Well, my editor finished with Vanity Killed and now it’s my turn to revise once more.
First, let’s review last times clichés.
Get a Rise out of someone (reader) – To provoke to action or to anger. This phrase probably comes from fishing. The angler drops a fly in a spot and lets it float, hoping that the fish will rise to the bait. Then this was transferred to figurative use—getting someone to lose her or his temper. This is from the early 19th century. See Thackeray (Catherine, 1840).
The Ring of Truth – It sounds genuine. This alludes to the practice of judging a genuine coin by its “ring” or sound, which dates from the days when coins had intrinsic value because they were made of precious metals. Frederick W. Robinson used it in a sermon in 1850.
Johnny-on-the-spot – A person who is present at a crucial time. From the 19th century America. An early appearance in print is in George Ade’s Arte (1896).
Good Samaritan – A selfless helper of anyone in distress. This comes from the biblical story (Luke 10:30-35) told by Jesus. He compared the treatment accorded to a man, robbed and left half dead, by a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan. The first two passed him by, but the Samaritan took him to an inn and cared for him. The term “good Samaritan” does not appear in any of the translations of this parable, it evolved over the years.
Cock and bull story – A far-fetched tale, intended to deceive. This dates from approximately 1600, but its origin is obscure. Some believe it alludes to a fable or folktale about a cock and a bull. Others say it refers to the name of an English coaching inn, a wayside stop for travelers where such tales were often spun. By the 18th century it meant a tall tale.
So, how many did you find?
My editor finished with my manuscript and she fired away at each line for me. She highlighted and commented on grammar, repetitions, word changes, and what worked and what didn’t. Having your “baby” edited is like working your fingers to the bone, and doing it some more. Ana Manwaring from JAM Editorial Services not only went through line by line, but she also gave me an in-depth critique.
Right now I’m going through my hard copy writing down what she changed and what she commented on. First, I went through with all of her highlighted changes. But then I discovered that in some places she made changes, but forgot to highlight. So now, I’m going through line by line myself and catching the changes that were not highlighted! A lot of work, but well worth it in the end to have a much better manuscript for your readers.
When I’m finished with this process, then I’ll get down to brass tacks and work on the critique she gave me. More about that later.
Is the editing worth it? If you want to develop a following of readers and have your book sound true, then of course. Is it expensive? It’s all relative. I look at it like I’m taking a college course, yet it’s one on one with the professor. I learn so much and Ana Manwaring has made me a much better writer. Yes, it’s well worth it!
Keep Writing,
Julie
