I once wrote a post comparing writing a novel to baking bread.
Now that my first draft is written, I can also compare it to giving birth after a verrrry long pregnancy.
And now, I realize that a round of editing by a developmental editor is much like a baby’s checkup at the pediatrician.
So, if you’ll bear with me through this metaphor, here is a summary of my baby’s first doctor visit:
Scrutinized by critical eyes, my baby was gently weighed and measured. A stethoscope was held to my baby’s heart. The pulse was strong. Eyes and ears were checked. Notes were written on a progress chart.
I breathed a sigh of relief when my baby was pronounced healthy and ready for the next phase of growth.
Yessir, that’s my baby. My novel, that is.
My novel is a work in progress now, not merely a figment of my imagination. I kind of took a leap when I participated in NaNoWriMo last November to get the ball rolling. I reached my goal of 50,000 words knowing that this was just the beginning.
Every writer has his or her own method, and I’m not the most organized person in the world, although I try hard to be. So in preparation for the month of intense writing, I did … nothing.
I didn’t outline. I didn’t develop my characters. I had an idea and started to write on November 1. My goal was to write about 2,000 words a day. And, to my surprise, the words came easily. I reached the 50,000 word goal line with several days to spare.
The upside to that was my story flowed in unanticipated new directions. The downside was that I got lost in a thicket of too many characters and plot lines that went nowhere and chronology that made no sense. I needed a road map. Hell, I needed a forest ranger who could lead me out of the brambles into the clearing.
I reached out to my writers’ circle and got hooked up with a very good developmental editor to whom I entrusted this wildly flailing bundle of not-yet joy.
What is a developmental editor?
A developmental editor will take an overview of your manuscript and assess the organization and big picture, and then suggest changes to make it work better. I knew I needed this help because I was too close to my work to be objective.
From the time I hit Submit til today, when I received her feedback, I tried not to think about it too much, because when I did I dissolved into a pile of insecurity. I guess I really must be a writer now, because that insecurity kicked in big time.
I felt insecure about my story, about the caliber of my writing, my chutzpah in even thinking I could write a novel. I was open to criticism of the book. I just didn’t want to be criticized as a writer.
I didn’t want her to tell me to throw the baby out with the bathwater. And she didn’t.
Instead, she had examined my baby with extreme care and thoughtfulness. As I read her extensive notes, I nodded in affirmation. Yes, yes, yes. This is exactly right. With her checklist of suggestions to guide me, I feel confident heading into the next phase working on Draft #2.
My developmental editor will remain nameless, but someday her name will be front and center in the Acknowledgements section at the end of my novel. That visual makes me smile.
For now, thank you, thank you, nameless developmental editor. And if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some writing to do.
Oh, I love thinking about the prospect of reading your book, because I know it will be like you: smart, filled with heart and fascinating. Thank you to the nameless developmental editor (never heard of that occupation before – a great lesson!) who is helping you. I can’t wait to get an autographed copy from you!
Cathy Chester recently posted…Two Time Pulitzer Prize Winner David McCullough Loves His Wife, Family, History And He’s a Really Nice Guy
Your encouragement never fails to bring a smile to my face, Cathy. Thank you so much!!
I, for one, will be first in line to buy it. Sign one for me!
Carol Cassara recently posted…Celebrity dirty laundry
You are wonderful.
I agree, a book is like a baby. You go girl! Can’t wait to read your book.
Ellen Dolgen recently posted…Menopause Mondays: What is Your Emotional Age?
Thank you, Ellen. Fingers crossed …
That’s great Mom! Was there anything this unnamed masked editor said that you patently disagreed with? Were the suggestions more general or ‘i think you should change this word choice’ type thing? Can’t wait till we get to read it! 🙂
Great question, Evan! A developmental editor takes a very broad brush to the manuscript. Down the road, a copy editor will read it line by line and edit for grammar, word choice, etc. And no, there was nothing the developmental editor suggested that I did not agree with. She was spot on.
Super exciting! So happy for you that you are in the throes of birthing your novel. Few things are more personal, fun, anxiety ridden and anticipated. You go girl!
Tammy recently posted…Does Your Primal Fear Stack Up?
That sums it up perfectly, Tammy. Thanks!
So exciting! It sounds like a lot of hard work. I guess if we want to get anywhere that what we have to do. Can’t wait to read it.
sherry recently posted…Over 50 Style Story – Steppin Out
Thanks, Sherry! It is hard work but satisfying at the same time.
cute, and sweet
As are you!
Well, this is embarrassing. All these months I’ve been trying to come up with a simple clear explanation for what I do as a writing coach and then I read your post. Developmental editor? I had to google it. And oy–that is exactly what I do. So I guess that is exactly what I am. Who knew that this thing I thought was a byproduct of my weird experience/education actually has a Wikipedia entry.
Jane Gassner (@Jane_Gassner) recently posted…Are You Getting Paid for Your Writing????
That is so funny, Jane! Well, I’m glad I enlightened you. 🙂
Love your blog! Looking forward to reading your book and meeting Cathy’s very talented friend. Fondly, Laurie New
Mrs. New!!!! What a wonderful surprise. Thanks for stopping by and I can’t wait to meet you!!!
Congratulations on getting through that first draft! I can’t wait to read you best-selling novel.
You are so supportive and sweet, Janie — and you are my role model! Thanks for all the encouragement you have given me.
I am so happy for you! I will be the second in line!
The stress mixed with excitement is something else isn’t it?
Best of luck with draft #2!!
Doreen McGettigan recently posted…Writing Wednesday/Book Covers
I hope I someday can join you at author events, Doreen!
Helene, I’m so excited for you (and your baby) and can’t wait for the official birth announcement!!
Sheryl recently posted…What Does it Take To Be Happy?
Awww! Thanks, Sheryl!
I am absolutely thrilled for you! I can’t wait for it to come out. I hit the 40,000 mark today, so I fully understand how you are feeling. I hope the process is as painless as possible.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…TOP 10 ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER TRAITS…
That is a significant milestone, Rena! Give yourself a high five for that!
How exciting but you know what? It is exactly as it should be! This is your time and I am beyond thrilled for you Helene! I too will be in line to buy it!
And I am thrilled for you, Ruth — so excited to read your book. What a great feeling it must be to finally hold it in your hand!
You go, girl! I am so excited for you and can’t wait to read — and write about! — your book, which I know will be amazing! YAY, Helene!!
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…surf & sand: my new laguna beach home!
Lois, I will give you an exclusive, LOL! Love you!
Wow and congrats! You have inspired me to get started on mine too. I can’t wait to hear about the progress you are making and am really looking forward to reading it someday soon!
Carolann recently posted…Video Tutorial Nimi Places – The Ultimate Desktop Management Software
Thank you, Carolann! Let me know how your work is going — would be happy to be a support buddy!
Congratulations, Helene! You’re such an inspiration, having gotten all this way thanks to a NaNoWriMo start. I can’t wait to read the finished (and autographed!) book I’ll buy the minute it’s available. Best wishes for continued success heading toward the finish line.
Lisa at GrandmasBriefs recently posted…Here and now: March 26, 2015
You are such a wonderful friend, Lisa. Thank you so much!
That is so exciting! My daughter has participated in NaNo for years, and I guess you could say that I am currently serving as developmental editor for her! It takes so much work even after getting all the words on the page.
Leslie recently posted…From Attachment to Free Range: A Progression
That is so nice that you are helping your daughter out, Leslie! And you are so right: getting the words down is just the beginning. Good luck to your daughter!
Good for you, actually getting it written to begin with! And now the 2nd pregnancy has begun! Hopefully it won’t be the elephant length pregnancy.
NerdMom recently posted…Minecraft Biomes
Thanks! I hope you are right!
This is so so exciting and I can not wait to buy it! I can’t wait to learn more!
Dana recently posted…AN ISLAND INSPIRED BREAKFAST
Thanks, Dana!
Love the analogy and can’t wait to read your baby!
Pat recently posted…Call Me Coach – A March Madness Epiphany
That’s right!