On the Faber site it says that that you no longer accept unsolicited submissions. Since this is the case, how do you find new work?

Pretty much everything I take on is through a literary agent. My policy is not to look at un-agented material, just because of time. I’d love to if I could but I have so much reading that I have to draw the line somewhere. 

Things are changing because of the rise of self-publishing, but having an agent is still the best way to get looked at by a wide range of editors. An agent’s on your side and can advise you. It’s useful to have that third person who can explain, help negotiate and smooth things over. 

Generally, how long do you edit for and how much does a book change? 

I usually spend between four and 12 months editing, sometimes longer. Some of it’s more line editing and watching out for phrase that writers use too often; making sure that the dialogue is just right.  All editors think about making sure the beginning is good because that’s often how people choose books – whether they’re in a bookshop or downloading the free Kindle sample. Sometimes characters need more development or you might say, I don’t understand why that character did that. 

Are there any other common mistakes writers make? 

Having too much backstory in the first quarter of the book. They start the main story and then on page two there’s suddenly 10 pages of explanation of how the character got there, where they were born, what their mother’s name was. 

I think writers sometimes forget that you have to tell your main story first and get your readers interested in what your characters are doing now. Actually it’s quite intriguing if you don’t explain everything at the beginning. Put your character in an interesting situation, make them want something and the rest can come out over time. 

How do you know when a book is finished? 

Editors, like writers, can get blind to things. Some books I read five times before they come out and when you’ve read it that many times you’re not necessarily the best reader. 

I often look back at the first set of editorial notes I did – because that’s when you’re freshest – and think, have all these things been addressed? It’s good to go back to those first impressions. 

What should you keep in mind when editing other people’s work?   

I sometimes suggest things – maybe a word or a different scene  – but in general it’s your job to be a very sensitive reader and ask questions, not to solve anything. That’s where you can annoy people or step over the line between editing and writing. 

How do you phrase feedback in a constructive way? 

I might say something like, “I’m not finding the ending satisfying, I think it would be more satisfying if you did something like...” and then give an example. I also often phrase things as questions.

Have you ever had a disagreement with a writer? What did you do? 

There was a particular scene in a novel once that I wasn’t sure was convincing but there had to be something dramatic between those two characters that point. The writer convinced me that was the right scene and I couldn’t think of anything else that could have worked instead. 

At the end of the day, it’s the writer’s book and you have to remember that. But if there’s anything that bothers you or causes you to pause, bring it up – obviously in the most tactful way possible. As you get to know writers better you can be more honest. 

Do you have some advice for new writers? 

Don’t be in a rush. Do as much editing as you can on your book before showing it to an agent. If you send something they don’t think is right, it’s a lot harder the second time around. So do a few drafts, join a writers’ group, show it to a friend you think has good taste. People do get second chances but everyone loves that initial discovery where you think you’ve found a new voice. 

Also, read as much as possible. I used to work for an agency and the thing that makes your heart sink is when you get a covering letter that says, “I don’t really read fiction but I’ve written a novel”. It has to start from reading.

Spread the Word's Gatekeepers: Fiction Publishing panel takes place on 7 December. 

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