Monday, November 15, 2010

Listening to Edits: Don't Let 'Em Get You Down

This post has been removed at the request of the guest author.

41 comments:

Jeff Beesler said...

The value of a darned good editor is something reminiscent of a credit card commercial: priceless. The editor who helped to comment on my first novel pointed out that what I was doing wouldn't work. At the time I couldn't see it, but nowadays I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't listened.

K. M. Walton said...

I just worked through revision notes from my editor and I'm submitting the fully revised draft today...this morning. Now, I happen to love revising (I know, I'm a freak), so her many new ideas revved me up. Her notes had a complimentary yet clear/direct feel, which I appreciated, and I loved all of her thinking. This is all new to me and so far, I'm thinking I'm blessed.

Renae said...

I think you have to go about the entire process with the mindset that you and your editor are working together to make the best book possible.
Great post!

M.A. Leslie said...

Congrats on reaching 400. With the advice that you offer it shouldn't take long to reach 500.

Lydia Kang said...

congrats on the 400 mark!
And the editing piece was really insightful, thanks!

Emily White said...

Very good post! And congrats on the milestone!

Tracy said...

Congrats on the 400 followers, Mister Hot-Shot!

I haven't had to work with an editor yet (got to get to that point first), but I'm thinking I'd probably handle it the same way I do with beta critiques. Read through the suggestions & wait 24-48 to let them percolate, before tackling which to agree with and which to question.

I think too many people react on their first instinct -- which no matter who we are, is almost always defensive. Instead of allowing time for the truth of critiques to seep in.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Renae's comment is another priceless element that could be added to Jeffrey's comment. Viewpoint is everything. Mindset is a plus. If someone is working with you, they're intentions are to help make your work shine. This writing and editing thing is way to much work for their intentions to be anything else.

When someone is willing to help me edit my work, I know they give a darn. It's a nice feeling.

LTM said...

yes, good editors work *with* writers to make their work better. The best editors give feedback in a way that nudges creativity to work through problems (i.e., makes revisions a positive process). As in everything, good communication is key~

thanks, guys! :o)

Raquel Byrnes said...

My experience with an editor was overwhelmingly positive. He was very blunt though and that was actually helpful. I had to go into it with the mindset that I wanted his opinion and help and that arguing would serve no purpose other than to derail my mission. I took what he said, decided to keep some changes and disregard others.
Edge of Your Seat Romance

Nicole Zoltack said...

An editor wants to make your book shine. Going into edits with a clear mind and focus for making your book the best it can be makes all the difference. It removes the sting out of editing.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I appreciate the suggestions made by my publisher and editor. There weren't many radical changes and I took most of the recommendations to heart.

Sarah Ahiers said...

400 followers?! That is cah-razy! Look at you go!

Old Kitty said...

Congratulations with your fabulous 400 and growing followers!! yay!!!

And thank you for hositng Mr Hall and Ms Elizabeth!! I hope that one day if the fates so decree I will have a lovely editor all of my own - and if I do I hope to have a great relationship established as described here!

Take care
x

Shannon Messenger said...

Yes, editors are worth their weight in gold. One of the prime reasons I hope to have one of them someday.

Thanks for sharing this post Matt. And congrats on 400!

Elana Johnson said...

Awesome stuff here! There's so much that goes into an editor/author relationship and it has to start on the idea that both want what's best for the project in the end.

And I think I just found a new blog! Inconceivable!

Genissa said...

Great post. Criticism is a tough but crucial thing, that can be pretty rough on the ego. I'm sure the right editor makes all the difference.

And congrats on 400!! That's uh-mazing!

Talli Roland said...

Great post - thank you. It's hard to take feedback without letting it get you down, but really important if you want to get better!

Colene Murphy said...

This was awesome. Will definitely check out their blog. Thanks a buch and congrats on your HUGE numbers!

ali cross said...

Great advice Andrew!

And CONGRATS Matthew on your awesome list of followers (of which I'm proud to say I am ONE!)

DEZMOND said...

Big Congrats on the Big 400! :)

And when it comes to editor, we professional translators usually consider them our greatest nemesis and enemies :) They often change things we put in our translation which isn't a problem when you have a good and equally professional editor, but that happens rarely :(

Unknown said...

Hey Matthew! Great post--very interesting.

And congratulations on winning over on Shannon's blog! She rocks.

IanBontems said...

Good post.

I haven't had the pleasure of working with an editor yet. But I know the feeling when you get back edit notes from a crit partner or an agent.
It hurts.
That chapter or manuscript you thought was so great when you sent it out is now full of red.
But I do know that fresh eyes are one for the best ways to make my story better (especially ones of a trained), and if that's what it takes then that's what I'll do.

Shannon said...

Sage advice. For me, I had to accept that my editor knows more and trust that she has the story's best interest at heart. Thanks for sharing!

Melissa said...

Great post.

Congrats on the 401 followers!!!

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