Memoir editing is an essential step in the process of turning a personal account of one's life into a polished and professional manuscript. It involves a thorough review of the manuscript by a trained editor, who provides feedback and suggestions for revisions to improve the overall structure, pacing, and tone of the story. The ultimate goal of memoir editing is to ensure that the story is clear, compelling, and accurately represents the author's experiences.
Table of Contents
Paying Attention to Structure, Pacing, and Tone
When editing a memoir, paying attention to the structure, pacing, and tone of the story is crucial in order to ensure that the manuscript is both engaging and easy to follow. The structure of a memoir refers to the overall organization of the story, including the use of chapters, headings, and other elements to guide the reader through the narrative. Pacing refers to the speed at which the story progresses, and tone refers to the overall mood or feeling of the story.
When it comes to structure, it's important to make sure that the manuscript is well-organized and easy to follow. This could involve reorganizing chapters, adding or removing sections, or suggesting changes to the overall structure of the manuscript. For example, if the author has included a lot of flashbacks that are disrupting the flow of the story, you may suggest that they be reorganized or condensed to create a smoother reading experience.
Pacing is another important aspect of memoir editing. A memoir should have a balance of fast-paced and slow-paced sections to keep the reader engaged. If the story drags on in places, you may suggest that the author add more conflict or tension to pick up the pace. On the other hand, if the story feels rushed, you may suggest that the author slow down and provide more detail or background information to give the reader a better understanding of the events.
The tone of a memoir is also important, as it sets the mood and atmosphere of the story. A memoir should have a consistent tone throughout, whether it's humorous, serious, contemplative, or something else. As an editor, it's your job to make sure that the tone is consistent and that it matches the author's intent. If you come across sections of the manuscript that have a different tone than the rest of the story, you may suggest that the author rework them to better match the overall tone of the manuscript.
In addition to these specific elements, it's also important to keep in mind the purpose of the memoir and the target audience. The author may have specific goals or messages that they want to convey and the editor should help them to achieve it.
Accuracy and Consistency
As a form of nonfiction writing, accuracy and consistency are crucial elements in memoir editing. It's important to ensure that the events and characters depicted in the manuscript are true to life and that the manuscript adheres to the principles of good nonfiction writing. This includes checking for factual errors and inconsistencies, as well as ensuring that the manuscript is both truthful and credible.
One of the key responsibilities of a memoir editor is to fact-check the manuscript. This includes verifying dates, names, and locations, as well as checking for any inaccuracies or inconsistencies. For example, if the author mentions a specific event that took place on a certain date, it's important to check that the date is correct and that the event actually occurred. If there are any inaccuracies or inconsistencies, the editor should work with the author to correct them or provide explanations for why they are included in the manuscript.
Another important aspect of accuracy in memoir editing is ensuring that the manuscript is truthful. A memoir is a personal account of the author's life, and it's important to maintain a level of authenticity and honesty in the manuscript. The editor should work with the author to ensure that the manuscript is truthful and that it accurately represents the author's experiences and perspectives.
Consistency is also a crucial element in memoir editing. It's important to ensure that the manuscript is consistent in terms of style, tone, and voice. The editor should make sure that the author's voice is consistent throughout the manuscript and that the tone is appropriate for the subject matter. They should also check for consistency in terms of style, such as making sure that the author uses the same spelling and punctuation throughout the manuscript.
Finally, it's important to keep in mind the audience and the purpose of the memoir. The editor should help the author to achieve their purpose, whether it's to tell a personal story, make a political statement, or share some advice, by checking the manuscript for consistency in terms of content and style with the target audience and purpose.
Consider the Narrative Arc
When editing a memoir, it's important to consider the narrative arc of the story. The narrative arc is the structure of the story, and it's the backbone of any good memoir. It's the journey that the author takes the reader on and it's important to make sure that the arc is clear, consistent, and engaging.
The narrative arc of a memoir typically follows the classic hero's journey, which is a structure that has been used in storytelling for centuries. The hero's journey consists of three main parts: the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution. In the setup, the author introduces the main character and the world they live in. In the confrontation, the main character faces a problem or conflict and must overcome it. In the resolution, the main character is changed by their experiences and the story comes to a close.
As an editor, it's your job to make sure that the author's story follows this structure, and that the narrative arc is clear and consistent. This could involve reorganizing chapters, suggesting changes to the order of events, or adding or removing sections of the manuscript to better fit the narrative arc. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the memoir has a clear and satisfying resolution, it should be able to make the reader understand the author's journey, and how they have grown or changed through their experiences.
In addition to the narrative arc, it's important to pay attention to the character's arc as well. A character arc is the change or development of a character throughout the story. It's important to make sure that the character's arc is clear and consistent and that it fits with the overall narrative arc of the memoir. The editor should ensure that the author develops the character in a believable and relatable way, also that their growth or change is consistent throughout the story.
Revisions and Improvements
Revisions and improvements are an essential part of the memoir editing process. As an editor, it's your job to work with the author to make the manuscript the best it can be. This often involves making revisions and suggesting improvements to the manuscript in order to enhance the story and make it more engaging and effective.
When working on revisions, it's important to keep in mind the overall goals of the manuscript. This includes ensuring that the story is well-structured, that the pacing is appropriate, and that the tone and voice are consistent throughout. As you read through the manuscript, make notes on areas that need improvement and work with the author to make revisions that will enhance the story. This could involve reorganizing chapters, adding or removing sections, or suggesting changes to the overall structure of the manuscript.
Final Review
In the final review, the editor will go through the manuscript one last time to catch any remaining errors or inconsistencies. They will also check for consistency in style and formatting, and ensure that the manuscript meets any guidelines provided by the publisher. This is the final opportunity to make any revisions before the manuscript is submitted for publication.
Further Reading
- "The Art of Memoir" by Mary Karr - In this critically acclaimed book, Mary Karr, a memoirist herself, delves into the craft of writing memoir. She provides readers with a detailed look into the creative process, offering practical advice and inspiration for those looking to write their own memoirs.
- "Writing Your Own Life Story" by Lois Daniel - This comprehensive guide offers step-by-step instructions for writing a memoir, from organizing and researching your material to revising and publishing your work. It also includes tips on how to overcome common obstacles and pitfalls that memoir writers may face.
- "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King - This memoir by bestselling author Stephen King offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most successful writers of our time. He shares his own experiences and insights on the craft of writing, and provides valuable advice for both aspiring and established writers.
Useful websites
- Wikipedia - Memoir
- Writer's Digest - How to write a memoir
- New York Times - The Art of Memoir Editing
- The book designer - Memoir Editing Tips for Authors
- The Creative Penn - Memoir Writing Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions that will provide you more information.
What is the goal of memoir editing?
The goal of memoir editing is to maintain the authenticity of the author's voice while making sure the manuscript is polished and well-structured. A good editor will help the author to clarify their message and make sure it is communicated effectively to the reader.
What is the importance of fact-checking in memoir editing?
Fact-checking is important in memoir editing because it ensures the accuracy of all facts and dates in the manuscript. This helpsto make sure that the memoir is truthful and credible. It is a necessary step to ensure that the author's story is presented in an accurate and responsible way.
What is the final review in the memoir editing process?
The final review is the last step in the editing process, and it is a thorough examination of the manuscript to ensure that it is ready for publication. The editor will go through the manuscript one last time to catch any remaining errors or inconsistencies. They will also check for consistency in style and formatting, and ensure that the manuscript meets any guidelines provided by the publisher. This is the final opportunity to make any revisions before the manuscript is submitted for publication.
How is the memoir editing process collaborative?
The memoir editing process is a collaborative one, where the editor and the author work together to make the manuscript the best it can be. The editor provides feedback and suggestions for revisions, while the author retains the final say onwhat changes are made to the manuscript. By working together, the editor and the author can ensure that the manuscript is polished, well-structured and effectively communicates the author's message to the reader.
What are some common obstacles that memoir writers may face during the writing process?
Some common obstacles that memoir writers may face during the writing process include writer's block, difficulty in organizing and structuring their material, and emotional challenges such as dealing with difficult memories. Additionally, some writers may struggle with maintaining objectivity and staying true to their own voice, while others may have difficulty in finding the right tone for their story. A good editor can help the author to overcome these obstacles and provide guidance on how to effectively navigate the writing process.
Summary
Memoir editing is a crucial step in the process of bringing a life story to publication. It is a collaborative process that requires a skilled editor to work closely with the author to bring their story to life. The editor's role is to provide guidance, direction, and feedback to help the author create a clear, compelling, and accurate account of their life experiences.
One of the primary goals of memoir editing is to maintain the authenticity of the author's voice. The editor should work to understand the author's unique perspective and help them to communicate their message effectively to the reader. The editor should also help the author to clarify their message and focus on the most important aspects of their story.
Fact-checking is another important aspect of memoir editing. The editor should verify the accuracy of all facts and dates in the manuscript to ensure that the memoir is truthful and credible. This can be a time-consuming process, but it is necessary to ensure that the author's story is presented in an accurate and responsible way. A good editor will also help the author to address any ethical considerations, such as protecting the privacy of others who may be mentioned in the memoir.
The final review is the last step in the editing process, and it is a thorough examination of the manuscript to ensure that it is ready for publication. The editor will go through the manuscript one last time to catch any remaining errors or inconsistencies. They will also check for consistency in style and formatting, and ensure that the manuscript meets any guidelines provided by the publisher. This is the final opportunity to make any revisions before the manuscript is submitted for publication.
Overall, the memoir editing process is a collaborative one, where the editor and the author work together to make the manuscript the best it can be. The final review is an important step in this process, and it is essential to ensure that the manuscript is ready for publication.
It's important to note that an editor should be able to help the author to overcome any obstacles that may come up during the writing process, such as writer's block, difficulty in organizing and structuring their material, and emotional challenges such as dealing with difficult memories. Additionally, an editor can help the author to find the right tone for their story and maintain objectivity.
