A "How To" Guide for the Prospective Writer – Step Eight on the Writing Journey
Updated: Oct 8, 2025
Written by Melissa Velasco, Accomplished Indie Writer
Melissa Velasco is an Indie author with a quick wit, edgy writing style, and bold willingness to take a flying leap into the unknown. She is the author of the Hollywood High Chronicles book series, a metaphysical thriller deep dive into the trials of a pack of metaphysically charged teen misfits growing up in gritty 1990s Hollywood.
You did it! You worked hard through steps one through seven of the writing process and sent your book! Right? If not, then you’ve got some steps to complete, which you can find here. We left off at the end of step seven, "The Send," with a well-earned break. Break time is over when your editor gets back to you with a list of issues, considerations, and edits. Let’s get down to the next step.
The editing shuffle
Deep breath. This is going to be a process, but you’ve made it this far, and you’ve got what it takes.
Changes and cuts are imperative
Step one of the editing shuffle is unavoidable. You need to accept that changes and cuts are imperative. I know that it’s hard to take criticism of your work, but you hired an editor to clear the fog. Writers become so ingrained in the storyline they’ve created that it all makes sense in their own estimation. The truth is that another reader, unfamiliar with the story, will have questions and confusion. If your editor sees a problem, your readers will also. You must make collaborative cuts and adjustments.
Hear out your editor in writing
You can stick to your guns about some areas, but you need to be open to your editor’s perspective regarding changes, cuts, and storyline alterations. Work to come to a cooperative conclusion. Consider your editors’ questions and concerns. Your editor has a wealth of knowledge. Remember, your editor is your safety net. Once your book is published, it’s out there. This is your opportunity to fix issues. Take full advantage because an expert safety net is a gift. Readers are discerning and notice inconsistencies, storyline holes, and unresolved issues in your narrative arc. An editor is worth their weight in gold for this very reason. An important part of their job is finding the issues.
Ignore your defensive ego
Your mantra through this editing phase is, Open mind. Open heart. Open ears. Don’t let your defensive ego get in your way. You aren’t being criticized. You’re on a team. Your editor isn’t your opponent.
I often feel that my product is closer to finished when I send it to my editor than it is. I must remind myself that it was as done as I could make it on my own. That’s a checkpoint in the journey. It’s not the destination. I view my editor as my partner in artistic crime. Instead of being defensive, I’m excited to pull him into the fold. It’s fun to share your creation with someone who has fresh ideas. My editor generally enthusiastically offers suggestions that reignite my creative flame. I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve bellowed, “Yes! I can’t wait to edit that section of the storyline.” I admit it’s not always unicorn glitter and fairy giggles, though. My editor has made a few suggestions I flat didn’t understand. Instead of shutting down, hear your editor out. While I’ve won a few of those “master of the minds” debates, I’ve also gratefully lost a few. My editor has saved me from pitfalls that I would have surely paid for later.
Once you finish the editing shuffle, it’s time for the cover and back wording. (Did you gasp? You should. The cover is such an exciting part of the journey!) See here.
Melissa Velasco, Accomplished Indie Writer
With a quick wit, often edgy mouth, and loud laugh, Melissa exuberantly embraces life. Melissa Velasco is a true explorer of the arts. With a well-rounded background as a choreographer, professor, dance teacher, stage manager, and author, she thrives in creation. At her core, she believes that the arts save lives and provide a route for passion and connection. With five books currently published from her Hollywood High Chronicles metaphysical thriller book series, Melissa Velasco is an accomplished Indie writer.
