Why It's Beneficial to Work with an Editor Before Presenting Your Work to a Literary Agent
In the world of writing, making a strong first impression is crucial when pitching to literary agents. One way to ensure that your manuscript is polished and professional is by working with an editor.
Katie McCoach, a seasoned writer and editor, offers valuable insights on her blog about editing, writing, and publishing. According to McCoach, working with an editor can help make the most of the limited chances of pitching agents.
The process of editing involves a structured, layered approach. It begins with developmental editing, a broad, in-depth review that focuses on the manuscript’s overall structure, content, and alignment with the target audience. A developmental editor helps refine key elements such as character development, plot pacing, dialogue, tone, and potential plot holes. You receive an editorial letter with recommendations to keep the manuscript focused and compelling.
After developmental edits, a copyeditor reviews the manuscript for grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, formatting, and style accuracy. This round ensures the manuscript is polished and free of surface errors that could distract agents from the story. Effective editing often occurs over several rounds, starting with a substantive editing pass, followed by copyediting, and finally a consistency and final checks pass. Each round may include multiple passes to double-check corrections and add refinements.
Incorporating feedback systematically is also essential. After each editing pass, carefully review the editor’s comments and suggested changes. Participate actively by responding to queries, discussing areas such as content rearrangement, and applying agreed-upon revisions.
Before submitting to agents, consider involving beta readers or a writing group to provide additional perspective and fresh feedback on flow, character development, and plot. This can help catch issues that neither you nor the editor might have noticed.
Building healthy writing and revision habits is crucial. Develop disciplined writing and revision routines so the manuscript is as polished as possible before professional editing begins. This helps you get the most value from your editor’s input and ensures you’re pitching a near-final product.
Agents are looking for a complete manuscript, so it's essential to ensure your manuscript is free of errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The first 50 pages should be strong enough to grab an agent's attention and keep them interested. A second set of professional eyes, from someone who knows the business and how agents think, can set a writer on a confident path.
An editor can also provide feedback on a query letter and synopsis to make them strong, concise, professional, and well-written. Agents can't afford to develop a writer, as they don’t get paid until the book sells. Therefore, a well-crafted query letter and synopsis can increase the chances of representation.
In the end, working with an editor can significantly improve the chances of success when pitching to literary agents. Agents take a risk in working with a new writer, and spending time on revisions increases that risk. A good editor can help develop a writer's work and create the best story and writing for publication.
Katie McCoach, a member of Romance Writers of America and the Editorial Freelancers Association, is currently writing a contemporary romance novel. She has had essays published in TrainWrite and Kalliope. You can follow her on Twitter for more insights on writing and publishing.
However, it's important to note that agents may have specific guidelines about not looking at a pitch twice. So, ensure your manuscript is the best it can be before submitting it. With the right approach and a good editor, you can make a strong impression on literary agents and increase your chances of success.
Working with an editor can help refine key elements of a manuscript, such as character development, plot pacing, dialogue, tone, and potential plot holes, making it more polished and professional for pitching to literary agents. Additionally, involving beta readers or a writing group can provide additional perspective and fresh feedback on a manuscript, helping to catch issues that may not have been noticed by the editor.
