I mostly do. That sounds pretty indiscriminate, but I have read widely and studied the kind of craft which can apply to all stories (structure, pacing, character arcs, tone). I used to be more leery of genres like memoir and thriller, but when I took them on, the authors reinforced me by letting me know how useful the feedback was. I also learn a lot, and keep my mind sharp, by working across a variety of genres
My motto is "Keep moving forward." Keep learning and growing!
That said, I've become known for my SFF work, and most of my clients come in with that :)
If the first few pages are really good, my first step is to overcome impostor syndrome. "I can't help this person! They're too good!"... because 10 times out of 10, I still end up with valuable insight to help them take the book to the next level.
If the first few pages need a ton of work, I have to hold myself back from saying too much and outright overwhelming the person. I have to figure out what core things will help them the most without just being a disheartening distraction.
Yes. You are so blind to your own books' flaws. No amount of editing other people's books will make you able to see what's wrong with your own. Thus, beta readers are critical! And even if it's a book of a friend, you definitely need outside perspectives--at least two of them that you trust.
Hi Mica! How does the published book compare to your original story concept? Did you always know the world/plot/characters or was your first draft very different?
@Lauren I outlined the whole series before I began, and all the main stuff remained mostly the same from start to end--but the story grew more complex and nuanced as I went along. I went from 15-line outlines to 5-page outlines. It really felt like it was writing itself, like it was just waiting to be told :)
How do you know when a book is right for you to edit? Do you take on anyone who hires you?
What do you find most challenging about the editing process when you get a new book come across your desk?
Follow-up question for the editor! You also edit other author's books, was it difficult editing a book that you have a personal connection to?
Hi Mica! How does the published book compare to your original story concept? Did you always know the world/plot/characters or was your first draft very different?
Here and accounted for!