tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post3722395981039063551..comments2024-03-28T01:44:27.279-06:00Comments on Blood-Red Pencil: Conflicting Advice: Emerging Authors Want To Know!Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-48798661505603473252008-11-30T07:10:00.000-07:002008-11-30T07:10:00.000-07:00When my editor and I bang heads over something "cr...When my editor and I bang heads over something "critical" - like removing an entire scene or making a character a different personality or moving the tenses around, I take the suggestions very seriously. Doesn't mean I'll do it, but my editor is so good and so trusted by me that I have to at least consider her suggestions. Often I'll go to my DTR (designated trusted reader - a friend who is well read and knowledgeable about good writing and also HONEST with me regardless of my feelings) and bounce it off of him. Two out of three majority wins.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-79379622071511351002008-11-29T22:15:00.000-07:002008-11-29T22:15:00.000-07:00Of course, when you submit your work to a publishe...Of course, when you submit your work to a publisher, you have no control over the choice of editor. However, when you hire a professional editor before you submit your work, you should try to ensure that you like the editor's work.<BR/><BR/>I always offer a free sample edit of the first few pages of the manuscript so the author can see if she is comfortable with my suggestions. I include comments to explain my suggestions so the author knows the rationale.<BR/><BR/>Many editors offer a free sample—if not get references from other writers.Lillie Ammannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01851121176224654240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-23568640030272372272008-11-29T11:22:00.000-07:002008-11-29T11:22:00.000-07:00It's easy--don't change anything unless you're con...It's easy--don't change anything unless <I>you're</I> convinced it's a good idea. Argue about it, ask questions, and in the end, decide what <I>you</I> think.<BR/><BR/>Working with an editor should leave you feeling like you love your story even more than before, like now it says <I>exactly</I> what you want it to say. It should be exciting and joyful, even if it's sometimes difficult. <BR/><BR/>If it starts to feel like your manuscript is changing into something you don't recognize (or something you don't even <I>like</I>) it's time to find a new editor, or to start more (nice, gentle) arguments with the one you have.Angela Harmshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03882886580345280846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-51630231455912354522008-11-29T08:07:00.000-07:002008-11-29T08:07:00.000-07:00What's a good strategy for a writer? Should you s...What's a good strategy for a writer? Should you seek an editor as soon as you've finished the first draft? Do you wait until you've gathered X number of rejections from agents? Or should you keep revising and submitting until an editor says she'd be willing to consider a revised manuscript?Mark Troyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10746027017657987261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-56775701963024872132008-11-28T15:13:00.000-07:002008-11-28T15:13:00.000-07:00This is all great info! I haven't submitted my wor...This is all great info! I haven't submitted my work for professional editing yet, although I am in several different writers' groups. It makes me feel more comfortable knowing the motivations behind the editors' words.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-28604526848738955592008-11-28T14:37:00.000-07:002008-11-28T14:37:00.000-07:00Most editors would not recommend you cut a charact...Most editors would not recommend you cut a character, for example, without giving a reason why they feel it's necessary. If you disagree with their advice or their reasoning, you can decide to ignore the advice, re-read your manuscript with their reasoning in mind to see if you still disagree, or have someone else read it. But it really is up to you.<BR/><BR/>However...you must have chosen this editor because you trust her judgment, so I always recommend that if you disagree with something she says, take a few days to let your emotions simmer before you reject the idea totally. And if you still are opposed, talk to her and get more information.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-25695454214545225972008-11-28T12:08:00.000-07:002008-11-28T12:08:00.000-07:00As a writer, every time an editor gives suggestion...As a writer, every time an editor gives suggestions, I look very carefully at the section raising questions in the the editor's mind. I may not use the editor's suggestions at all, but I've often revised so that the editor no longer sees a problem. A few times, I've said, "But that would change the whole theme, the story."<BR/><BR/>As an editor, if an author doesn't agree, I explain the problem I see and ask how the author would change that scene, sentence, paragraph to make it clear to the reader. Often that solves everything.<BR/><BR/>As an editor for a publisher, if an author refuses to make needed changes, the manuscript is rejected.<BR/><BR/>Vivian<BR/>http://vivianzabel.blotspot.comVivian Zabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06129178812565073972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-89625773704944437682008-11-28T09:56:00.000-07:002008-11-28T09:56:00.000-07:00That's why it's so important to get the right edit...That's why it's so important to get the right editor to review your work. a good way to find one is through someone else who has successfully published a book.<BR/><BR/>Morgan Mandel<BR/>http://morganmandel.blogspot.com<BR/>http://www.morganmandel.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-81932950396115121752008-11-28T09:52:00.000-07:002008-11-28T09:52:00.000-07:00Great post! This is something that we talk about f...Great post! This is something that we talk about frequently in my writer's group. As a writer, I think it is important to trust your instincts if you feel edits alter something fundamental in your narrative, but you have to be reasonable. When we critique in my writer's group, we make a point to not take things personally. Edits and commentary are about the story, not you. But, it's hard to remember that sometimes when you feel like your story is your baby. It is important to understand the motives of your editor though. Sometimes changes make more sense once they've been explained.Kara Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17138568589340791297noreply@blogger.com