Lexicon: Editor

Editor: is usually divided into two types Content & Story Editor versus a Line Editor.

A Content & Story Editor examines each part of your story to make sure it feels complete and that it fits into a genre. These parts include, but are not limited to: audience, characters, descriptions, dialogue, genre, main story arc, minor story arcs, pacing, plot, point of view, setting, tension, and theme. It is important to use a Content and Story Editor before seeking publication in order to make sure your work is polished enough to impress Agents and Publishers.

A Line Editor focuses on grammar and punctuation. You should consider using a Line Editor before mailing out your manuscript to Agents and Publishers to avoid getting dumped in the slush pile.

What is their motivation?

Money. Out of the three sides of the editorial triangle this is the only one you usually have to pay for (unless you’ve got a friend on the inside). Yes, editors enjoy being appreciated for their hard work and seeing their clients go on to be published electronically and in brick and mortar stores, but at the end of the day editors have gone to school to learn the tricks of the trade and it is a job.

Editors are just one side of the editorial triangle (along with critique partners and beta readers). In the normal flow of events your critique partners will work with you as you write, a content and story editor will help you shape your narrative, then beta readers allow you to get a glimpse at how your audience will react. After that you’ll need a line editor, an agent, and a publisher, but try to focus on the important part first: write your novel.

After you work with each editor you'll need to revise before sending your manuscript on to agents and publishers. If you're not ready for an editor just yet remember to focus on the most important part first: write your novel.