‘Editification’ and delight – The Goddess of the Devil

Here is a Reblog from my writing, composing and editing site:

Most writers tend to want their editors to remain, if not invisible, at least fairly well-hidden. Some, but not all, do give an acknowledgement in the front matter. Some don’t. They want it to be assumed that no hand has muddied the pristine waters of their genius.

If authors do mention that their book is in the course of being edited, they hardly ever say by whom, so unless they do the editor is also obliged to keep mum on the subject.

Also, the editor has to be aware of the confidentiality of the relationship. If it is known what books are being worked on, any general remarks on writing faults may be assumed as having arisen from the current project.

It is refreshing, therefore, that I have received full permission from the multi-talented Mart Sander (link is to the Wiki page on him) to blog my appraisal of his latest novel, now undergoing an edit of the final section. He may, of course, have been influenced by the fact that it isn’t exactly uncomplimentary! 🙂

The Goddess of the Devil
by
Mart Sander

Editor’s Appraisal

Few novels I have edited – or, indeed, read – have gripped my attention and imagination to the extent this one has succeeded in doing. The main protagonist, Maria Orsic (Orschitsch), actually existed and was an exceptionally beautiful woman, with blonde hair to her ankles, whose mediumistic talents were acknowledged even by sceptics. Her association with the famous and the infamous of the Nazi era, and the influence of her ‘Vril’ group of clairvoyants and mediums upon them, had an undoubted effect on the events of that time. How much so, is one of many fields explored in the novel.

From her first meeting with two anonymous men, the book leaves no doubt regarding the reality of her abilities in esoteric matters. The limitations in her talents, though, provide a source of suspense and frustration for the reader throughout.

(467 more words – see original post)