Meet the wonderful, Robin Alexander.
She does all the webby stuff, set up of the website, reminders [read: kick in the rear] to get things done, and she is great at editing. She is the one who edited Lucky Number Six, is waiting for Odd Number Five, and reminds me of things that should go in Unlucky Number Four. We had our hands in Jade Hart's novels, and a few dozen others that are currently on the market.
And yet, still manages to write a trilogy, a short story, and a romance novel on top of being a mother and wife. I swear she's sane. I talk to her on the phone once a week. If she isn't, she gives a bloody good impression, anyway.
So, to introduce Rolex, I asked her to answer a few questions. Don't worry - you'll get your chance! She's a sweetheart, damn good at her job, and smart as a whip.
Without further ado, here is Editor Extraordinaire, Robin Alexander.
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1) What kind of editor are you?
A good one? HA!
I like to take my time with a manuscript, really understand the author's voice and characters, and then make sure to read each sentence, each word, to make sure everything works together for the bigger picture of the novel.
2) What do you like/love/hate about editing?
Its rewarding, challenging, and turns your brain to mush. But that's the job, and honestly, as much as I want to bang my head against the desk sometimes, I truly do adore it.
3) Why did you become an editor?
I never really thought about the why of it. I love writing, I love reading, and I love helping people. Becoming an editor wasn't a very hard stretch.
4) Are you a writer as well?
I am, wouldn't you know? I have one book (which is part of a trilogy) being considered by an agent (which is to say that if I wasn't editing everyone else's work, I'd be sitting on the blazing end of my seat, biting my fingers to nublets, waiting for his answer.) I have another novel screaming at me because I've put the series ahead of it, and it doesn't quite think that's fair. And many other ideas brewing on top of that.
5) What is the best tip for self editing?
Take your time. Step away from your project for a day, a week, even a month, and go back to it with fresh eyes, then just take your time. Read it once, without making corrections, just to see if you can get through the story without losing interest. Then go read a book. Then come back again and do line edits.
And you're still sure to miss something, because that's the nature of the beast. You'll have to repeat the process two, three, four times. You'll be reciting the lines in your sleep, and never want to look at it again. Promise.
But this writing/publishing thing is not an overnight, get rich quick kinda thing. It takes discipline, commitment and a true love for the craft.
6) What are your favorite genres to edit?
I'm fairly eclectic, but I like the paranormal, I like romance, I like drama and mystery. What makes the job so much fun is that, as I'm editing, I get to read these really great stories that no one has seen, and if you can keep me guessing as I'm editing, that's my favorite project to work on.
7) What would you love to edit?
A great love story, something that's not just what's popular right now, but something along the lines of Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen is a hard act to measure up to, but I'd love to just completely melt by two characters that will stand the test of time, and have the superb honor of being a part of that on some small level.
What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic at heart.
8) Who are your favorite authors?
Like I said, I'm pretty eclectic, although as I get older, I'm getting pickier. I tend to love books, as opposed to authors. I read a lot of Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts. I'm a closet-Twilight-er (and I think this means I just came out! LOL!), I love Stephen King's 11-22-63-one of my favorites-the book is written without any flaws at all, and is captivating. It's so hard to choose.
9) What do you think your most important job is, as an editor?
To help the writer really make their baby shine.
10) Why did you decide to start Cliffhanger Editing with T.J. Loveless?
T.J. and I really hit if off a couple of years ago. We started out as crit partners and she was so kind as to stroke my ego by falling in love with one of my main characters, Leonardo, from my trilogy. From there, we both starting working as freelancers at a small publishing house, and the more we talked, the more CE seemed like a logical place to go. We're both committed to helping authors, seeing great stories come to life, and we both love the job. So when she asked if I would be interested, *shrugs* it was an easy decision to make.
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What'd I tell ya? We rarely disagree on things, and in the upcoming months, we'll have a huge announcement.
Now, there are a few other things of which you should be aware. Muahahaha! Sorry, couldn't resist.
First, if you are self publishing, and just have no clue where to start, head over to Black Firefly. One - the two women who started it, Jade Hart and Courtney Young, are just a lot of fun to get to know. Two - you'll get a production manager, professional services, and plenty of support - from inception to placing your book on the World Wide Webbies and marketing support. Including editing services from Cliffhanger Editing. If you go through Black Firefly, and purchase at least one other service, no matter how small, you can receive a discount on editing services from Robin and me. That's right. We already have reasonable prices, but you can get further discounts by going through Black Firefly and getting an entire production crew. No contracts to sign, and you won't spend any more than if you'd searched out and found all the services on your own. Just make sure to let them know, Cliffhanger Editing sent you :)
Second, many authors have come to us recently about how to start the editing and revisions process. You need a party for completing the manuscript! WOOHOO! CONGRATS! That alone is a major accomplishment. Open some bubbly, even if it is only sparkling water, celebrate. Don't worry about anything other than your major goal having been met. Enjoy, savor, brag.
Then come see us. No seriously. We have a special for partials. It's inevitable. You should see my rough drafts. I wince every time. They are horrendous, filled with errors and every writing no-no in the book. As it should be. All rough drafts are supposed to be that way. But now comes the hard part: editing and revising. Robin and I will do a partial - the first fifty pages for $50. We'll help you start the editing and revising, give you tips and advice on how to continue, how to tighten, clean up and make your baby shine. And we can often get it back to you within a week.
Not self publishing? That's okay, help your writing stand out in the crowd.
Over the next week, we are going to do a few specials, discounts, and I'll blog some tips and tricks to help with querying, writing, and editing. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and coming soon - Google+ and Goodreads.
Keep in touch, but remember - say Hi to Robin!!
