Incanus
Auror
(I wasn't sure where this thread should go, please move if this is the wrong place.)
I won't need an editor for a while yet, but I had an opportunity to interact with one recently, so I thought I'd check it out.
While there are a variety of issues to consider when choosing an editor, I was wondering about one particular aspect. My novel, and all my future ones, will take place in a world I've created for that purpose. In this regard, it's classic fantasy--maps, original character and place names, a few new concepts requiring new terms for them, etc.
Based on the feedback I got from this editor, it appears this person does not take to such things. The biggest issue the editor had with my first chapter was the use of unfamiliar terms and names. As a lifelong spec-fic nerd, this sort of thing doesn't phase me in the least--in fact, I'd call it a feature rather than a bug. I expect this sort of treatment in detailed alternate worlds.
So here's what I'm wondering: How important is it to have an editor who has some experience with these sorts of things? It seems like the work might go more smoothly with an editor who has worked with this kind of material, or who at least isn't confused or put off by it. Or is this not really a big deal?
I won't need an editor for a while yet, but I had an opportunity to interact with one recently, so I thought I'd check it out.
While there are a variety of issues to consider when choosing an editor, I was wondering about one particular aspect. My novel, and all my future ones, will take place in a world I've created for that purpose. In this regard, it's classic fantasy--maps, original character and place names, a few new concepts requiring new terms for them, etc.
Based on the feedback I got from this editor, it appears this person does not take to such things. The biggest issue the editor had with my first chapter was the use of unfamiliar terms and names. As a lifelong spec-fic nerd, this sort of thing doesn't phase me in the least--in fact, I'd call it a feature rather than a bug. I expect this sort of treatment in detailed alternate worlds.
So here's what I'm wondering: How important is it to have an editor who has some experience with these sorts of things? It seems like the work might go more smoothly with an editor who has worked with this kind of material, or who at least isn't confused or put off by it. Or is this not really a big deal?