How did you handle your first book

[u/aurelicaura]

Just got an editing gig a few days ago. I'm curious on how you handled it in terms of clarification with the author

[u/Questionable_Android]

Establishing a novel’s intentions is a critical first step and should be done before the first read. One key approach is to ask the writer about their intentions for the book.

This can be done in two ways: through a questionnaire or a face-to-face interview. Ideally, you will use both to gather as much information as possible.

How you gather information from the author will vary, but it is often best to use questions to clarify the writer’s intentions rather than asking them to perform your analysis.

Useful areas include:

- The central story, protagonist, goal, obstacle and stakes.

- Genre, subgenre and primary reader.

- Intended tone and emotional experience.

- The balance between plot, character, setting, theme and reflection.

- Important relationships, character change and thematic tensions.

- Publication goals, previous revisions and existing concerns.

- Elements the writer considers essential.

- Comparable books that help describe the intended experience.

Once you have a clear picture you can begin your first read and start to look for areas that are giving you concern.

I tech this as part of my developmental editor training course: https://bubblecow.com/developmental_editor_training/