Writing a story is in some ways similar to translating a story from one language to another. Good translators understand that fundamental differences in the two languages make it impossible to perfectly match words and meaning. They are fluent in both languages and cultures, knowledgeable about the craft of fiction, and committed to trying and failing until the gap between the story in its first and second languages as narrow as it can be.
Words are a second language to the heart. The stories we imagine do not exist in words but must be translated to the page by way of the creative process. To write well, we must be fluent in the language in which we're writing, in the craft of fiction, and in the world of the story we want to write; we're committed to using every single thing we know, trying and failing until the story on the page is as close as possible to the one we hoped to write.
My job as an editor is to help writers define the gap between the story they imagine and the draft on the page and develop a strategy for revision. Editing is a part of the creative process, in which a writer and editor work together to:
· Clarify the writer’s vision for the story and what the writer hopes to accomplish with it.
· Assess where the story is working and not working based on that understanding.
· Articulate the nature of the gap between the story in the writer's head and heart and the draft of the story on the page.
· Create a revision strategy and a list of revisions for the writer to undertake in the next draft.
The editing process demands patience, both on the part of the editor and the writer. It can take numerous drafts and considerable re-thinking to bring a story, essay, memoir or novel to completion. Honesty is essential for the process to work and I am always honest when I talk with writers about their work. I only work with writers who are comfortable with that and who love the marvelous yet maddening creative process as much as I do.
I enjoy the editing process very much. Each story, essay, memoir or novel presents an interesting puzzle to solve, and I love watching writers bring their visions to the page, gaining new writing skills and confidence in themselves along the way.
If you are interested in editorial services, please send up to 5 pages of your short story or essay or 15 pages of your novel or memoir for review to barbshoup@gmail.com. (Double-spaced, 1" margins, 12 font) There is no charge for this. I work with a limited number of clients and want to make sure that I have time to provide exactly what each of them needs. Editing fees upon request.
Editing Services Include:
If you are interested in help with idea development, please send a one-page summary of your idea. You may list particular questions or problems you have in getting the project off the ground on a second page. (Double-spaced, 1" margins, 12 font)
Idea Development Includes:
Words are a second language to the heart. The stories we imagine do not exist in words but must be translated to the page by way of the creative process. To write well, we must be fluent in the language in which we're writing, in the craft of fiction, and in the world of the story we want to write; we're committed to using every single thing we know, trying and failing until the story on the page is as close as possible to the one we hoped to write.
My job as an editor is to help writers define the gap between the story they imagine and the draft on the page and develop a strategy for revision. Editing is a part of the creative process, in which a writer and editor work together to:
· Clarify the writer’s vision for the story and what the writer hopes to accomplish with it.
· Assess where the story is working and not working based on that understanding.
· Articulate the nature of the gap between the story in the writer's head and heart and the draft of the story on the page.
· Create a revision strategy and a list of revisions for the writer to undertake in the next draft.
The editing process demands patience, both on the part of the editor and the writer. It can take numerous drafts and considerable re-thinking to bring a story, essay, memoir or novel to completion. Honesty is essential for the process to work and I am always honest when I talk with writers about their work. I only work with writers who are comfortable with that and who love the marvelous yet maddening creative process as much as I do.
I enjoy the editing process very much. Each story, essay, memoir or novel presents an interesting puzzle to solve, and I love watching writers bring their visions to the page, gaining new writing skills and confidence in themselves along the way.
If you are interested in editorial services, please send up to 5 pages of your short story or essay or 15 pages of your novel or memoir for review to barbshoup@gmail.com. (Double-spaced, 1" margins, 12 font) There is no charge for this. I work with a limited number of clients and want to make sure that I have time to provide exactly what each of them needs. Editing fees upon request.
Editing Services Include:
- A written description of what’s working/what’s not working
- Specific suggestions and strategies for revision
- Line edits, where appropriate
- Zoom meeting to discuss critique
If you are interested in help with idea development, please send a one-page summary of your idea. You may list particular questions or problems you have in getting the project off the ground on a second page. (Double-spaced, 1" margins, 12 font)
Idea Development Includes:
- Help with clarifying, focusing, and framing your idea.
- One-hour Zoom consultation.