Neal Shusterman is the author of many books for teens, including Unwind and Everlost. I recently read Unwind and thought it was an amazing science-fiction book! The book had a lot of emotion in it, and the characters felt realistic and very memorable! I’ll always remember Roland, who, while he wasn’t the most likable character, managed to touch me. Even now, months after I finished Unwind, I find myself haunted by the chilling and terrifyingly real problems it’s about. This is definitely a book to read, treasure, and keep forever in your mind. Thank you so much, Mr. Shusterman! (You can visit him on his website here: http://www.storyman.com)
Here’s Neal Shusterman’s answer to my question:
How do you edit a novel? Can you describe working with your editor?
The editing process is what really makes a novel come together. I prefer editors that really challenge me. My favorite editor fills my manuscript with about 1,000 post-it notes with suggestions for changes, and the manuscript usually comes back with a 20 page editorial letter, detailing the suggestions. A good editor won’t rewrite you: It’s the editor’s job to see what you are trying to do, and help you reach your vision. A good editor doesn’t necessarily pose solutions to problems, but instead illuminates exactly what the problem is. Once the problem is crystal clear, it’s easier to solve – and that’s the writer’s job. A bad editor will pose solutions, or suggest changes without ever figuring out what the core problem is that they’re trying to correct. That’s maddening, because then the writer must work backwards, trying to figure out WHY the editor made a change.
I usually go through six drafts on my own before I get to something I consider to be good enough to call “draft one.” That’s the draft that goes to my editor. Then I will do two drafts with the editor, until we’re both happy with it. Rewriting, and editing is the most important part of the writing process. It can be grueling, but you can’t call yourself a writer if you’re not willing to go through it. - Neal Shusterman
Thanks again, Mr. Shusterman!
More author interviews coming soon!
