5 Tips on the Editing Process (by Author Alisha Sevigny)

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SYWW Team
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By author Alisha Sevigny, one of our in-house experts Originally published at open-book.ca

The final edit of the interior pages of my new middle grade adventure, THE LOST SCROLL OF THE PHYSICIAN, was due recently.

As an author, freelance substantive editor, and former literary agent, I have experience in getting and giving edits. Substantive editing was my favourite part about being an agent and I think it has made me a better writer. Or at least better at receiving feedback. Here’s what I learned.

Tip #1: Go With Your Gut

Tip #2: Let It Mellow

Tip #3: If It’s Not Worse, It’s Better

Then I’ll go back and see if it’s better with the changes. If I don’t think it’s any worse than the original, then it’s probably better. If, after some time, it still sticks out then go with your writer’s intuition, which you will begin to trust more and more as you gain experience.

Tip #4: Stay Open

When giving edits I always like to give the author a choice whenever possible. I also appreciate being given one.

Her book, THE GYNESAURS, was the only self-published book listed for The Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour Award, making it one of Canada’s top 10 funniest books in 2018. See? Listen to your editor. (Read the inspiring interview with Pat here).

Tip #5: Review It Again In Case Your Gut Was Wrong

My editor at KCP Loft, Kate Egan, (also, the editor of THE HUNGER GAMES, thank you very much) came back to me with a succinct page and a half of notes for SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS.

The copy editor came back with some inline changes. I accepted every edit except one line that I wanted to keep, and I’m happy I kept it. At the end of the day, it’s your story and only you know how you want it told.

Thank you Kate Egan, Jess Shulman, Colleen McKie and Mandy Schoen, not to mention the agents and interns at The Rights Factory, who have all contributed to helping make my work the best it can be.

  1. Go with your gut.
  2. Let it mellow.
  3. If it doesn’t make it worse it probably makes it better.
  4. Stay open.
  5. Review it again in case your gut was wrong.

Alisha Sevigny is the author of acclaimed YA novels SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS (CBC’s Best Books for Kids and Teens 2018 and NERFA 2019 Finalist) and KISSING FROGS. Her anticipated debut middle grade series, SECRETS OF THE SANDS, launches January 2020 with THE LOST SCROLL OF THE PHYSICIAN. Alisha is a freelance editor, former literary agent and Executive Story Wizard at Best. Ever. Productions. Learn more about Alisha at alishasevigny.com.

P.S. You can book a 1-on-1 meeting with Alisha to get help with your book!

photo credit: Steve Johnson on Unsplash

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