"The importance of good editing"

If you were a writer it would not take very long to understand why THE WRITER'S DIGEST WRITING CLINIC is an invaluable tool.

Weather you are a novice or a veteran writer, writing clinics can prove to be most rewarding. However, due to a lack of financial resources or time, it is sometimes very difficult to attend one of these workshops. The next best option would be to read and analyze good writing, and here is where this excellent insider's guidebook comes in very handy.

More than a dozen professional editors analyze thirty-six manuscript excerpts, fiction and non-fiction, comprising poems, essays, articles, query letters, synopses, and proposals submitted by real-life writers. Apart from the analysis, exercises are offered in order to reinforce the principles of editing that are touched upon by these editors.

Readers are shown how to approach the revision process, what points to focus on, how to efficiently correct common mistakes, and how to apply these editing techniques to your own work.

Such topics as the opening hook, point of view, narrative voice, dialogue, exposition and many more elements of writing are thoroughly explained with concrete examples.

It is as if the editor sits next to you and talks you through the entire revision process and explains in simple language why each suggestion is made and the way to execute it.

As you read some of the comments made by the various editors, you will notice each has a distinct approach to the critique process. Some are very "picky," others are not. For example, some editors may stress correct grammar and punctuation upon reading the first draft, while others may leave this type of revision for later.

Bear in mind, however, as mentioned in the book: "Editorial suggestions, even those coming from a professional, should be treated as no more than suggestions-to be taken or ignored at your discretion. Pay attention to who they are before weighing what they say. Then follow your heart."

In addition to presenting the mechanics of editing, the book also examines the value of critiquing. This analysis is broken down into when critiques help, when they hurt and how to become more effective in your critiques.

Included also are useful appendices dealing with critique etiquette, critique groups, a list of established writing groups, and a resource directory.

No doubt, this book is highly recommended for any writers who wish to improve their craft, and will prove to be a fine addition to the toolbox.

Reviewed by Norman Goldman
Courtesy Bookpleasures
Posted May 13, 2003

Summary

Based on one of the most popular columns in Writer's Digest magazine, this book shows aspiring authors exactly how to analyze and improve their manuscripts. Readers will find practical, real-world advice for strengthening dialogue, creating believable settings and resolving plot problems. Perfect for fiction, non-fiction and poetry writers, this step-by-step instruction is compiled from the country's top book doctors and writing instructors. The heart of the book is a collection of real manuscripts from beginning writers. These works include light editing marks from the experts along with detailed written critiques that address common writing problems and solutions. Readers will come away from The Writer's Digest Writing Clinic with improved work and a better chance of publication. It's a can't miss step on the path from aspiring writer to published author.