Introduce yourself! How did you get into editing and what are your qualifications? What genres do you enjoy editing most?
Hi! I’m Lennon. I’ve been editing for 10 years, covering a variety of genres and author working styles. I began professional developmental editing during a workshop for the literary organization in Portland called Literary Arts. Before that, I copyedited for online magazines. I enjoy editing fantasy, romance, and mystery most – in YA and adult.

What is the biggest mistake you see indie writers making right now? (For example, info dumps at the beginning of their book, not enough conflict, too much tell vs. show, etc.)
Lately, I’ve seen structural issues, such as a whole book basically being Act I, either delaying the adventure (Act II) and resolution (Act III) too long or forgetting them completely. I’ve also seen a lot of dialogue that could use improvement. Dialogue that doesn’t sound realistic or consistent with the character.

How do you keep the author’s voice intact while also guiding them with suggestions on how to make their book the best it can be?
When I make a recommendation, I always include “I recommend…” and an explanation for my recommendation. For example, it could be I recommended a change because something with a character was inconsistent, something came off to the reader in a way that the author didn’t intend and I want the author’s intentions to come through on the page, or something was unclear and difficult to follow and I want to help the author clear it up. I ensure the author knows this is a partnership and I only want to help make their work better. I am their biggest fan and none of my edits come from a place of “I think this is bad.” All my edits come from a place of “I love this and I know we can make it the best it can be.”

Is there ever a time when a book requires too much work? What do you tell a writer whose manuscript isn’t ready for a professional edit? What resources do you refer them to?
I just had an author hire me for scene and line edits, but they really needed a developmental edit. I did complete the job for the manuscript, and I included some dev editing suggestions to help them get started on their own – at no extra charge. I also gave them resources on outlining, pacing, character development, how to raise stakes, etc. to help them work on their self-developmental editing.

What advice can you offer an author who can’t afford a professional edit? Are there things they can do to sharpen their own self-editing skills?
Pinterest is a great place to go for free editing resources. Writing blogs have a lot of great information to help authors self-edit, and Pinterest is a centralized location for all of the blog posts out there to be found in one place.

I also offer affordable editing services and payment plans, for those who can’t afford to pay a full sum when they hire me. I recommend getting an editor for at least one round of edits, as there are things that a second pair of eyes will see that no author will be able to. I’m a self-published author and a professional editor, and even I hire an editor for my completed manuscripts. There are just some things I know I won’t see because I am too close to it.

Have you noticed AI writing tools affecting the manuscripts you edit? What are your thoughts on authors using them in the writing process?
I don’t take on any clients who have used AI in their work.

As an editor, it’s important you’re honest and give critical and actionable feedback. How do you offer this feedback so a writer doesn’t take it personally?
I never say “I don’t like this” or “This doesn’t work” or leave any comments that don’t have an explanation and a recommendation. My feedback is always kind, justified, and labeled as a Recommendation. All my edits are simply suggestions. The author has the right to ignore my edits if they disagree, and I don’t take that personally either.

Are there any other tips or thoughts you would like to add about editing or publishing?
Publishing is a rough world right now. If you’re struggling, just know that it isn’t you. If you’ve gotten feedback from professional editors, writing groups, and others in the industry that your story and your writing are good, listen to those voices. It’s really difficult to get published these days as a debut or indie author looking to break into traditional publishing. Things have changed a lot in the last six years. It’s the industry, it’s not you.

And lastly, where can readers find you online?
Readers can go to my website at lennonkriley.com for information on my books, other writings, and my blog giving writing advice and reading recommendations to visitors. They can also find me on Instagram, Threads, and YouTube at @lennonkriley.