Embracing Editing by Guest A.P. Watson

           For most writers, there is one word in our vocabulary that rolls off the tongue with more bite than a slew of cuss words…editing. Now, not all authors feel this way, but for the vast majority of us, the thought of changing our carefully cultivated manuscripts sends shivers down our spines. Perhaps the reason for this is because we’ve labored over our stories for months, years even, and altering a single word can feel like an affront to our souls. Personally speaking, I poured my heart and soul into my first novel, so the thought of having it edited set my teeth on edge. But then I remembered something. The sole purpose of editing is to make your book the best possible version of your story it can be. Editors don’t plan to abscond with your novel and slowly rip it apart sentence by sentence. Instead, they offer you the ability to have your story read from a different perspective. It is this outside view which will make your plot, character development, and writing voice as strong as possible. No author ever feels their writing is perfect, and this holds true with any creative endeavor. There is always room for improvement; we just have to be open to accepting it. Needing to make changes to your book doesn’t imply that you’re an awful writer; it simply means you have the opportunity to become an even better one.

            My paranormal romance novel, Seeds of Eden, underwent several intensive rounds of editing. The first was conducted under the scrutiny of a former English teacher and librarian. She took a red pen to my manuscript and in some places it seemed like the papers were bleeding. But instead of rejecting her edits, I accepted them. Heck, I even ran with them. It helped me prepare for the second round of editing my book faced. The next set of edits were completed by a USA Today Bestselling Author. Because this editor was an author, she understood how it felt to have your manuscript edited, but she also knew what changes to make to add more detail to my plot and enrich my story. Working with her reinvigorated my love for writing, and provided me with a newfound confidence I’d never had before. Not to mention, after she edited my novel, I felt ready to begin the task of finding someone to publish it. The third round of editing was performed by my editor at 1^st Ride Enterprises (my publisher). Beth is an amazing editor because she truly connected with my characters and my story. She understood my vision for my novel and her suggestions proved to be invaluable as we prepared my manuscript to be published.

            I know each writer’s journey with editing is different, but we can all achieve wonderful outcomes if we open ourselves to change. Stay positive and soak up every bit of constructive criticism you can get your hands on, because in the long run, your writing will continue to grow and improve. I embraced editing while writing my novel and I hope all of you do the same as well! Keep reading for a brief synopsis of my paranormal romance novel, Seeds of Eden!

            Visions of decapitated corpses, pools of blood, and a masked executioner have haunted Evey for as long as she can remember. Torn between a life in the waking world and dreams of the dead, she realizes her normal existence is nothing more than an illusion. As the veil between reality and her subconscious dissipates, she begins to question her own sanity. Each night as she closes her eyes, she wonders what wrongs she committed to warrant such a curse.

            When a handsome stranger suddenly appears in Evey’s life, he is able to provide her with the answers she seeks. However, the only thing more mystifying than Conrad’s appearance in one of her nightmares is the undeniable attraction she feels for him. It is only when he confesses their fates and souls have been intertwined for centuries that an ancient secret is revealed. Now, the two of them must outrun a great darkness or it will claim their lives again.

 Buy Links:

Paperback:

https://www.amazon.com/Seeds-Eden-Concilium-P-Watson/dp/1539140725/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1485771122&sr=8-2&keywords=seed+of+eden+a+watson

Kindle:

https://www.amazon.com/Seeds-Eden-Concilium-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01N4NIM61/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485771122&sr=8-1&keywords=seed+of+eden+a+watson#customerReviews

Nook:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seeds-of-eden-ap-watson/1125526833?ean=2940157323479

About A.P. Watson:

            A.P. Watson grew up in the small, southern town of Estill Springs, Tennessee. Growing up in a rural town allowed her imagination to run wild, and Paige began making up stories in her head at a young age. This storytelling eventually transformed into a love of writing. She is currently penning her first trilogy, The Concilium Series, and is also planning to write four companion novellas to accompany it. She is an avid reader, enjoying a variety of genres and authors from Jane Austen to Charlaine Harris.

            When she isn’t reading or writing, Paige spends the majority of her time dancing. She has been taking pole dancing lessons for the past three years and couldn’t be more in love with the sport. The blend of athleticism, grace, and flexibility required to dance continually challenges her and she strives to not only build strength but defy gravity, as well. Paige has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from East Tennessee State University. She has been a critical care nurse at Bristol Regional Medical Center for the last five years. She currently resides in Johnson City, Tennessee with her adorable dog, Elle.