Today is SpecialtyBuzz day on the Life and Times of a Freelance Writer. Every Thursday I bring you an interview with a specialist in the writing field. Whether you are still searching for your own specialty or simply wondering how other writers work, SpecialtyBuzz aims to educate and inform.

Today’s SpecialtyBuzz guest is professional editor Nanette Littlestone. Don’t forget to pick her brain with your editing questions in the comments!

What is your specialty and how did you get started in that particular area?

I remember noticing typos in the newspaper when I was in high school and I had the fleeting thought that it would be fun to proofread for the paper. But that was as far as that thought took me. My shyness inhibited further exploration on my part. I did, however, love to read – reading has always been my passion – and throughout my office administration career I read, composed, and edited numerous business letters, technical documents, legal papers, and more. I became a professional editor when I started to write, joined several writers groups, and discovered the joy of offering advice and expertise to the other writers in my groups. I have a fondness for fiction because of its ability to “take me away” to other settings and involve me with new and unique characters, but I also love working with the nonfiction side and helping authors explore their subject and their own potential. Show me something in print and I want to make sure it’s well-written.

What are three things an editor needs to know before choosing to specialize in your area of specialty?

1. The first thing to be aware of are the different types of editing. At one end of the scale lies proofreading, which includes spelling, typos, and grammar. A proofreader (generally) does not change sentence or word structure; he/she simply corrects mistakes. Copyediting or line editing comes next, which includes proofreading plus rearranging or rephrasing awkward sentence structure to enhance the flow of the language. Copyeditors read for content, so if something doesn’t make sense or feels out of context, then the copyeditor can make changes or contact the author for revisions. The more complex types of editing are called heavy, developmental, or substantive, and these look at the project as a whole. In addition to proofreading and copyediting, this editing evaluates structure, flow, point of view, narrative voice, characterization, plot, and more.

2. Decide which area appeals to you the most and then try it out. Take some grammar tests online. Review magazine or newspaper articles and see if you can spot typos or badly phrased sentences, or look at how you might rephrase some lines to add more emotion or description. Offer to edit a friend’s paper or essay and see what you can do with it.

3. Finding errors is just one part of the job. Helping the writer fix the problems often involves motivation and inspiration. This is where the editor becomes a coach. If the writing is dull, moves too slowly, or needs more description, don’t just circle the problem. Offer suggestions. Give the writer an example. If nothing comes to mind, seek out your favorite book. Maybe a passage there will have what you need. If all else fails, let it rest. Sometimes the answer doesn’t come immediately and may require time. Your client(s) will thank you for your efforts.

Does editing require any particular training or could a layperson pick it up?

Good editors have experience, a lot of knowledge, and a good grasp of the English language. Writing, teaching, or a background in journalism would be helpful. On-the-job training is a wonderful way to learn. There are also a number of editing courses available online. Different publications may require slightly different skills. Book publishers use the Chicago Manual style whereas journalists (magazines and newspapers) use the AP (Associated Press) style. I have a number of reference books on hand to help me with the different styles.

What is the current market for writing in your specialty? Who is buying and who is selling?

People buy books and magazines constantly, which means that authors are writing books all the time. Some of the major publishing houses have cut back and aren’t taking on as many projects right now, but self-publishing continues to increase. And the electronic book industry is doing well.

What do you enjoy most about your specialty?

Aside from the joy of reading, what I enjoy most is combining my skills with the author’s writing and turning a rough draft into a work of art. Good writing is more than just putting words down on paper. The story needs to be cohesive and flowing with strong characters that the reader cares about. Developing that cohesiveness and flow can mean cutting out extraneous material, adding in description, creating compelling dialogue, and crafting good hooks and riveting scenes that draw in the reader and make them want more. To do this often takes many revisions. I love taking the author’s vision and seeing beyond what’s in the first draft to that final, wonderful story.

What do you enjoy least about your specialty?

What I enjoy least is telling the author when I don’t like something, especially when that something has a major impact on the story. I once told a writer that the murderer’s point of view was unnecessary and I thought she should rewrite the scene from the victim’s point of view. I reasoned that the victim’s point of view had been used throughout the book, and throwing in the murderer’s point of view at the very end was jarring. She cried when she read my note. After several days of reflection she agreed with me and rewrote the scene.

Even though I’ve been writing for 15 years, I still don’t like to be critiqued. And that empathy goes into my editing. I worry how my clients will take “bad” news. But I’ve learned over the years that people appreciate honesty and they want to learn. So if I come from my heart and offer examples and suggestions for improvement, my clients are more than satisfied with me.

How would you suggest networking within your specialty?

Join your local writing organizations. Attend speakers’ and coaches’ functions. Go to writing conferences and book-selling events. You’d be surprised how many people want to be writers and every writer needs a good editor. Write articles about writing for your local magazines and include your web site and contact information. Submit your articles online. Spread the word. Let people know you’re available.

What advice would you give to freelance writers interested in specializing in your area?

Be willing to under-promise and over-deliver. I see ads on the internet for one-day turnaround or editing a full manuscript in a week. I’m sure there are people who can do that, but I believe the clients aren’t getting what they need. The writing may be error-free, but does it make an impact on the reader? Good editing takes time, especially the substantive kind. Allow yourself the time to do a good job. You’ll be grateful that you weren’t rushed, and your clients will thank you for your extra effort.

Nanette Littlestone is a freelance editor, short story writer, poet, and songwriter who lives in Johns Creek, Georgia. Over 15 years of experience working with both fiction and nonfiction kindle her passion for helping authors achieve their own unique voice and message. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in The Writer’s Room, The Sidewalk’s End, Mystic Horizon Press, and Andwerve. Several of her edited works have received IPPY and ForeWord Magazine awards. Nanette is a member of the Georgia Writers Association and leads an ongoing writers group. For more information, please visit www.wordsofpassion.com.