What I’ve Learned From Editing 350+ Books

Do you still review/edit books? I have a 150 page/33k words, non fiction, medical information/motivational book. Thx, Ed

You’ve mentioned in a few videos how you started your career with an internship in New York. I want to work for the industry and I’m applying to many internships now. Do you have any advice on how to stand out to the companies to get an internship? Or any advice to raise the chances of me getting a place with an internship?

I recently read ‘Remains of the Day’ and had an inkling you would cite it as your example. As for my work- the first book in a series is a standard portal fantasy/hero’s quest but the later novels are not hero’s quests. My quandary might be that novel one is too derivative to spark interest and, consequently, my succeeding novels, while much more high concept, will not see the light of day.

Hi Alyssa! Will you be doing a video for publishing trends of 2024??

I thought this site might have some content - nope, its all self promotion.

Is it possible to hire you as an editor?

Right now, I have recently finished writing the first drafts of the four short-stories that I have on my bucket list. These four stories are what I want to leave behind when I leave this world. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere soon.

And these stories, in their present condition, are like raw diamonds extracked from the Earth. They need to be cut and polished before they can be gems.

The fourth one looks like it wants to be at least a novella, maybe even a novel (I sure hope not. But if it must be, it must be).

I intend to put together an anthology of stories that I have written over the years, with the earliest ones written during the early '80s.

Mine's a dark tale. It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. What's it like for an editor to have to work with a dark, dirty tale? I love your videos, by the way.

Positive and clear. Thank you, Alyssa.

Brilliant content as always!!!!!

Your content and cheerful attitude has helped me to keep going. Especially now that I was so close on getting an agent.

I thank you so much for the insight you provide on editing and publishing. It’s very helpful as someone who wants to traditionally publish. I'm working on my YA Post-apocalyptic Dystopia novel. I'm 100,000 words in, but still have a long way to go to finish my first draft. I'm a planster. I wrote a good outline but am coming up with a lot while I go along. Once I'm ready to revise, I will cut out a lot. I appreciate how you've helped me have faith in what I make.

Two chapters away from finishing a rough draft manuscript for a horror novel.

I miss roku...oops football is back on..cheers..go 49ers😀👍🖖

Question: is there any reason to have concern over the possibility of have your idea, etc... ripped off if you are sending your work in progress to beta readers, editors or sharing with writers groups?

I'm having a hard time choosing between traditional publishing and self-publishing.
My main concern is giving up control of the creative process.
I want to draw my own artwork for the front cover, the book's interior artwork, artwork for the website, and everything else.

I also see that publishing houses have control over edits on the manuscript and the final say so on the manuscript.
Basically if you choose to publish traditionally, the publishing house is gonna want to tell the story that makes them money, not the story the author wants to tell.
My fear is that my manuscript ends up having a lot of major changes and possibly have some sort of agenda the publishing house wants to push.

My question is- Is there any chance that I can acquire a literary agent that will agree to represent my manuscript while backing me up on me doing my own artwork and letting me have the final step so on edits? I know that publishing houses have the final say say so on artwork, especially the book cover, and I'll have to compromise on edits, but would it be possible to get the literary agent sign a contract saying they'll agree to have me do my own artwork and have the final say so on edits?
Would literary agents agree to this? Is it unheard of?

My first finished novel had the flaw that I had the story, but was incapable of turning it into a read-worthy text. It took a long time and a break from writing until I suddenly was writing so well that it felt like someone would read it.

Needed this thank you

God's blessings on you, Alyssa, sharing your professional insights with writers like me and the encouragements you never fail to pass along to us helps us and inspires us more than we can say. Thank you for caring about us. Your love for writing and writers shines through in every video that you post. We need more Alyssa Matessic's in this world, but thank God we have you!❤️❤️❤️

Sci Fi novel draft for me. 3rd book.

Can I get your thoughts? I have put out a seven book novella series and a three book novel series. They both tell the same exact story, just in the different word lengths. The novellas work better for younger readers (MG) and those who don't want to hold the book half an inch from their eyes so they can see it; whereas the novel series was asked for by those who don't want to read novella length books.
I am working on the next series that comes after this and am thinking of doing the same thing. Good idea or no? It is the Mythical University series. I self publish these and do ALL the work - NO AI. I have revised the stories and covers, correcting the mistakes, and simply trying to make them look and read better. Am@zon has the newest revisions/cover, but if you do a search you can find all the other covers out there. Would love any feedback. Enjoy the videos as always, Alyssa.

I have two ideas that am working on. Thinking on part of what you said about revising your ideas. Something scrapped in one story could easily become the main idea of the next. It may be just something that fits another story better.

I love your content so much. Not only is it knowledgeable, insightful, and shared in a way that is easy to grasp, I also learn a lot every time I hear it. It’s encouraging and makes this journey to publication seem more realistic and possible. Thank you 🙏

Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!! Do you feel comfortable editing sci-fi/fantasy books too?

I love your content! I just finished my first draft of a novel, and I love watching your videos to see what I can learn for editing!

first like was from me!