Kirsten McNeill
Editor: (Developmental Editing)
Favorite Genre: Thriller/Mystery (working on a second draft of one right now)
An essential pre-step to publishing a book is working with an editor. I interviewed editor and author, Kirsten McNeill, about developmental or content editing. In this process, your editor reads your book, which should be as polished as you can get it, and works with you to make your story the best it can be. As an author herself, Kirsten has been on both sides of this process. Read below to get Kirsten’s insight on developmental editing.
Sample of developmental editing.
Jennifer Franz Griffith: Why is it important for a writer to work with an editor on content development?
Kirsten: An author already knows what story they want to tell. It comes together easily in their mind, but putting it down on paper is another challenge entirely. Like any piece of work, it's good to get a second opinion from someone who is an avid reader and is dedicated to helping the writer create the best story without changing their true meaning or style. A developmental editor helps them ensure the writer hasn't missed any plot holes that need fixing and that the characters are developing as they should. Basically, it's a professional check to make sure the story makes sense. Sometimes you know exactly what you want to say, but have trouble figuring out how to say it. An editor is an objective view, a fresh pair of eyes, to ensure that the story flows well and will be entertaining to the reader to the best of their abilities.
JFG: How do you build trust with the author you are working with?
Kirsten: Honesty and communication is very important. I'm open about my pricing structure, which genres I've had the most experience with, and what I do to help the writer with their work. I also offer free sample edits so the author can feel more secure with my work. I try to give frequent updates on my progress throughout the project as well. When I give my feedback in edits, I also like to be very encouraging. I don’t try to rip the manuscript apart and get you to change everything. I also point out what I enjoyed in the reading experience and make suggestions on what may be improved. I'm critical, but in a constructive way and I still want authors to see the value in their talents. Being an author as well as an editor, I understand both sides of the process. So I know how to approach the process with kindness and professionalism.
JFG: What makes an intriguing character arc?
Kirsten: An intriguing character arc involves relatable characters and a satisfying ending. If a character has a goal they need to reach or they're meant to go on a transformative journey, then by the end they haven't changed at all, there has to be a meaningful purpose to it all. Otherwise, the reader may ask: what was the point? An arc can have ups and downs where the character meets roadblocks to their goals or feels like giving up. A reader should be able to pick out something of the character that they can connect with. A personality trait (one they have or wish they had), a goal they're reaching for, family dynamics. Every reader is different and will find something they connect to, unless the character is unrealistic like a perfect person without any flaws. An arc has conflict, accomplishments, and is an adventurous journey the character takes to inspire or affect the reader in some way to feel strong emotions.
JFG: How would you describe good pacing in a novel?
Kirsten: Good pacing has a lot to do with what you're feeling and thinking when you're reading. If it's going too fast, you may feel unsatisfied and be like wait, what just happened there? If it's too slow, your brain might trail off thinking about something else and not focus on the story. The key is to know what things are important enough to focus on in description, dialogue, and plot. The reader should slowly be fed new information with each page and not have to live through two pages of describing someone's house. We don't need every single detail. We need enough to understand what's going on and not feel confused. Sometimes pacing can be subjective, depending on the reader. It's about finding the balance that feels good for your book.
JFG: What is your opinion on POVs in a fiction novel?
Kirsten: POVs in fiction are either first or third. Second person POV is typically reserved for non-fiction/self-help types. First person is common in romance, coming-of-age genre, or when you really want to focus on the inner thoughts and feelings of a specific character. You can even do first person with multiple characters if you want to deep dive into the characters. Third person is common in fantasy and thriller type genres where there are a lot of characters and you prefer to have an outsider's perspective. This can be helpful if you don't want to reveal too many inner thoughts of people involved in a mystery. I've even seen techniques where one character is told in first person while all the other characters are in third person from an omniscient narrator. You can use whatever POV you want no matter the genre, but be consistent about it. If you're going to switch different types of POV in the same book, do it with purpose and create a pattern that your readers learn to expect. If there's no reason to switch, stick to one type.
JFG: Anything else you would like to share?
Kirsten: Being an avid reader, writer, and editor, I've seen all types of techniques and plot lines, but each novel has its own unique flair. To all the aspiring and seasoned authors out there, know that your story needs to be heard, even if you think it has all been said before.
You can contact Kirsten through her website www.kirstenmcneill.com or on Instagram www.instagram.com/writer.kirsten