-How do you handle sensitive writers who question every edit you make?
By discussing it with the author. I explain why I think the changes I suggested makes the story better and listen to the author explain why he/she prefers to have it the way they originally wrote it. We have always come to a happy median, my authors and I.
-Give an example of a time when you had to edit or write a piece under a strict deadline. How did you ensure that you met the deadline?
I have only had a few strict deadlines, but the way I ensure that my work on a piece is done in a timely manner is by not allowing someone else to butt in and tell me to do something else first. I try to stick with a first in/first out method. The few times that I have strayed on that concept always ended up coming back on me even if it was at the author’s request.
-There are two projects with the same deadline. One author is easygoing while the other constantly calls to ask when we will be done. Which project do you make your top priority? The first one that was submitted to me. However, if one is a second edit that an author has been sitting on for a while, I do not get in a big rush to finish it. I will not stop working on one project to rush another one through. Everyone deserves the same consideration and attention.
-What is your favorite style guide? Why?
I’m not sure that I have a favorite style guide. My editing is based off of what I was taught by my English teachers over the years in middle school, high school and college. If I am unsure of something, then I ask someone who is more knowledgeable than myself.
-What is the best advice you can give to writers that want to submit to you to be published by DCL?
Write a story not a screenplay– you want the reader to be able to follow your action. Write something that you would enjoy reading. Pay attention to your details so that you stay consistent in your story. Read it through from start to finish before submitting; that will help you catch some of the little things yourself. Do your very best to use the right word–take what MS Word recommends with a grain of salt because it is not always right. Follow the guidelines set on the submissions page for anyone you consider submitting to.
-Where can they contact you to do so?
booksubmissions@thedarkcastlelords.net
Lady Jean is simply the stronghold of the DCL castle. She can weather out any storm! lol Joking aside, no matter what goes wrong or right at the castle all the Dark Lords & Ladies love working with her.
Yes, she is! 🙂
I met Jean at the Columbus RT in 2010. She was a hoot and her, Annie and I had a blast together. I miss her!
Miss you too, Julianne!
You ladies are making me blush! lol I consider the authors and models as part of my family so I always try to do my best by them. My goal is to always put the best story possible out there for the readers.
You are the woman Jean. I couldn’t do one tenth of the work you do before I would be pulling my hair out.
Love working worth Jean. Can’t Thank her enough for all that she does.
Jean is a sweetheart. I met her in Nashville several years ago, and I can attest to her genuine kindness and likeability! Plus, she’s a great editor!
Thanks for all the great editorial advice. I always hear from the author’s perspective, so it’s nice to be able to hear from the editor’s perspective for once.