A novel experience: how writing my own novel prepared me for a job in publishing

Abstract

In order to understand the editing process more intimately, I decided to write a speculative/dystopian novel under the guidance of Professor Carr, whose extensive experience in the publishing industry makes him the perfect mentor for this project. We moved through every stage of the writing process from idea conception to outlining to chapter drafting. During individual meetings, we discussed how to edit the piece; I paid special attention to the kinds of feedbacks and suggestions that an editor needs to be equipped to give. In the end, I will understand the process of getting a book published from both sides of the equation—the writer and the editor.