tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post8259791647544502322..comments2024-03-28T10:41:26.999-06:00Comments on Blood-Red Pencil: Enjoy Your Independence at Ask the Editor Free-For-AllDanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-33521187747966719082011-07-27T07:11:45.871-06:002011-07-27T07:11:45.871-06:00John:
Very few adults can afford to work as advanc...John:<br />Very few adults can afford to work as advance readers for agents, yet this low-paying job is a great way for a college grad to break into the publishing field. Why? The sheer bulk of material is an education in itself. Imagine if you could:<br />1) Read several dozen queries a day.<br />2) Read several dozen or more partials a week.<br />3) Receive guidance from a mentor agent who has specific interests and needs.<br />It would only take you a few weeks to sort the weeds from the wildflowers, and gain the confidence to pass on those wildflowers to your boss knowing she could sell them and watch them grow.<br /><br />If you don't believe me, perhaps you haven't done enough critiquing of your fellow authors yet. By the time you have several dozen full novel critiques under your belt, you too should have a better feel for quality material in the genres you like. You'll get a better sense of what works and what doesn't as concerns queries and cover letters.<br /><br />Hold on to your cynicism if it works for you. But I'm not so sure it will change anything. Many of these editorial assistants go on to represent their own clients. They are sharp. It behooves you to make them your friends.Kathryn Crafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08371458857187160425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-47727086263019079742011-07-27T04:19:52.154-06:002011-07-27T04:19:52.154-06:00How do you present a manuscript to an agent, knowi...How do you present a manuscript to an agent, knowing full well that - if the package is opened at all - the covering letter will be speed-read by a college intern and then tossed into the slush pile at the first hard word?<br /><br />Do we hide dollar bills in the pages, to encourage folk to turn them? Should our covering letter promise a $50 cash reward if the agent sends us a rejection letter in a timely fashion - say, within twelve months?John Yeomanhttp://www.writers-village.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-26133745817081435892011-07-06T10:44:49.955-06:002011-07-06T10:44:49.955-06:00To Almostvoid, I would add this to the comments al...To Almostvoid, I would add this to the comments already addressing the issues he or she raised. I think perhaps the books that ended up boorish with one-dimensional characters, etc, had more to do with he quality of the writing as opposed to the quality of the editing. <br /><br />As a freelance editor, I get material that spans the gap between beginner and professional when it comes to the writing. Some of the beginners are not willing to do the work involved to turn dull prose into good prose or dull characters into strong characters, or trite dialogue into sharp dialogue. <br /><br />I agree with Morgan and her caution about avoiding an editor for your book. I will hire an editor for the book I am working on now. I don't trust my ability to edit my own work and believe every book should have a fresh pair of eyes look at it, if for no other reason than to catch typos and other small errors.Maryannwriteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09479027709233807149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-2562143587148701692011-07-06T10:28:20.027-06:002011-07-06T10:28:20.027-06:00This is a reposting because my original post has n...This is a reposting because my original post has not shown up.<br /><br />Almostvoid, your skepticism about editors has an unfortunate basis in some cases. Anybody can hang out a "shingle" and say, "I am an editor." Credentials are not required; and the end result for the writer, who has likely paid a significant amount of money for the service, can range from fantastic to atrocious. Ironically, one who falsely claims to be a trained and licensed physician will probably go to prison; but one who falsely claims to be a competent editor will probably chuckle all the way to the bank.<br /><br />In all fairness, however, let's examine the other side of that coin. Great editing is intense work requiring multiple skills that many people lack. No doubt with that in mind, the Editorial Freelancers Association provides flexible pricing guidelines that reasonably compensate a good editor for the hard work required to polish a manuscript to professional quality. <br /><br />Have you priced a competent attorney lately? How much do you pay your doctor, calculated on an hourly basis? $600 or more per hour? A competent professional editor is equally well trained in his/her field (but far less expensive) and often does the work of a book doctor in transforming an unmarketable or mediocre manuscript into a potential bestseller. Even excellent writers require editors because they are too close to their work to see its flaws.<br /><br />Numerous freelance editors with great credentials in terms of manuscipts extremely well edited do exist. Maligning the profession as a whole because an author (or some authors) you've read has not taken the time and effort to find the right editor - or has chosen not to use an editor at all - gives an undeserved bad name to the significant number of excellent ones among our ranks and contributes significantly to the shoddy reputation of self-published and independently published books. Many of us work very hard to give non-traditionally (as well as traditionally) published writers quality editing that currently exceeds that of the big houses. Please help us to help all writers value themselves and their works, as well as the works of others, by engaging a competent editor. Your efforts in this regard, as well as those of fellow writers, will help to legitimatize this new branch of a proud old industry (publishing) that is fading into oblivion in the onslaught of technology that permits anyone to bypass the selection process that, in the past, offered some guarantee of a good read. <br /><br />For authors on limited budgets, Kathryn Craft offers some excellent suggestions above. Never does a good reason exist to circumvent the vital editing process in the creation of a book that deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best.Linda Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16056682992943171805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-67327696162436065822011-07-06T10:06:54.308-06:002011-07-06T10:06:54.308-06:00To almostvoid -
You may regret your decision. Unle...To almostvoid -<br />You may regret your decision. Unless you are very gifted, you won't catch all your mistakes. I've gone through my manuscripts countless times, yet my editor always surprises me by what she finds. Also, she gives me insights I hadn't thought of, but the readers probably would. <br /><br />Once you get a bad reputation as an author, readers will steer clear of your books, so be careful.<br /><br />Also, remember you don't have to agree with everything an editor says. If you feel strongly about something, stick to your guns. <br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-73820519165811504522011-07-06T04:39:58.629-06:002011-07-06T04:39:58.629-06:00I have my doubts about editors. I remember a PhD s...I have my doubts about editors. I remember a PhD student who rewrote his thesis so many times he said it ended up exactly how it started! Then we all know how some books are a mess which makes one wonder about editors as well. As in that awful book DVC. Where was the editor? And lastly so many 'edited' books end up so boringly anodyne, parochial and predictable in both form, content and plot. Never mind the one dimensional characters and half dimensional plots. I reckon the author knows best. I mean if one has a picture in gallery the owner doesn't say: move this tree, blot out that bush etc. And lastlastly last: editors cost a fortune. I am taking my chances at Lulu.com et.alAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-31452368153268829262011-07-05T22:13:04.962-06:002011-07-05T22:13:04.962-06:00Right now I'm in the midst of my edits on Fore...Right now I'm in the midst of my edits on Forever Young-Blessing or Curse, for which Helen Ginger is my editor. Along with my usual nitpicking when I write, I went through the manuscript twice for editing before sending it to Helen. After sending it to her, she found many instances of words not spelled right, which I'd completely overlooked, plus certain style errors, about which I will now be conscious of. Also, she raised plot questions which I'll make sure to answer in the manuscript. That's because if she doesn't understand what's going on, there's a good chance the reader won't either.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />If you're 50 or over, come on over to my new blog at <br />http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-59260490525744800062011-07-05T20:48:33.678-06:002011-07-05T20:48:33.678-06:00Sorry for coming to the forum so late, but I still...Sorry for coming to the forum so late, but I still had company all day today, so I was not "at work."<br /><br />Most of the questions have been answered and I agree with what my fellow editors here have said. I did note that nobody answered yours about the series, Kate. I think two things can determine if a series is over: Are you still excited about working with these characters? And what has the feedback been from readers? Has there been an indication that they are interested in more stories with some of these characters? The mystery writer, Dennis Lehane said he stopped his series because he just didn't have any enthusiasm for those characters any more.Maryannwriteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09479027709233807149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-43065096990153406702011-07-05T19:46:59.821-06:002011-07-05T19:46:59.821-06:00JK: Yes, you need an editor! Linda Lane already le...JK: Yes, you need an editor! Linda Lane already left really good advice today about finding an editor, so I'll concentrate on how you can find one on the cheap.<br /><br />1) Try looking in the midwest and mountain areas of the country, away from the big cities. Good editors live everywhere but their ability to get paid well for what they do is often regional. We were just talking about this lately in our BRP office: you'll pay a much higher rate near New York City than you would in a small Colorado town, for instance.<br /><br />2) Full manuscript swap. Are you talented in critiquing, even if not at the level of a professional edit? An editor who is also a writer might agree to give you a discount if you offered feedback on a manuscript of hers.<br /><br />3) Bartering. Do you have any service you could offer in place of money? One time a nurse came to me for a resume but she couldn't afford my rates. Turns out, though, she had been learning how to wield a chain saw, and had all the safety equipment. I was a new widow with a huge branch dangling over my driveway. She cut up the branch, I did the resume, and we both walked away believing we'd gotten the better end of the deal.<br /><br />Good luck!Kathryn Crafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08371458857187160425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-88553131991557260562011-07-05T19:34:54.378-06:002011-07-05T19:34:54.378-06:00Anon E: I once took a fascinating workshop in char...Anon E: I once took a fascinating workshop in character voice with Karen E. Quinones Miller. She said that even she and her twin sister sound completely different! She had two of us stand up and say a few things about where we live and the differences were remarkable. So in addition to the character sketch Linda suggests, which is wonderful advice, listening carefully and taking notes on the different ways people express themselves is great training.Kathryn Crafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08371458857187160425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-10023010494861816362011-07-05T18:18:48.504-06:002011-07-05T18:18:48.504-06:00Anon E: Voice often comes out of a character sketc...Anon E: Voice often comes out of a character sketch. That's the value of detailed sketches. Once you have in front of you the lineage, place of birth, where the character grew up and went to school, personality traits, likes and dislikes, and idiocyncracies, he/she becomes a three-dimensional being. Voice, then, is a natural outgrowth of this beingLinda Lanehttp://www.denvereditor.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-1023146796303608922011-07-05T17:29:38.935-06:002011-07-05T17:29:38.935-06:00Is it too late to post a question?
Mine: What'...Is it too late to post a question?<br /><br />Mine: What's the best way to find a voice for your character. I write ensembles and each character has his or her own personality, but it's difficult to get them to sound like individual characters and not the same. Also good to know how to detach your own voice from the characters.<br /><br />An,<br /><br />crazyjesusfreaks.blogspot.comAnon E.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879707320934683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-23462302818772379362011-07-05T16:40:27.240-06:002011-07-05T16:40:27.240-06:00Hi Morgan, thanks for providing this forum. I have...Hi Morgan, thanks for providing this forum. I have a question about series books. I wrote a traditional (sort of) Regency romance that has now turned into a series of three books. I am wondering whether I should consider writing a 4th book if a good idea arises or if I should just cut it off. Do you think readerss are too reluctant to buy books out of order so that it gets harder to interest people in book 4 if they didn't love books 1, 2 & 3?Kate Dolanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09286095357993261335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-19260581423281896702011-07-05T15:13:54.103-06:002011-07-05T15:13:54.103-06:00I'm in the process of getting ready to self-pu...I'm in the process of getting ready to self-publish a YA timetravel, both on B&N and Amazon. However, I need an editor to take a look at this. How do I find an independent editor? I also don't have much money to spend.<br /><br />JoanJ K Mazehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09363961966543630804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-78342241261807511182011-07-05T13:00:51.945-06:002011-07-05T13:00:51.945-06:00Appreciate the feedback, Linda. thanks!
LisaAppreciate the feedback, Linda. thanks!<br />LisaLisa Tomarellihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15387353577959237975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-2005941765560880672011-07-05T12:27:30.960-06:002011-07-05T12:27:30.960-06:00Lisa, Unless a writer needs developmental help wit...Lisa, Unless a writer needs developmental help with a manuscript, I suggest that they send me their "final" draft after they have self-edited it to the best of their ability. Then we work together to polish it into excellence.Linda Lanehttp://www.denvereditor.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-15567200175240487882011-07-05T12:25:00.335-06:002011-07-05T12:25:00.335-06:00Jerry,
It's not always easy to find the right ...Jerry,<br />It's not always easy to find the right editor. Kathryn here is actually versed in memoir editing.<br />I have a memoir to do myself after I finish my current projects.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-49175683078196412412011-07-05T12:14:09.352-06:002011-07-05T12:14:09.352-06:00Sorry for the (almost) duplicate responses to Jerr...Sorry for the (almost) duplicate responses to Jerry. My original one didn't post no matter what I tried, so I rewrote. Now both are here. Needless to say, I am technologically challenged.Linda Lanehttp://www.denvereditor.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-2454366073347120342011-07-05T11:43:00.000-06:002011-07-05T11:43:00.000-06:00Mary Jo:
Like any business, a publishing house has...Mary Jo:<br />Like any business, a publishing house has a business plan and so acquisition editors are typically at the mercy of guidelines set forth in that plan. This may include how many total books they can acquire in a year, how many within each genre, how many by debut authors, etc. Within that range of projects, their manuscript reading experience has taught them much about what kinds of projects and writing styles they have been successful with. All of this has honed their intuition to the point that when they hear your pitch, you either fall within those parameters or not.<br /><br />Too many authors feel that "they" are being rejected, when in effect, their project may simply fall outside of that editor's needs at present. If it's a business decision, why must they "love" it, you might ask. One reason is that they must now pitch your book to an editorial committee at the house. Another is that if the project is ultimately accepted, the editor will be working with you on it for some time to come.Kathryn Crafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08371458857187160425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-5191788165702472152011-07-05T11:26:03.127-06:002011-07-05T11:26:03.127-06:00Thanks Lisa for your kind words! Will let someone ...Thanks Lisa for your kind words! Will let someone else here address your question so you have a well-rounded answer.Kathryn Crafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08371458857187160425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-33152248056137403712011-07-05T11:24:56.374-06:002011-07-05T11:24:56.374-06:00Maggie: You reveal a lot with your use of the word...Maggie: You reveal a lot with your use of the word "dinked." While we can't control the style guide each house or publication uses, we can surrender to that fact. You obviously care about being "correct," and good for you for making it as easy as possible for your copy editor. But there are people in the world who love such picayune detail whose job it will be to standardize your piece to their specifications--that's what a copy editor is for. So instead of feeling "dinked," perhaps you can simply allow for the fact that your piece may need adaptation to fit in.<br /><br />Have you lost work because of these style differences?Kathryn Crafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08371458857187160425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-47502728066436594002011-07-05T09:54:52.819-06:002011-07-05T09:54:52.819-06:00One of the things that drives me nuts is commas. W...One of the things that drives me nuts is commas. Why don't editors and houses have standardized rules for commas in a series? I get dinked on that in my newspaper features too. That and whether to use commas when the person is a Jr or a III.<br /><br />Sheesh. Editing can be so frustrating!<br /><br />Maggie<br /><br />http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.comMaggie Toussainthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12011893139722870283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-36707368155713391322011-07-05T09:12:00.258-06:002011-07-05T09:12:00.258-06:00I have a general question. The RWA convention jus...I have a general question. The RWA convention just ended. How do editors prepare to meet so many authors? Is there a list of questions you ask? Certain storylines get your attention?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mary JoMary Jo Burkehttp://maryjoburke.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-5297469397152713712011-07-05T09:06:43.416-06:002011-07-05T09:06:43.416-06:00This question is for MS editors---those of you who...This question is for MS editors---those of you who want to work with us to fine-tune our project before sending it for publication requests: When is the best time to submit my project for MS clean-up...soon after the first draft is complete, or after several rounds of my own editing efforts? I know, I know---just finish already! ;) I look forward to working with Kathryn Craft, from whom I heard about this blog, to request her editing help when "Gain Faith, Lose Weight" is 'complete enough' for her help! I remain on the long and windy road to completion. I blog at www.gainfaithloseweight.blogspot.comLisa Tomarellihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15387353577959237975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-68594837468167195092011-07-05T08:59:48.645-06:002011-07-05T08:59:48.645-06:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Linda Lanehttp://www.denvereditor.comnoreply@blogger.com