Charles Sheehan-Miles

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Editing

For the past couple months I've been working closely with an editor who has been ripping my new novel to shreds. Tentatively titled Republic (it was called Murphy's War, but I've dispensed with that title), the book asks the question -- what would happen if, through fear of terrorism -- our country walked away from its heritage of freedom.

It's been a good experience working with an editor, and the book is going to be a lot stronger because of it. That said, my original target publication date of August 2007 is probably going to be too optimistic. We've gone through several rounds of copyediting, but in the process my editor has identified a couple of major holes, and some minor ones, which have to be fixed.

Unlike Prayer at Rumayla, which I really let go too soon before it was ready, this one I want as close to perfect as possible. Particularly because I'm already well into the process of working out a sequel.

Related to this -- based on the timing, the podcast of Prayer at Rumayla is going to run about 14 episodes, or ten more weeks. By that time I'll be working preproduction (design and layout) of Republic and I'll plan on podcasting that one as well.

If you want me to let you know when I'm going to start the Republic podcast, please sign up for updates.

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Replies:

24 Mar 2007

Charles Sheehan-Miles

You are absolutely right about that. I wish I'd hired an editor for my first novel -- especially now that I'm reading it for the podcast, I'm finding that it's riddled with grammatical errors, strange syntax, typos, plot holes. Yikes! I've taken it out of print, and before it comes back out under the new imprint, it will get a healthy edit.

24 Mar 2007

Lillie Ammann

Glad to hear your editor is helping you. Many writers don't realize that an editor can do more than correct grammar and spelling errors, as you've found with your editor finding the holes in your story. Other writers fear that an editor will destroy their story or their voice, but a good editor will make your story better and your voice stronger.

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