on.  

I’m working on a psychological thriller inspired by Stephen King’s Misery and Will Dean’s The Last Thing to Burn. It’s fast-paced, dark and pretty out-there – think Mother Loves Me on speed! Not for the faint-hearted or the squeamish, that’s for sure. 

Q: You’ve just received a new manuscript to critique: what’s the first thing you do? Walk us through your editing process.  

I read the author’s email carefully, noting any specific questions they have or areas they’d like feedback on, then I launch into reading the story, making notes as I go. Once I’ve read the manuscript, I spend time reflecting on areas that need particular focus and how to advise improvement, then I use my notes to write the report. I proofread and edit the report several times before sending it.   

Q: How do you manage being on the other side of the editorial process – when your own writing is being edited? What should an author who is receiving critique for the first-time be aware of? 

Being on the other side is gut-churning yet exciting, and waiting for feedback can be excruciating, especially as I’m desperate to get on with the edits. When I first receive my editor’s comments, I experience a range of emotions and thoughts, from agreeing immediately with a suggestion to feeling angry at a point and not wanting to employ suggested changes, so be prepared for a visceral reaction! However, once I’ve digested the notes, I always seem to see what my editor means, and realise that yes, that will improve the story. I’ve learned that she is far more experienced than me, has edited numerous scripts and therefore knows what she’s talking about, so I go with her advice, and it always pays off. Try to remember that the editor is a lot more objective than you and able to emotionally distance themselves from the story. They can scrutinise in ways you can’t because you’re so close to, and invested in, your work. At the end of the day, your editor is trying to help, and they know their stuff, so try to go with the flow and accept their comments. If you disagree with something, that’s fine, but from personal experience I can tell you that you might ignore their suggestions to your own demise! Indeed, my editor advised me to disclose something to my reader at the end of Mother Loves Me regarding a character’s behaviour, but I didn’t, and quite a lot of readers have since expressed a desire to have this disclosed, which proves that my editor was spot on.   

Q: What writing do you get most excited about working as an editor on? What really makes you intrigued by a submission?  

To be honest, I get excited about everything! I love diving into a new manuscript not knowing what the author’s style is like. Titles intrigue me – I like trying to guess what relevance the title has to the story and enjoy realising the relevance when reading. 

Q: What do you read for pleasure? Is this different to the writing you enjoy working on?  

I work on genres that I love reading – thriller, crime, dystopian, mystery, gothic. I also thoroughly enjoy classics such as Pride and Prejudice, romance, historical fiction, fantasy, horror and general fiction, but read less of those genres. 

Q: Finally, if you could only give one piece of advice to all aspiring authors, what would it be?  

Never ever give up.  

Is your manuscript ready for a professional critique? Abby is one of 70+ Jericho Writers editors, so we’ll always find your perfect match.    

Head over to our editing hub to see the services that we have on offer. Not sure which service to opt for? Drop an email to info@jerichowriters.com and we’ll be happy to discuss which service would be right for you and your manuscript.
 

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