What does a poetry editor actually look for?
I recently wrote on this topic, since it is so central to my career as an editor. Fun fact—I didn’t set out to be a poetry editor. I’d started a “support” group of sorts for poets who were sharing their poems on Medium. Thousands joined.
My leadership grew into mentorship, which led to me taking orders for poetry editing on Fiverr.
Today, poetry editing is the crux of my business.
As a freelance poetry editor, I spend a lot of time answering questions about the craft. What makes a poem “finished” versus unfinished? Is my poem any good? Should I publish my work? But I am rarely asked what I look for when I am editing a poem or a collection of poems.
I can’t speak to other editors’ experiences, but I can say there are things I look for when I am working. After editing hundreds (possibly thousands) of poems, some things do not change, and in this case, that’s a good thing. A really good thing.
From the very first poetry editing services order I took nearly a decade ago, to the poems and poetry manuscript feedback I provide today, I have noticed a few things I want to share. An inside scoop on poetry editing, if you will.
What’s the Difference Between an Editor and a Publisher?
First, I’m not a publisher. Editors and publishers both work with you on your passion projects, but we have very different objectives. …
Thank you for following my journey. I’d love to be a part of yours. If you’ve been writing poetry and have never worked with an editor before, I am happy to help.