4. Working with my editor

It's really important to listen to the editor's
comments on the synopsis. Finger's crossed
she likes it!

 After I’ve sent the synopsis to my editor, I wait to hear if she likes it. If she doesn’t like my ideas, or if she thinks there’s a better order to put them in, or if she spots something I’ve missed out, then I revise the synopsis until we’re both happy with it.

An editor who works closely with an author encourages him or her to do their very best. Ultimately, the editor is there to make the book as good as it can possibly be, gently guiding it on its way.

Different editors have different ways of working. Sometimes, after my editor has approved the synopsis, she asks me to go ahead and write the book straightaway. At other times, my editor will tell me not to write the book until it’s been designed.

The next page tells you about the work of the designer.