As I near the completion of my first novel, or so I hope: and by complete I mean as far as I am able to take it on my own, my thoughts turn to seeking a professional editor. Why, I wonder, aren’t there any editors who donate their time and skills to the literary world and to novice hopefuls? (Me, me, pick me, pick me!).
One can find volunteers in just about every profession, and organizations such as AARP and the Small Business Administration offer freebies for tax-returns, employment, business start-ups, and other services. Colleges allow Senior Citizens to take free courses. Even law firms provide free legal aid.
I sigh and look up at the white, blank like my bank account, ceiling. The 70s hit parade blasts on my radio playing, ‘Wanted, young man single and free.’ It inspires me to consider writing an ad of my own.
Wanted: Editor, faithful and cheap. Experienced with Kid-Lit and YA. Dowry small. Pro bono preferred. Let’s tie the knot.
I imagine a reply and picture the Statue of Liberty waving at me with her torch and calling out, “Give me your bedraggled manuscript yearning to be perfected.”
With my thumb and pinky I hand signal and mouth, ‘Call Me.’
Her torch lights up.
I leap, arms stretched upward, and yell, “It’s a match!”
See you next time on April 22nd.
Veronica Jorge
Manager, Educator, and former High School Social Studies teacher, Veronica credits her love of history to the potpourri of cultures that make up her own life and to her upbringing in diverse Brooklyn, New York. Her genres of choice are Historical Fiction where she always makes new discoveries and Children’s Picture Books because there are so many wonderful worlds yet to be imagined and visited. She currently resides in Macungie, PA.
-
Every Valentine’s Day chocolate in all shapes and sizes: loose, bagged, heart-shaped boxes, can be found everywhere. Including in my pantry, in the candy dish, on my plate. Well, you get the picture. I like chocolate. (I indulge year round).
-
Featured Author Veronica Jorge credits her love of history to the potpourri of cultures that make up her own life and to her upbringing in diverse Brooklyn, New York.
-
It’s the dead of winter and I’m still raking leaves and collecting branches that the winds have broken and scattered; all of which will eventually be ground into mulch and reused and reclaimed to nourish the soil. I even pick up a few feathers from fallen birds; taking off my gloves to feel the smoothness of the feathers, and to admire the colors and designs in each one.
-
Featured Author Veronica Jorge credits her love of history to the potpourri of cultures that make up her own life and to her upbringing in diverse Brooklyn, New York.
-
Featured Author Veronica Jorge credits her love of history to the potpourri of cultures that make up her own life and to her upbringing in diverse Brooklyn, New York.
Nothing Found
Featured Books
FAERY SWAP
Warrior faery princes can be very stubborn. Especially when they possess your body.
More info →
SHOULD HAVE PLAYED POKER
Truth and integrity aren’t always what we’ve been taught to believe, and one could die making that discovery.
More info →
It’s a wonderful thought but editors need to make a living. I couldn’t do what they do and I am grateful to my editor every day for the many, many, many hours she pours over my manuscript. I bet if I broke it down hourly she’s not even making minimum wage for the amount of love she gives my work. Colleges have income from paying students so they can afford to help seniors for free. Most law firms also have paying clients to defray the cost of helping those who can’t afford help. Editors live one client to the next. Love your dream, though and can’t wait to find out if it comes true.
Hi Rebecca, The realist in me agrees with you 100%. The dreamer in me likes to entertain wishful thinking. But—who knows? I’ll let you know if the hope comes true. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!
What Rebecca said! But it is a wonderful dream—grants for new authors to finance their indie-pubs. Best of luck!
Hi Alina,
Yes, hope my dream comes true. Thanks for writing!
Veronica, it sounds like your dream is to be published by a traditional publisher, rather than doing indie publishing.