76. Navigate the Editing Process with Allyson Wilkins

Ready to transform your manuscript from a rough draft into a polished gem?

Discover the secrets to navigating the entire editing process, whether you're working with a professional editor or sharpening your skills to self-edit your book!

In this episode, join Erin P.T. Canning and special guest Allyson Wilkins, an expert editor for YA and adult fantasy and fairy tale retellings, as we demystify everything you need to know about getting your book ready for readers. Learn how to know if your manuscript is truly ready for professional eyes, debunk common myths about working with editors, and get practical and actionable tips you can apply right away!

What you’ll learn:
  • Understanding Editing Stages: The key differences between developmental editing, line editing, and proofreading, and when your manuscript is ready for each phase.
  • Finding the Right Editor: How to choose a great editor who enhances your unique author voice, not changes it, and what happens once your manuscript leaves your hands.
  • Editor Rates & Time: Get transparent insights into how editors charge, what goes into their work (the 1K–3K rule!), and realistic turnaround times.
  • Self-Editing Masterclass: Actionable strategies for self-editing your own book, including the power of beta readers, show, don't tell, avoiding LY adverbs, and unique proofreading techniques.
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid: Learn common pitfalls authors make before and during the editing process, and how to set your book up for success.
  • Pacing Your Publication: Honest advice on managing publishing deadlines and preventing burnout.
Guest Spotlight — Connect with Allyson:
Resources discussed:
READY TO TAKE YOUR WRITING FURTHER?

Join our Patreon community and access our vibrant Discord writing group to get writing prompts, participate in sprints, download free resources, and more: https://www.patreon.com/erinptcanningeditor.


Watch or listen

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Connect with Erin

(my author-specific accounts)

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ABOUT ME

Erin P.T. Canning has worked for 20 years as an editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.

She always planned to write a book, but life had a tendency to distract her. After dedicating six years of her life to motherhood and discovering her ADHD, she started writing again, even though she feared her writing skills had atrophied.

After letting go of her perfectionism, Erin finally finished her own shitty first draft and released her fantasy romance novel, Ruins and Redemption, in 2023. Her current role as a podcaster and book coach enables her to help writers pursue their author dreams.

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