I wrote my first novel, THE NINTH DISTRICT , after taking a few writing classes, reading some books/blogs on the writing craft and being part of a critique group for many years.
I’ve found myself with plenty of ideas and starts on a novella and two novels, but getting stuck along the way. I’m a plotter versus pantser and have struggled putting a plan/outline together that I think is “good enough”.
After listening to the Rocking Self Publishing podcast #58-Editing for Indie Authors with Alida Winternheimer and the subsequent webinar, RSP-Editing Webinar with Alida Winternheimer, I decided to take advantage of the discount being offered for Developmental Editing and signed up with Alida.
To my surprise, Alida resides in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Twin Cities area (where I live) and we scheduled our first meeting in my neighborhood coffee shop.
In a series of blog posts I will share my journey through the developmental editing process for other authors wondering about the process and what it can do for them and their writing.
The First Meeting:
Alida and I met in my neighborhood coffee shop to discuss my writing and a couple of options for working with her. I’m looking for someone to help me on the development of my next novel as well as for tools that I can use on the second, third…
We talked about my first book and what the second story was about. Alida asked some pointed questions that got me to think about my story, the characters, the setting, the reasons behind some of the choices I made. I could tell she knows her stuff.
We decided that since the project is at its inception, rather than wait for the completion of the drafts and doing a development edit, I’ve decided to bundle development coaching along with editing.
Alida asked me to send her what I’d written so far and outline, etc. I sent her about 22 scenes and the initial beat sheet and outline I’d put together. She is going to review this and send me a proposal.
I’m in the waiting stage for the proposal now. Once I receive it we’ll align on the gig and get started. I do not have a lot of patience, so I’m checking my email often for the proposal so we can get started. I plan to finish my novella and jump into this project.
I believe Alida will give me guidance, homework, goals and feedback that are going to help me write a great follow up to THE NINTH DISTRICT following FBI Special Agent Jack Miller on his next adventure.
Come back here often and follow my journey with Alida, my developmental editor. You can learn more about Alida and her Editing packages at her website http://wordessential.com/
Not sure what I’m more anxious for; the editing proposal or the arrival of my new iphone. #impatientlywaiting