I love that Glynis, in Cypress, is only person who dared to comment on the last post. Cheers to you, Glynis!
Being a huge fan of Jacqueline Kennedy, I love that she spent 20 years as an editor. I can imagine her sense of style as she midwife'd a manuscript into a masterpiece of literature.
Read the article below and let me know what you think? Would you let (or have you let) someone take a serious hand in the development of your manuscript-to-book? Please post a comment on what it is like to let go enough to let someone mess with your baby. I know it is difficult.
That midwifery is a given for Cactus Rain Publishing, LLC's books. I'm very fast to send packing any author not willing to take direction, since I do (as it turns out) know a thing or two about this industry. I'll content edit a chapter or two before we mention the word contract. I am way past the hand-holding part of life, and all about business when it comes to producing a book that I will put my [Italian made] logo on the cover.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/where-have-all-the-book-editors-gone/article1894501/page1/
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
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Publishers should edit the manuscript, if they feel it is good enough to publish. Certainly Cactus Rain edited ´The Doctor, The Plutocrat, and The Mendacious Minister.´ They made it a much better novel. But it was two way. I didn´t follow up an idea I didn´t agree with. I´ve just completed the follow up. Cactus Rain have told me that they don´t want anyone to look at it before they do. And I agree. There are too many people out there who because they read, think they can write. Editing is a skilled and, for me, valued job.
ReplyDeleteI agree - reading and editing are two completely different skills. There are many writers out there who would not be the million best sellers they are without their editors.
ReplyDeleteHello again. LOL
ReplyDeleteHaving an extra set of eyes can be valuable. Like Glyn I think it also important to fight your own corner. If you allow too many changes by another, then it no longer contains your voice.
However, accepting solid, professional advice is a wise move.
Glynis, it is a balancing act, at best. As a publisher, I want each book to reflect the author's voice, not mine. Just like a child, I believe I should do what I can to give each book its best chance at success, and that means delivering on spot an enjoyable reading experience for its audience.
ReplyDeleteOh Carrie and Glyn, I skipped over your comments. There is certainly a lot to doing content editing. All the details have to fit into the big picture and meet with industry standards for novel writing. But, it is one of my favorite parts of being a publisher.
ReplyDelete