An Editor’s Perspective: Developing and Preserving an Author’s Voice
If you’re writing a book, you’ve probably heard about author “voice.” One of the most common concerns I get from new authors is, “I want to make sure whatever editor I work with preserves my voice.”
That’s critical to me too. In our work as editors and ghostwriters, our goal is never to dilute or arbitrarily change your voice. Instead, we want to amplify it—to sharpen it, soften it, or work to make it as clear and impactful as possible.
But I often see confusion around author voice, so I’d like to demystify it a bit here.
Realize Preserving Your Voice Doesn’t Always Mean Leaving Your Writing As-Is
An editor’s or a ghostwriter’s job is to make people want to read your book and not put it down. If your words aren’t clear or compelling, you’ll lose your reader. And then no one will learn from you, buy from you (if you’re selling a service like consulting), or recommend your book to others. Well, maybe your mom will, but that’s not your goal.
Some authors write fabulous prose, clearly convey their message, and need only nuanced edits to polish their manuscripts. Their “voice” is already effectively communicating their desired message.
Others may have struggled with writing their whole lives. They may compose sentences that are so abstract that the meaning is obscure even after reading them several times. This doesn’t mean the author has nothing important to convey. On a Zoom call or stage, these same authors may be riveting and inspiring. That’s because their speaking voice doesn’t translate into their written voice.
When I see words falling flat on the page—either because they’re confusing or “boring”—my job is to change them enough that the author’s “best voice” comes through. This may require multiple edits and comments on my end. The manuscript may look very different when I’m done. But don’t despair. Those redlines are how I amplify an author’s voice.
This process requires trust between an author and editor. Your editor must be confident and skilled enough to recommend valuable changes, and then humble enough to accept any push-back in areas where you disagree. No matter what, you as the author must be completely happy with the outcome.
I collaborate with my clients, encouraging their ongoing input. Together, we get it right. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard, “You made me sound so good!” Yes, that’s the goal. But we did it together. And it’s your writing, not mine (even if I wrote some sentences you decided to keep).
How Should an Editor Learn an Author’s Voice?
Before I edit, I always see a sample of the writing. And I almost always meet with the author. This is of course a chance to learn a bit about them and answer questions. (I always want to know their goals for the book, along with their concerns or even fears.) But it’s also a chance to listen. When we meet, I’m actually “hearing” more than their words. I want to know how they say something. Are they formal or casual? Do they speak with humor, or are they serious? And what do they not want to come across in the book? (The most common answer I get is: “I don’t want to sound like a condescending know-it-all.”) All these things help me to assess (while editing) whether their manuscript is conveying their desired voice.
This leads to my next point.
Sometimes Written “Voice” is Different than Spoken “Voice”
I love to write poetry. But I don’t use poetry when writing instructions on how to take care of my cats.
We can choose to write in a different voice from the one we speak in. And we can even change our voice depending on the book (or goal). (That’s how ghostwriters work; they change their writing voice every time they get a new client!) An author’s voice can portray humor, professionalism, or even horror. This is why I work up front to determine an author’s goals for the book—not just what it will be about, but what they want it to do for them, and for their reader. Then I ask: What voice will best accomplish that?
I give you permission to abandon the voice you think you should have for the one you want to have. If you don’t know how to achieve that voice, ask a trained editor for help. (And when you interview them, be sure to ask for their approach on “author voice.”)
Happy writing!
