Do I Really Need Help?

I get asked that question—along with certain related questions—often enough that I thought I would put my answers in one place. 

What is a Developmental Editor?

A developmental editor is someone who works with a writer to prepare their best work, either for submission to a literary agent or a publisher, or so it can be copyedited and self-published. Developmental editors fill the niche occupied by editors at publishing houses (fifty years ago) and literary agents (as recently as three to five years ago).

Is that like an ambulance chaser?

Kinda. Or like a coach. Or like a lifeguard. Or like a mirror. Or like a witness. Or like a muse.

Do writers pay you?

They do. And they are psyched about it! Because they have found the help they need, in a conspiratorial partnership that gets them where they want to go. That’s why they say all those nice things about us.

Which publishing houses have you worked for?

None, thank God. I never got the opportunity to lord my specialness over anyone, but had to work my way up as a writing consultant over more than a decade. I can now say my writers have been on the New York Times bestseller list in fiction and non-fiction, and have appeared on The Today Show, The Tonight Show, Oprah and Howard Stern (whichever way your tastes might run).

Can you guarantee a writer will get an agent/a publishing deal?

Absolutely. We also know the real deal about 2012 (hint: the Mayans have been misquoted) and where Bin Laden is hiding (crap, dated reference). In all seriousness, the only guarantee a developmental editor can offer is that you will have a fundamentally better chance of getting an agent or a publishing deal if you work hard on your material with a professional.

What is the difference between a developmental editor, a freelance editor, a book doctor, and a book editor?

Appreciably, nothing. The evolution of the publishing industry, while creating this key niche, did not stop and name all the animals (sixth day, Genesis, anybody?) Personally I’m hoping “developmental editor” wins out because our Google ranking is highest in that category.

Did you go to school for that?

As a matter of fact…yes! I have two Master’s Degrees; one of them is in Literary Aesthetics from NYU. Short definition of that study: the practical philosophy of verbal art. Notable authors in the genre: Aristotle, Bal, Propp, Genette, Martin, Prince, Shklovsky…and us, very soon!

How do you charge?

When I worked in weddings the sales managers would invite people in for a tour whenever this question came up, so that we could all stroll along Narragansett Bay and take in the view. Short answer: fairly. Call me.

You quote an astrologer at the beginning of your bio, do you think that’s a good idea?

I was going to quote my dental hygienist who told me to schedule my cleaning twice a year so she wouldn’t have to hurt me so much—in other words, it’s really my fault because I only go once every two years…but it didn’t seem as germane?

But what do you really do?

We provide comprehensive commentary through critiques, suggest line edits and rewrite passages, send you inspirational texts and text messages, meet with you via phone or email to brainstorm and unpack issues, work on your other writing that you need to build your platform, chart your entire work according to our proprietary method for revision, and go to your book launch party. For a timeline of these activities, consult here.

Seven years ago, I was quoted as saying this about developmental editors:

“The tide is shifting, however, and respected authors, publishers and agents have come to recognize that success frequently comes as a result of tapping into the collective talents of capable people. Despite the solitary image of the cloistered writer, it is this support network that often makes the difference between a good book and a great one.” (East Side Monthly, February, 2004).

That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.