My Dev Editor: Tiffany Yates Martin

For the last month or so, I’ve been working on outlining new chapters and scenes (among other things, see productive procrastination blog) that I’m adding and revising based on the feedback I received from my developmental editor, Tiffany Yates Martin at FoxPrint Editorial.

Since her feedback has been a big topic of conversation for me lately, I thought I’d share what receiving her feedback was like, and follow up on the blog I posted as I was preparing to submit my manuscript to her.

new blog cont’d below ⬇️

The Dev Edit

In this blog from February, I explain how I came to find my developmental editor and what the process of hiring her was like.

The feedback will “hit like a Mack truck to the face.”

That’s the warning Tiffany offered in the email in which she attached her feedback. I won’t lie… I died a little inside when I read that. But, she continued by explaining that developmental feedback hits hard because it’s personal and it’s a lot to take in all at once. She recommended taking some time to process the feedback and let it sync in before doing anything. As it’s processing, an action plan will naturally come together. And that’s exactly what happened.

I posted a silly Instagram post about receiving Tiffany’s feedback, which I found hilarious, but caused my thoughtful mom to call in and check on me. (isn’t she the sweetest?)

All that to say, Tiffany’s feedback was kind, but most important, it was honest and actionable. It was exactly what I needed, and that’s why I hired her. Here’s a blurb from the good stuff. 😊

Kelsey, you’re such a lovely writer! Your prose is sure-handed, smooth, and elegant, giving readers the sense right away that we’re in confident, capable hands and drawing us into the story. You clearly know about Montana, its history, and homesteading, and you expertly paint a picture of the area, the historical setting, the people—and not just the rich, specific details of what it was like to claim, develop, and cultivate these wild lands, but what it might have been like to experience the many challenges and joys. These people and their towns come to life, to your great credit, and feel real and relatable.

My plan(s) of attack

After about a week of letting her feedback sink in, I decided that I was going to rewrite my entire manuscript. Tiffany specifically said she didn’t think it was necessary to start from scratch, but I felt as though I’d learned so much about writing fiction throughout the course of writing that first draft, that I knew I could do a better job with it if I started over.

After making that decision, I proceeded to take the rest of the month off while I visited Yosemite and enjoyed the Easter holiday.

When I sat down on April 6 to start outlining my new chapters and scenes, I realized that Tiffany was right. A complete rewrite wasn’t going to be necessary. A lot of my earlier timeline (Clara, 1913) will remain the same, but I’m editing it to weave in more of her backstory.

My later timeline (Lenora, 1935) is being rewritten. I’m starting her story in an earlier place, and I’m giving an “off-page” character more of an active role in her story.

Productively procrastinating

As I mentioned in The Dev Edit blog, I hired Tiffany after taking several of her craft courses. After outlining my new scenes and chapters, I’ll plan to revisit a few of those courses so the writing advice will be top of mind as I start drafting my new pages. Doing this, I’ve realized, is a form of productive procrastination, of which I’m very adept.

Nonetheless, I’ve found Tiffany’s courses very helpful in terms of learning to write fiction, and I don’t think it will be time wasted.

In case you’re looking for guidance in any of these areas, or simply curious, I’ve listed out the courses I’m planning to re-take, all of which I highly recommend.*

• Mastering Character Inner Life*

• Mastering Voice In Fiction⁑

• Seamlessly Weaving in Backstory (Without Stalling Your Story)

• The Final Polish⁑

* This was a live course offered by Writer’s Digest. It is often offered in their course lineup, so I highly recommend it if you see it become available.

⁑ These courses were offered as live courses in partnership with Jane Friedman. Follow Jane’s Electric Speed newsletter and upcoming course offerings to be notified next time it becomes available.

The takeaway

Hiring a developmental editor was an act of courage and a huge investment into my project. I handed over the story that has lived on my mind and in my heart for more than two years, and I was asking for her to tell me everything she thought was wrong with it. Thankfully, Tiffany is a true professional. She did what I asked of her, but she did it with kindness and thoughtful suggestions that will help make my manuscript stronger than it was before.

If you're on the fence about working with a developmental editor, here’s my advice: find the right editor (you may have to interview and request a sample edit from several) and do it. The feedback will sting. You'll need a week—maybe more—to let it all sink in. But on the other side of that storm is a clearer story and a stronger manuscript, and a version of yourself that knows exactly what to do next.

Even if "what to do next" turns out to be a trip to Yosemite first.