The Complete Guide to Editing Your Fiction (Paperback)

~ (Author) "It's said that Michelangelo, when asked about his statue of David, replied that he began with a block of stone and chipped away everything that..." (more)
Key Phrases: dream that follows darkness, mad palette, David Malek, Revision Case Study, Dream Speaker (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Using an easy-to-reference format, experienced editor Michael Seidman shows writers how to approach fiction editing from three angles: macro editing, style editing and market editing. Writers will learn to reread their manuscript paying close attention to the continuity of narrative elements, such as point of view, characterization, sequencing and dialogue. After revising and rearranging these elements, writers will edit stylistic aspects, scanning their work with foolproof techniques that ensure proper spelling, grammar and word choice.

This guide also teaches how to edit work from a marketing perspective, so writers can keep the expectations of their readership firmly in mind as they title their manuscripts and write their submissions.

About the Author

Michael Seidman is currently senior mystery editor at Walker. Previously, he was editor-in-chief at Mysterious Press, as well as an editor for several other publishing houses. He has written for a variety of publications, including Writer's Digest. Seidman lectures at more than a dozen writing conferences every year and lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books; 2 edition (February 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582971625
• ISBN-13: 978-1582971629
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,158,818 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for writers., March 28, 2000

By	Tricia Bush (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Editing Your Fiction (Hardcover)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars We all need a little help now and then, March 14, 2007

By	hrladyship (Las Cruces, NM United States) - See all my reviews

All writers need a little help now and then. Seidman's book is intended to give that help. It's not a bad work for starters, and even has some reminders for old hands. Perhaps a few new items for the latter, too. After all, none of us knows everything. However, there were some problems with this book that could be stumbling blocks.

For instance, here and there sentences appear that don't seem to make much sense along with quite a number of sentence fragments. There are also a few too many editorial errors: "Unless you're writing in an omniscient point of view, have you made sure you're first person character . . ." Still, some writers will benefit from the examples of editing, while for others they will go on too long.

Seidman is so right when he says that re-writing is very important, and one of the most difficult parts of being a writer. Another part is finding techniques that work best for you. Not everyone writes or re-writes in the same way, and most take a little advice here, a little there, and pretty soon they have a technique all their own.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars On the Move Again, July 8, 2002

By	Sir Gerald Wordsmith "Gman" (Kirkwood, MO USA) - See all my reviews

I'd been sitting here with 2nd and 3rd drafts of various stories, even a novel, and not knowing for sure what to do next. I knew I wanted to finish one of the stories, and get back into the novel for another draft, but needed some solid advice, technique, procedures. Seidman did it. His book helps me get my critical/objective eye focused on the problems, weaknesses, opportunities in my writing. It's still hard work, but at least I feel I'm working from a solid platform of advice. The book is easy to follow, clearly stated, and combines both so-called rules or suggestions with examples of his writing (and others) in various stages. I think this is one of the most important books you can own, if you're serious about writing. Because it deals with the critical area of revising.