Have a Serious question about Bill Thompson

[squirrelygirl]

I don't know where else I would pose this question, but it is really important I get an answer. Here's the thing - I have a few books written and although I've had a friend edit for me I was told getting a professional editor would be best - so I started the search. I located one Bill Thompson, who accepted my manuscript for editing. Anyway he claims to have been Stephen King's editor in the past and he wants - in my opinion - quite a bit of money. I don't have the funds to be taken in so I really need to know if this guy's the real deal or not. Yes, I did some checking and a Bill Thompson is mentioned as having been an editor for Stephen King in the past, but is this the same guy or someone trying to con new writers out of their hard earned money? How do I tell?

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

Sorry can't help.

Long days and pleasant nights

[marew1]

Hello and welcome to the board. Happy reading and posting! I don't know anything about Bill Thompson. I certainly would want to see some credentials and references. Perhaps you can contact publishers who have worked with SK and see if this Bill Thompson is legit. I imagine there are Writers Associations you could also contact.

[squirrelygirl]

Thank you for welcoming me, John.

Best Wishes.

[squirrelygirl]

I hadn't thought of contacting writer's associations. Thank you!

Warmest Regards

[Spideyman]

Hi and welcome. Sorry, I can not help you. Keep checking back, as someone may provide an answer.

[the great kilted one]

I think this is the job for one of our great Mods...
Where are you Ms. Mod? Cause I certainly don't know.

[marew1]

Hello and welcome to the board. Happy reading and posting! I don't know anything about Bill Thompson. I certainly would want to see some credentials and references. Perhaps you can contact publishers who have worked with SK and see if this Bill Thompson is legit. I imagine there are Writers Associations you could also contact.

You're welcome. Here are a couple of web sites you could go to:

Horror Writers Association www.horror.org/horror-is.htm
Associations and Organizations http://www.readersread.com/organizations.htm

[Luli]

Hi and welcome to the board!

[Moderator]

I don't know if it's the same Bill Thompson who gave Steve his break by accepting Carrie for publication when he was at Doubleday as we haven't been in contact with him for many years.

More to the point for me, though, is whether you think that it is a requirement to have your book professionally edited before you submit it to a publisher. It's been a while since I read On Writing and I may be confusing this with other articles he's written on the topic, but Steve has cautioned writers against spending money to have their work read and/or edited for a fee as there are firms out there who aren't completely honorable. That's not to say that this Bill Thompson is one of those, but do check around if you feel that your work needs that type of service. You might want to check out some writers forums to get feedback from other writers who can give you their experiences with this.