Welcome to my first ever Dave Chat! Each month, I’m going to have a chat to someone in the writing industry – whether that’s another author or someone in the editing and marketing areas of the industry. I’m hoping to give you a little insight into what these people are like – spoiler alert, they’re just like us!
To kick things off, I’m excited to speak to Rachel Rowlands, who is a writer AND editor, helping people (like me) get their books into the best condition possible before it hits those (virtual) shelves. Rachel has been writing for years, and has been an editor for a long time, racking up some impressive names in her portfolio – both writers and publishing houses – so you know she’s good at what she does, and is worth listening to.
So, let’s get to it!
Dave: Hey Rachel, thanks for being my first ‘Dave Chat’ participant!
Rachel: No problem!
I’m excited to speak with you because we can talk about two parts of this life, which is awesome. First, though, let’s start at the beginning. I knew you first as a writer. When did you decide that you wanted to be a writer?
I don’t remember it being a conscious decision, really! I’ve been writing stories since I was a child, as far back as I can remember. I do remember when I decided I’d get serious about pursuing my writing and also working in book publishing, and that was in my early twenties. I held back on it for a while because I didn’t think I could make it work as a career. I did a few stints of National Novel Writing Month for practice and to learn to finish things. Then I went and got a degree in English and Creative Writing. Which is where we met!
I remember! I have a lot of good memories of that course – and all the modules they offered. They also hosted the Manchester Children’s Book Festival. What would you say was the most useful part of your time at university?
Many of the extra-curricular things I did, like the book festival and the student newspaper, helped me gain valuable experience that I still use today. For both things, I was able to interview authors, learn about editorial and house style, and do some editing. I even got to work on a print magazine.
Analysing literature alongside studying creative writing was also one of the most useful things I did. Humanities degrees get a lot of criticism for not being “useful” but my degree prepared me for so many things I use day-to-day in my job now. It was a big part of why I was able to get started in the publishing industry.
I’m glad you took so much useful stuff from it. What genres and subgenres do you love to write in? Are they the same as what you like to read?
This has shifted over time. I’ve always leant toward fantasy and the supernatural, though. Those are some of my favourite genres to read. I focused on YA for a long time, and even dipped my toe into writing a YA contemporary and a middle grade fantasy, but the market is so tough in the children’s sphere. Now I’m focusing on adult books. My latest project is a fantasy for adults, about a kind of alternate England, with an 1800s feel and gothic/horror influences too.
That sounds really interesting – and one I’d like to read! I’ll keep an eye out for it. Do you prefer to read – and write – about worlds closer to our own, created from scratch, or does it not matter?
I prefer worlds that are more fantastical, but that can also be own world with a magical or supernatural spin. My adult fantasy book is heavily influenced by our own world and has a northern England feel, but the places are all created by me and there are fantasy, steampunk and gothic horror elements throughout.
Now you’re an editor! When did you decide to pursue this path, and has it impacted your writing?
I always wanted to work with books in some way. And I knew most authors needed a day job too. Book publishing in the UK is so London-centric (as you’re probably aware!), so I’ve ended up with my own business, which works great for me (and I even get to work with London-based publishers!).
It definitely impacts my writing. I’ve learnt so much as an editor that I can apply to my own writing. I’m also able to empathise with my clients and pass on what I’ve learned to them – I help authors who are seeking agents or who want to self-publish instead. For me, the two go hand-in-hand and fit really well together.
That’s sounds like a great opportunity – one you’ve really made for yourself out of your passions. Fantastic. How do you balance your time between writing and editing?
Having my own business gives me a lot of flexibility. When I’ve met client deadlines, I can spend some time on my own writing. I try to do an hour or two of my own writing each day where I can, either in the morning or late evening. My client work is always my priority, though, so there are other days where I can’t write.
That makes sense. Do you ever get worried about ideas bleeding over?
Many authors also work in publishing, so I don’t worry about ideas bleeding over. There are so many books about faeries, for instance, or crime-solving, or wizards. No idea is ever completely original (that’s why we have comp titles to help with marketing!). But, having said that, if I’m currently working on a writing project and an author approaches me with something that sounds too similar (e.g., if I’m writing a retelling of a myth and an author approaches me with a retelling of the same myth), I’d decline.
That helps me to keep a degree of separation. But I’d still take on a fantasy book while writing a fantasy myself, because the concept and premise of each are usually very different.
One of the great things with writers is we rarely imagine the same thing, and those differences can make all the difference. A while back, I talked about not being able to read books in the genre I’m writing in. Do you have any rules or habits like that, or can you totally switch off between writing, reading and editing?
It depends. For writing, I’m fine with reading books that coincide with the genre I’m currently writing – I think it’s essential because you see what kind of things suit a certain market and you get familiar with what’s current.
For editing, it’s quite different. If I’m editing a lot of fantasy for clients, it’s doubtful that I’ll feel like reading a complex high fantasy novel in my downtime! If I’m working on lots of fantasy at a certain point in time, then I might be reading a thriller or a non-fiction book for fun.
Is there something that annoys you more than other things in a manuscript? Even if it’s something silly.
One of my pet peeves is writers using the tab key instead of paragraph indents! I wouldn’t say it annoys me though, because it’s easy enough for me to fix.
I’m pretty sure I was guilty of that at one point. Sorry! Do you think this comes from there being no standard way to format a manuscript – or, perhaps, too many formats that are requested of writers?
I think it’s just something that most writers aren’t taught generally. Even though I studied literature and creative writing at university, we weren’t taught how to format our documents or how to present them for submission to editors or agents. That’s usually self-taught, and if writers don’t know where to go to get that information, then they won’t know.
What is one tip you could give writers who are getting ready to find an editor?
Make sure you know how to vet your editor and be sure they’re legit and qualified. I’ve had a few authors come to me before who have been scammed. Your editor should be able to show you some portfolio items, have a few recommendations from clients, past experience or training, etc. If you’re working with a newer editor, make sure you’re both on the same page about what the editor can and can’t do for you. The Writer Beware page is a good place to go before starting your search, so you know about red flags to watch for.
That is solid advice. Due diligence before working with anyone is a must and making sure you’re on the same page is a great point. It could be the best writer and editor in the world looking to work together, but if they’re not aligned in what they’re doing or expecting, it won’t end well.
Exactly.
So, if a writer is looking for an editor and would like to take a look at what you offer, or whether you’re the right fit for them, what should they do? Where can they find you?
My website has a list of my services and the type of material I work on, as well as a portfolio and kind words from my clients!