Why Do We Need Copy Editors?

[deborahjross]

One of the tragedies of the explosion of electronic publication is that so much of it is self-published and therefore unedited. Even seasoned professional writers need editors. I don't care how many stories you've sold or that you got an A in freshman English composition, you have blind spots. I have blind spots. We all see what we intended to write and not what's actually on the page. We gloss over details that we think are right. A good editor is not only a friend and advocate of the story, but our safety net against public idiocy.

Here's a fascinating discussion between author and editor. First, Theodora Goss. If you haven't read her work, run out and get it immediately. She's amazing, lyrical, edgy, mind-bending. http://theodoragoss.com/2010/12/22/writers-and-copyeditors/


And here's what her editor has to say: http://martyhalpern.blogspot.com/2010/12/writing-with-style-sheets-that-is.html