Episode #36
How to Find the Right Book Editor | Richelle Braswell
Over 50% off my class on how to edit a novel > https://richiebilling.com/store/writing-classes/how-to-edit-a-novel-editing-class How do you know when you’ve taken a manuscript as far as you can, and how can you tell whether an editor is actually right for your book? Fantasy and cozy mystery editor Richelle Braswell joins Richie Billing to explain when professional editing becomes worthwhile, where to find reputable book editors, and the green and red flags to investigate before trusting someone with your manuscript. They discuss referrals, professional editing organisations, genre specialisation, discovery calls, sample edits, realistic rates and the importance of finding an editor whose communication style matches what you need. The conversation also ventures inside the manuscript. Richelle explains how a good editor moves beyond vague reactions such as “this character is boring” to diagnose the actual storytelling problem. Richie and Richelle explore personal motives and stakes, passive protagonists, character agency, showing emotion through behaviour and the value of constructive editorial feedback. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to recognise when you need outside editorial help • The difference between developmental support and copy editing • Where to find reputable book editors • How to evaluate an editor’s credentials, specialism and working style • The green and red flags to look for before hiring • When a sample edit can help you make the decision • How editors preserve an author’s voice while strengthening the story • Why personal stakes and character agency matter • Which writing and editing craft books Richelle recommends CHAPTERS 00:00 Why fantasy stories contain elements of mystery 01:05 When can an editor help your manuscript? 04:27 Where to find a professional book editor 08:12 Green flags and the importance of genre specialisation 10:43 Red flags, suspiciously low rates and realistic pricing 12:22 Finding an editor whose working style suits you 14:49 Sample edits and protecting your authorial voice 16:06 Turning gut reactions into constructive feedback 18:55 Making motives and stakes personal 21:39 Character depth, decisions and agency 23:56 Showing emotion through action and body language 25:35 Recommended books on writing and editing 31:06 Where to find Richelle ABOUT RICHELLE BRASWELL Richelle is a professional editor specialising in fantasy and cozy mystery. As the self-described “fairy godeditor”, she helps writers strengthen their plots, characters and prose while preserving the voice and vision that make each story distinctive. Richelle’s website and editing services: https://www.richellebraswell.com/ Richelle’s author resources and recommended craft books: https://www.richellebraswell.com/author-resources JOIN THE TOOLSHED COMMUNITY Join our community of writers and get access to fantasy writing classes, books and early podcast episodes: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
