Book Editor and Designer Candace K. Cottrell Offers Tips for Writers and Editors

Book Editor and Designer Candace K. Cottrell Offers Tips for Writers and Editors

Candace has been a book editor and designer for the past 4 years, and a web developer for 10 years. She is the CEO of CanDann Productions, a company that offers design, web development, editing, and other great services. Candace has a successful career in book editing, and as we found out, she has some helpful tips and suggestions for writers/editors just starting out. More information about her work can be found at the CanDann Productions website www.candann.com

How long have you been editing and book designing?

Candace: I’ve been doing book covers for 8 years, editing for 4 years, and typesetting for 4 years.

How did you get your start as an editor?

Candace: I was working full-time in the web development field back in 2005 and doing freelance websites, book covers, etc. I was also a RAWSISTAZ Reviewer at the time.

One of my web clients, Mark Anthony, asked me to come on board at Q-Boro Books, what was then a small, up-an-coming independent press. I jumped at the opportunity and sincerely loved my job. It was a great place to work and I’m thankful to Mark for opening that door to me.

What was it that drew you to editing?

Candace: I’ve been a bibliophile since I was a kid, so the editing thing was getting paid for pursuing one of my passions. What more can you ask for?

Of all the differing factors involved what do you think is the single most difficult part of being an editor?

Candace: The hardest part was accepting the fact that no editor is perfect and very few books are 100% error-free. I was very hard on myself, even if just a comma was out of place. I learned that with each phase in the editorial process you have to do your best, go through it twice, and let it go. I also learned that more than one editor should look at EVERY book.

What are some of the key skills that you think someone needs to be a good editor?

Candace: You definitely have to pay attention to the details. I mean everything. You had better write down or remember every character’s name, car, hair color, etc. Otherwise, Brian might inadvertently become Brice on page 120.

I think it’s also important to have instinct. Much of editing is learned, but the part that makes you a great editor is inherent, especially when we’re talking about content or substantive editing.

Is there something that new or young writers need to know about working with an editor? Or to phrase it another way, what mistakes do writers sometimes make when dealing with an editor?

Candace: Taking things personally. Brandon Massey once said that if a writer tells you he isn’t sensitive about his work, he’s lying. However, authors should realize that most good editors have only their best interest at heart. Also, they are all just suggestions. An author can choose to agree or disagree, change or not change. But I encourage them to ponder each suggestion. After all, aren’t you paying an editor for his or her expertise?

On the flip side of the coin what can a writer do that really makes you happy? What should young and new writers try to do to impress their editors and make them happy?

Candace: The things that make me happy are simple:
1) Read through the book a couple of times. You’ll be amazed at the time you’ll save an editor if you just read your own book before you hand it in.
2) If you want to be an author, that means you need to be a writer first. Real writers want to improve their craft. The best way you can do this is to simply practice.

What were some of your influences in terms of literature, film and music?
Oh, wow. I have so many in each category.

Candace: In literature, I love Charles Bukowski, Bernice McFadden, Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Kenji Jasper, Jewell Parker Rhodes, and the list goes on and on.

In film, I am a big fan of Vincent D’Onforio, Sophie Okonedo, Angela Bassett, Thandie Newton, Steven Buscemi, Sean Connery, and I could go on for hours.

In music, which is my first love, I am inspired by Bessie Smith, Son House, Muddy Waters, Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, Amel Larrieux, Alicia Keys, Leela James, Adriana Evans, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and hundreds more.

What do you feel was the best book you have ever read?

Candace: There are three books that really stole my heart: The Warmest December by Bernice McFadden, Beloved by Toni Morrison, and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. My favorite all-time, however, is Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. I will never forget his expert synthesis of characters, plot, and narrative.

How many hours does the typical book take to edit? Any tips for writers as to what they can do to cut down the number of hours you need to spend editing their work?

Candace: It depends on which phase of the editing process we’re talking about. Content editing can take around 20 solid hours, because not only are you reading the book, you’re thinking of ways it can be improved and then formulating an action plan for the author.

Copy editing is probably the most detail-oriented and mundane phase. It can take 30+ hours if the editor goes through it twice and enters changes into the computer.

Finally, proofreading is the quickest. It can be done in 10-15 hours. At this point, the book should be tight with few errors and (hopefully) no structural problems.

I’ll reiterate that the best thing an author can do to save an editor time is to READ THEIR BOOK BEFORE HANDING IT IN.

Any tips for someone looking to break into editing?

Candace: I would suggest reading Sol Stein’s books on writing (all of them) and anything else you can get your hands on. In essence, an editor is a skilled reader. Hence, he should be well read. As far as getting the actual work, you may have to prove yourself. But we all have to start somewhere, so offer a free edit in exchange for using the title on your books edited list.

Finally, any good tips for writers looking for that big break? What do you think the biggest “dos” and “don’ts” are in today’s publishing world?

Candace: Great writers don’t write to become rich and famous. They write because it’s what they love to do. I think it’s easy to tell the difference. Acquisitions editors will also be able to tell the difference, but you also have to understand that great books are passed on every day due to literary fads and budget restrictions. Get an agent who truly believes in your work, who can sell it because she believes in it. Otherwise, try self-publishing and get your name out there. Finally, just write. Keep writing. Some stories will be heard and others won’t, but you’ll be better for having gotten them on paper.