Do Writers Need Editors?

An unexpected benefit of the internet is the availability of freelance script editors to individual writers. Previously concealed behind the impenetrable walls of publishers and broadcasters, these formerly mysterious folk are emerging into the freelance world bearing all kinds of specialist knowledge and skills.

What do they do? When they work for organisations, they commission writers and ask them to rewrite, mainly to suit the requirements of their employers. My boss at Witzend Productions once said to me: "You speak the writers' lingo, don't you?" "Yes", I said. (That was all he wanted to know on the subject.) This hierarchy has led to editors suffering a less than shining reputation amongst writers who, naturally enough, tend to associate us with the often frustrating notes passed down by our bosses. In fact there is little more agonising for a script editor than to have to give writers notes they don't agree with.

Now there are new opportunities for writers to benefit from a script editor's skills and experience, by employing their own. Script editors are starting to join the internet world of self-employment, and one or two are willing and able to work for individual writers on the writer's terms, dedicating themselves to supporting the writer in whatever field they care to approach.

What do they do? They don't rewrite your work for you; they read it closely, tell you how it comes across, where its strengths and weaknesses are, and how it might be developed more successfully. They seek to understand what you want to achieve and to help you get there. If you're aiming for a particular goal they will advise on how to adjust your approach, if necessary. They all do this in their own way: it's a very individual process, and like any one-to-one relationship, you need to find an editor who is sympathetic to your own personality and tastes.

I set up my website, www.friendlyeditor.co.uk about a year ago and since then I have had the real pleasure of working with a wide variety of authors in most forms of drama, fiction, and comedy. They vary in age, experience, taste; in every way but one - they're all men. For some reason women seem to be reluctant even to enquire, and this has become a mystery I would love to solve. 65% of readers of The New Writer are women, and there's no shortage of role models out there. Plenty of women go on creative writing courses, so why not seek support online? It can be much cheaper, less time-consuming, entirely focussed on your own work, and spread across a period of weeks, months, or even years, if you so wish!

I have a few theories, based on my own feelings: women writers may lack the confidence to invite someone else's comments; they may feel they shouldn't be spending that money on themselves; they may prefer complete anonymity; they may see writing as a private pleasure and not care whether they improve their skills; they may simply not have thought of seeking editorial support yet.

I would love to hear readers' views on this. I would also love to hear from anyone who feels that script editors have not yet found a way to make their services more attractive to writers: what would you like? If the demand is there, I guarantee someone will step forward to fill it!