Courtney Giardina is the author of the recently released novel Tear Stained Beaches. She was born and raised just outside of Rochester, NY and spent most of her upbringing twisting and flipping through life in both gymnastics and cheerleading. She likes to pretend she can sing. In her Jeep she’s a rockstar. Courtney now resides in Charlotte, NC with her two favorite men. Her dog DJ and cat Neeko.
The Editor Selection Process
Who knew finding someone to write red pen all over your beautifully completed masterpiece was going to be so hard. Oh, but it was. I picked more than a handful of hopefuls before finally deciding on someone to see it all the way through. It was stressful, but in the end well worth it. So here I am, sharing my inside secrets with all of you, in hopes to diminish the anxiety a little when you are up and ready for the process.
Sample Edit
After you’ve done your research, send your potential editors a sample of your work. Let them work their magic. Not only will you be able to tell if they know their stuff, but you’ll be able to see if their editing style is in line with your vision and personality.
Have a Chat
Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and talk to them. Nowadays everything is done via social media that we rarely get to know someone on that direct connection level. Get comfortable with the person who is going to be reworking your baby, your pride and joy. You want to feel that connection with them. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true.
Feisty Sometimes is Best
If you want to put your best foot forward, you need someone who is going to tell you like it is. One who is not afraid to hurt your feelings by telling you what truly will make your book better. Their job is make your book the best it can be and sometimes that means being blunt and upfront. There is nothing wrong with that. Now there is a thin line between being rude and being respectful so keep that in mind.
Let Them Have It
Picking an editor is one of the most important things you are going to do for your book. So don’t be afraid to ask them questions. Here are some good ones:
Have you edited many books within my genre?
Can I see samples of past works you’ve done?
What is your turnaround time for editing?
Do you offer a follow up after I’ve gone through your changes?
Hope these little tidbits give you a little more comfort in knowing there are some good editors out there. You just have to look for them. Have a great day all and happy writing!
For more information on Courtney Giardina and her debut novel Tear Stained Beaches visit www.courtneygiardina.com
Haylie Julian wants nothing more than to put her crumbling marriage back together. Chase used to be a fun-loving, light hearted husband who had lately become an overworked attorney obsessed with climbing the corporate ladder. It isn’t long before Haylie starts waking up next to a man she barely knows. His secretive phone calls and late nights at the office leave her feeling alone and afraid of what he might be hiding. Ignoring his continuous pleas to just leave well enough alone, she continues to dig for answers and discovers a heartbreaking truth.
Struggling with what she has just learned, Haylie sets off to a quaint little North Carolina beach town to decide if her marriage can survive. It isn’t long after she arrives that her world is once again turned upside down as Chase’s secret stares her right in the face.
Tear Stained Beaches explores what happens when a marriage isn’t the happily-ever-after you thought it was. Can trust be rebuilt? Can a wife forgive the ultimate betrayal?
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