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“Would You Take a Look at My Book?” How to Edit Your Way to the Bad Guy
In the writing world, I am the cleanup hitter, the imposter, the fixer.
I am a fairly mediocre writer. I started my struggling career as a journalist for a small town newspaper and was quickly promoted to editor. It was a calling which suited my skills. I can identify what is important and understand what a writer is trying to communicate. I can take a complicated concept and distill it down to a manageable and tasty little bite.
Most of my paying work is ghostwriting long form pieces. Many times, I can get their idea across like a two-by-four to the back of the head. This talent doesn’t translate into my own work unless I am able to move into a headspace where I pretend I am a famous writer.
Unfortunately, people know this, and it results in requests to help with their book project. Fun fact, I find more non-writers have written a novel than real writers who are more qualified to do so.
I don’t mind lending a hand to those who do write regularly. I have several colleagues on Medium I help on a casual basis, and this never seems stressful or intrusive. They have not asked me to edit their book, but I wouldn’t mind.
