Not All Editors Are Created Equal

I wanted to stop by and say that this week is an exciting week. To make a long story a little shorter, last March, that's right not even a year ago, I dove into the world of publishing head first and hit my head at the bottom of the pool. 

It was not what I expected. There were moments of doubt, deep, truly esteem-shaking moments when I wondered if I could really do this. I have mentioned before I’m stubborn, and again, it’s kind of a good thing that I am. Before I gave up, I made one last post asking for advice. And I’ll admit, there were plenty of people who said I probably should quit. But a funny thing happened. 

Gina Salamon happened to be online and saw my post—really, it was more of a rant—and she reached out to me. She didn’t try to sell me on her services; she just said, let me take a look. I will tell you that my road to that point had been bumpy and painful, and I wasn’t sure what to think. Do I put it out there and risk having my soul crushed? Again? Without overthinking it, I hit the send button, and I took her up on her offer, despite my fears.

What happened after that was I learned that all editors are not created equal. I learned that criticism can be given in a way that doesn't make you want to throw your work in the trash. I truly credit her with pulling my MS (manuscript) out of the bin. 

Gina not only edited my WIP (work in progress), but she also mentored me and really explained things to me in a way that made sense. She didn’t try to change me or my story but helped me figure out what I wanted to say. And helped me do it the right way. 

The reason I am writing this is not that I already recommended her on this page, but because the February 15th issue of Kirkus Magazine will feature their review of Power Divided, and that is something they do for less than ten percent of the indie books that are turned in for review. When I got the call, I was sure they were calling the wrong person. But my contact at Kirkus assured me that she did not dial the wrong number. 

I personally know that had it not been for Gina, my book would have never seen the light of day, and her advice and editing made my story shine. And if that wasn't enough, she helped me become a better writer.

In ten months, I went from truly believing I was going to hang it up and forget about writing altogether to being recognized for creating a story that stood out. Which Kirkus even says in the review they gave Power Divided. 

I apologize for my not so short story, and yes, it could have been longer. But I just wanted anyone who takes the time to read this and is at the point where they are trying to decide what to do with their manuscript or their life know, there are amazing people out there, and Gina is most definitely one of them sitting high up in the crowd.  If you are searching for an editor or writing mentor I’m willing to share, and she is worth every penny. Probably more!

I am a fangirl for life of killingitwrite.com 

This post was in no way solicited and are my true and honest accounts and feelings about my experience with Gina. And as she always says in closing, happy writing!

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S.

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