The Complete Guide to Editing Your Fiction

Before pronouncing your novel a final draft, I suggest reading this invaluable book. In a simple but effective approach, Seidman covers every aspect of problem writing including setting scenes, dialogue, viewpoint shifts, grammar, backstory, characterization, imagery . . . the list goes on. The appendix contains a handy reference guide in bullet format--that alone is reason enough to buy the book. Highly recommended for new unpublished writers or even published authors who need to "brush up" on style and pace.

This book goes far beyond traditional editing guides. Writers will appreciate the informal approach used by Seidman, and the ease with which he gives advice on the entire aspect of writing.Seidman captured the concerns facing the majority of all writers in his book. His candid manner speaks of his own feelings and preferences on writing and editing. He combines both to create a professional guide and a personable read. Unlike the majority of authors who create writing manuals, Seidman actually features some of his less-than-perfect writings throughout the book. He takes his own piece of fiction, "The Dream That Follows Darkness," and exposes several rough drafts that have been corrected. This should help writers to in assess their own writing abilities and disabilities. Another impressive feature he includes are the thorough chapters solely on editing. He assumes no omniscient position to the reader, and speaks to writers on a forthright level. Seidman placed three different excerpts by three other authors in this guide. Although he points to their mistakes, he uses their material in a friendly light. He does not degrade or condescend the authors, he uses their errors in a purely instructional manner. The book covers much of writing you wouldn't expect; the title is a bit deceptive. Not only does he cover editing, he advises writers on appropriate genre marketing and, "The Building Blocks," of writing. He extends the lessons to go into creation: plot and subplot, characters, point-of-view, dialogue, setting, great openings, and more. This book would be great for any writer to keep by their computer or writing desk for reference. For the beginning writer, it would be a wonderful tutor to the real basics of the publishing industry. Why novels are written the way they are, why editors seek the particular type of material they do, and how to make your work shine.Seidman gives a great advantage to writers in his book. Writers may step away from the "classroom" feel so many editing manuals hold, and into the welcome comfort of a friend's library. Be prepared, not to be criticized for your writing errors, but encouraged and supported to further develop your positive attributes in writing.I would recommend this book to writers of all genres and skill levels, it is as entertaining as it is informative. The book ends with the completed version of, "The Dream That Follows Darkness," so writers will see how editing and revision has turned the story into a polished piece of fiction. This book proves that actually watching the editing process on another author's work, can give you needed confidence and the drive to polish your own words. You aren't simply being told how to edit, you are being taught.

I have known editor Seidman for about 10 years, and have read his books only recently. I am SO impressed by this work. He explains to us, the readers, _what_ an editor does with cogent examples of published and unpublished work.The value of clear editing is shown here with examples, and I would not have understood any other way. Michael Seidman, through his books, has taken away much of the secrecy of glamor of publishing - he's explained why books cost what they do, why someone will choose one book to edit over another, and now, how an editor edits. This is a great book for any book-lover to read who wants to understand the publishing "industry" and the art of publishing and editing.

Using examples from his own work (including the entire progress of an award-nominated short story, from inception to the finished version as it appeared in a magazine) as well as that of other writers, Seidman explains the revision process in terms of sculpting: taking away what isn't necessary so that what's left is the piece you want it to be. He concentrates on fiction, but the same principles apply to any writing. In addition to learning what you might have to do (he always leaves the final choice to the author, since it is the author's work), this book offers great insight into how editors work with acquired manuscripts, what they try to do for you in helping you to create, as he says, the best work of which you're capable at a given time. Highly recommended to anyone who writes, or who is interested in the writing processes.

It is almost as if Michael Seidman sits down and goes over your manuscript with you. As a long-time editor, his insights and examples are right on target. He stresses the whole work as well as addressing the elements from which it is constructed, he also points out how a change in any one of the elements changes the larger entity in ways subtle or crucial. In a culture which cherishes sound-bites, we often want quick (if not excellent) fixes to everything. Michael Seidman's book points out that writing well is an end in itself, that there is no easy substitute for true craftmanship. His advice on revising and rewriting would almost seem to guarantee (if followed) a manuscript that is the very best any writer at nearly any stage of expertise could hope to produce. It is not a way to a quick-fix, but it is a way to a thoughtful and thorough one. The tone of the book is that of a considerate mentor, which makes it not only a work chock-full of great advice, but a pleasure to read as well.