To Edit or Not to Edit, That is the Question

GUEST SPEAKER: Elena Harwell Taylor

We've all heard the axiom, “Writing is rewriting. But we could just as easily say, “Rewriting is editing.” The rewriting process is much like the process that a developmental editor, copy editor, or proofreader would do, except the writer does those tasks instead.

What does a developmental editor look for? And how can writers get better at putting on their editor hat and finding issues in their own work?

Whether in the very early stages, first draft, second draft, fiftieth draft, or in that final copy editing and proofreading stage, writers can use the techniques of a professional to make their writing process more effective and create a stronger manuscript before bringing in another pair of eyes.

All this and more will be covered in an informative workshop by Elena Hartwell Taylor, author and developmental editor.

Under the last name Hartwell, Elena writes the Eddie Shoes Mysteries about a quirky mother/daughter private eye, crime fighting duo. Under Elena Taylor, she writes the Sheriff Bet Rivers Mysteries, which are dark and atmospheric police procedurals. In her day job, she's a developmental editor for Allegory Editing, where she works with writers on novels and short stories in a variety of genres and age ranges. She's also the industry expert for the company, coaching writers through the query and publication process.