Editors play a crucial role in shaping true crime narratives by finding the balance between engaging readers and avoiding gratuitous details.
Dialogue is a crucial element in true crime narratives, and editors must determine when to include it to enhance storytelling and convey emotion.
Deep dives
The Importance of Editing True Crime Stories
True crime stories have a powerful impact on readers, especially when they focus on the triumph of the human spirit. Editors play a crucial role in shaping these narratives, working closely with writers from the beginning to develop compelling stories. The key is to find the balance between providing enough detail to engage the reader without being gratuitous. Editors must also identify the underlying themes and messages to ensure that the story goes beyond mere sensationalism. By analyzing and studying successful true crime stories, editors can improve their craft and become better storytellers themselves.
The Significance of Dialogue in True Crime Stories
Dialogue is a crucial element in true crime narratives, as it can bring the story to life and provide insight into the emotions and thoughts of the people involved. Editors must determine when to include dialogue and when to leave it out, always considering whether the words spoken enhance the storytelling. It's important to focus on dialogue that adds power, conveys emotion, or provides key details. Editors should also remember that a writer's voice goes beyond dialogue and encompasses the overall structure and pacing of the story.
The Social Impact of True Crime Stories
True crime stories have the potential to create a significant social impact by shedding light on issues such as flaws in the criminal justice system or the resilience of those who overcome trauma. These narratives go beyond mere shock value and delve into the human nature and the ability to recover and rebuild after experiencing unimaginable events. By highlighting stories of survival, forgiveness, and strength, true crime stories offer readers insights into the triumph of the human spirit.
Advice for Editors Working on True Crime Content
Editors working on true crime content should strive to be students of the genre. By studying successful true crime stories, editors can understand the elements that captivate and engage readers. Analyzing the use of details, pacing, and character development helps editors refine their own editing skills and provide valuable feedback to writers. Editors should also approach true crime narratives with a level of respect for the subjects involved, striking a balance between providing necessary information and treating individuals with dignity.
This episode is a continuation of PART I: Editing True Crime. In this Part II, Maria Carillo gives listeners a chance to explore the world of editing true crime (or narrative nonfiction). Maria Carrillo has edited several award-winning projects. She's the former enterprise editor at the Tampa Bay Times and Houston Chronicle and, before that, managing editor at The Virginian-Pilot. Maria is also a board member of the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism and the National Press Photographers Association and a six-time juror for the Hillman Prizes.
In this episode, Maria explains the significance of the editor-author relationship as a delicate partnership. She works closely with Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Lane DeGregory, and co-hosts, WriteLane, which covers the craft of narrative nonfiction (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/writelane/id1342271507). Maria also edited the book, "The Girl in the Window and Other True Tales," published by the University of Chicago Press, and written by Lane DeGregory.
During the episode, Maria makes references to other editors and writers listed below:
Lauren Caruba of The Dallas Morning News: https://lcaruba.com/
Leonora LaPeter Anton (Pulitzer Prize winner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonora-anton-22944b40/
Below are more links to articles or podcasts in which Maria has been involved:
True crime series while at the Tampa Bay Times: tampabay.com/bloodandtruth
The saint and the sacrifice: https://www.tampabay.com/news/2020/11/10/barbara-burns-cared-for-her-sister-her-whole-life-then-she-killed-her/?itm_source=parsely-api
