EDITORS UNEDITED: The Best Writing Advice!

As we begin 2023, many of us – me included – are going to be editing what we wrote in 2022. So, to kick off the year, I wanted to look back at some of the brilliant advice we got from our Jericho editors last year.  

Variety is the spice of life (and writing)! 

‘Remember my own personal mantra and advice to anyone which is no matter what your genre, we need light, shade, punch, spark. Because without friction there can be no heat.’  – Anastasia Parkes, romance & memoir editor  

First drafts don’t have to be perfect! 

‘Write drunk, edit sober! In other words go wild with that first draft, get it down, no matter what… and feel good about that achievement. But then accept that the real work is to come. Good stories rarely tumble out in one perfect piece. Editing is what turns a messy first draft into a great story. Make sure you edit lots yourself before seeking a manuscript report. Reports are much more helpful to the writer if the nuts and bolts are already taken care of. This requires honesty and objectivity in you when you read over and then edit your work. Once you feel that you don’t know how to improve it any more, that may be the time to let an editor loose on it.’  – Louise Walters, historical & literary editor  

‘It’s totally normal to ‘write your way in’ to a novel, but your second draft should make sure that pre-work is invisible to the reader. Work out where your story really begins and make sure that happens on your very first page.’ – Rosie Walker, thriller & women’s fiction editor  

‘Don’t get hung up at first draft stage, thinking this draft has to be brilliant. I believe great books are created in the editing process, and momentum is everything when writing a book. Keeping momentum flowing is much better than sitting in tortured angst, thinking you have to get each sentence perfect at this stage.’ – Caroline Hulse, book club & women’s fiction editor  

Revision and editing is MEANT to be hard! 

‘Writing is like learning to play an instrument. That is, you can’t just pick up a guitar and play like Elvis Presley (Or, if you’re my generation, Slash from Guns N Roses) straight from the off, no matter how talented you are. Even after learning a few chords, you still need to practice, experiment, enjoy the failures and learn from experience before you’ll be ready to get up on the stage and blow an audience away.’ – Russel McLean, crime & sci fi editor  

Feedback is about change! 

‘The moment you expose your writing to the world, it’s no longer yours alone. You are inviting people to share their opinions of it. So, although you will feel protective, it’s incredibly important to listen to what people have to say’. – Paul Roberts, nonfiction editor 

‘I’ve been lucky with all my book’s editors, and can say that I learned a lot about editing from them.  Careful, scrupulous and imaginative as they were, I often find myself recalling their suggestions and passing them on, albeit in a different context.  So perhaps a new writer might take heart from the fact that whatever an editor says, it’s because it’s already been said to them.’  – Dexter P, literary and nonfiction Editor  

‘Writers need to be aware that the revision process is not destructive. It is about improving the work, making it fitter and smarter, more fluent and more captivating. If you start out with the idea that every word is precious, you will fall at the first hurdle. The editor is your first ally in the process.’ – Stuart W, nonfiction editor  

‘Authors receiving critique for the first time should bear in mind that editorial help is always about change.’ – Liz M, historical & fantasy editor 

Some final words of wisdom… 

‘Believe me, it isn’t always the best writers who make it. It’s the most dedicated, the most willing to learn, the most downright stubborn. So, if you’re serious about this, pull on your armour and prepare for battle. I wish you luck!’ – Rosie F, historical & romance editor  

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Is your new year’s resolution to polish your manuscript, but you’re not sure where to start? Check out our editorial services to see what might suit you – or you can drop us an email on info@jerichowriters.com to talk through your options. 

You can catch up on or revisit the whole series by visiting the #JWEditorsUnedited hashtag. Plus, more coming soon. Happy editing – and happy new year!