Editor's Spotlight
Urban Book Source
February 2006
 Carla Dean
Carla M. Dean’s editing career took flight when asked by Michelle McGriff, author of Obsession 101 who is signed with Qboro Books, to edit two of her self-published novels. From there, the news about Carla’s detailed, proficient, and professional editing skills spread quickly through the literary grapevine and she was soon approached by Carl Weber to provide her editing services to his newly launched publishing company, Urban Books. Currently, Carla is a freelance editor for numerous authors and for Onyx Magazine, an entrepreneur magazine for women of color.
UBS: How do you feel after reading something you spent countless hours working on and then you come across something you missed after the work has already been published? Maybe a typo or spelling error?
Carla: In an attempt to avoid this from happening, I proofread manuscripts one final time after the initial edits and after the authors have made the suggested changes/additions. However, if a typo or spelling error happens to get past both me and the author, I try not to beat myself up too badly over it, especially since the fact remains that no one is perfect. At the same time, since I do apply myself 110% in my work and treat the authors’ work as if it were my own, I do feel some disappointment upon the revelation that the manuscript is not totally error-free.
UBS: What do you think of the urban fiction trend as of right now?
Carla: I love it. It’s finally our time to shine. Like Virginia Slims, we have come a long way, baby. (LOL) Just like rap music, I don’t see urban fiction fading out anytime soon. I strongly believe urban fiction is the reason why reading has increased among our youths, and I especially like those stories which provide a positive message for our youths to learn from.
UBS: Which authors have you worked with? Which books?
Carla: A majority of my clients are first-time authors. However, I have had the pleasure of working with Carl Weber of Urban Books, Relentless Aaron of Relentless Content, Deborah Smith of Deborah Smith Publications, Jessica Tilles of Xpress Yourself Publishing, and currently, KaShamba Williams of PreciousTymes. Some titles include Drama Queen by LaJill Hunt (Urban Books), Street Life by Jihad (Urban Books), A Gangter’s Girl by Chunichi (Urban Books), The Last Kingpin by Relentless Aaron (Relentless Content), Dyme Hit List by Curtis Alcutt (Black Pearl Books), and Karma by Shakuur Sabuur (Deborah Smith Publications).
UBS: If you had a choice, which authors would you like to work with?
Carla: It would be a dream come true to have the opportunity to work with the distinguished authors Michael Baisden, Eric Jerome Dickey, and JD Mason.
UBS: Can you recommend an excellent book you've edited in the past?
Carla: There are many, but if I had to choose one, I would have to say Dyme Hit List by Curtis Alcutt. His manuscript kept me totally engrossed from page one to The End. Upon completion of the editing process, Dyme Hit List was picked up by Black Pearl Publishing.
UBS: Do you ever want to write a book?
Carla: Yes, I have several story ideas. In fact, one of my resolutions for 2006 is to start drafting my manuscript. However, my main focus at this time is to continue helping writers with their dreams of becoming published.
UBS: What do you enjoy most about your job?
Carla: Actually getting paid for doing something I love. (LOL) Seriously, though, I love attending literary events and having the opportunity to meet the talented authors I have been blessed to work with and have only communicated with via phone up until that point.
UBS: How long does it take you to edit a book on average?
Carla: Depending on the extent of editing required and length of the manuscript, the normal turnaround time is anywhere between 4-6 weeks.
UBS: What do you look for in the writing when editing?
Carla: Clarity is very important. If the writing is not clear to me as an editor, how can the author expect it to be clear to the readers? Also, character development, pace, and a strong storyline are very important aspects I focus on when editing.
UBS: Do you ever find yourself re-writing a lot of any one authors work?
Carla: If it is required, that is the job I do. When working with as many first-time authors as I do, it is almost expected that some extent of re-writing may be required.
UBS: What is next for Carla Dean and U Can Mark My Word?
Carla: In regards to U Can Mark My Word, I am looking to expand my services to include book layout/typesetting. Also, I am currently helping SoulPitt.com organize the next Author’s Night in Pittsburgh, PA to be held at the end of April. My long-term goals include breaking into the field of publishing and opening an AA bookstore in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.
Carla Dean can be reached at www.ucanmarkmyword.com and/or editordean@yahoo.com
THE URBAN BOOK SOURCE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COMMENTS THAT ARE POSTED. IF A COMMENT IS DEFAMATORY, PLEASE CONTACT US AND APPROPRIATE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.
|
