I got more from this book than any other writing book I've read. Ms. Klein's insight into the editing process are priceless and the exercises had me turning to my M.S. constantly. I greatly valued the insight into the writer/editor relationship. Klein is an editor for Arthur A. Levine Books and has worked with some great writers, such as Lisa Yee and Francisco X. Stark (she was the U.S. continuity editor for several of the Harry Potter novels as well). She walks the reader through some sample edits from both Yee's and Stark's books, which I found an amazing relief. Seeing actual submissions gives my internal editor a guide as to where my writing needs to be at the submission phase. Klein's edits show how to address the weaknesses of these drafts—similar to ones most potential readers will have to overcome.I give out five-stars with a bit of reluctance (although I'm not horribly stingy, either). Were the information here not so valuable and inspiring, I'd knock Second Sight for it's one weakness. The book is a collection of essays and presentations Klein had previously presented. As a result, the book doesn't feel as well organized or polished as I'd normally demand from a book on writing and editing. However, given the insights the material has given me into my own writing, I can't knock it below any of my other favorite writing books. I'll call it a flawed masterpiece.
