WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK: The smart author is willing to rewrite
I spent the week going over the second drafts of upcoming novels by two authors whose books are on the 2009 Del Rey schedule. Note I said second drafts. These came in in response to long letters requesting changes to the novels’ first drafts. And in response to each of these second drafts, I wrote up still further notes requesting a third and final draft.
These are not baby authors I’m talking about. Each has numerous books to his/her credit. Even so, these authors understand that each new book is a fresh chance to win new readers—or alienate old ones. A smart author will accept valid criticism no matter what the cost in rewrite time.
My thanks to this week’s writers—and you know who you are—for going to the trouble of responding both carefully and cheerfully to my editorial notes. One of my personal maxims is that the manuscript doesn’t exist which does not need editing. Yet we’ve all read published books that could have been so much better with certain changes made. Reviewers and online commentators often say, “Where was the editor?” And it’s true, sometimes the editor hasn’t done a serious job on the book, or hasn’t pushed the author hard enough to make necessary changes.
Other times, though, it’s an author’s stubbornness that results in a less-than-satisfactory finished product. [more after the jump]
Sometimes it’s self-puffery at work. “The ego has landed” was a catchphrase we used around the office to refer to one long-ago writer. Another was so convinced of his own brilliance he would make only the most minor changes in wording; suggestions regarding plotting and characterization were airily brushed aside. When my reservations regarding the manuscript were later voiced by book reviewers, quiet vengeance was mine.
At the end of the day what comes out in print belongs to author, not editor, and so the author always has the final word. But I’ve always found that a partnership effort gives best results. Currently British editor Simon Spanton, agent (and former editor) John Jarrold, Del Rey editorial assistant Kaitlin Heller and myself have all just finished commenting on the first draft of Robert V. S. Redick’s fine The Rats and the Ruling Sea, sequel to the upcoming Del Rey title The Red Wolf Conspiracy (already out in the U.K. from Orion). The author was therefore gang-edited; nevertheless he was grateful for the comments and eager to incorporate them into his next draft. Wise move, Mr. Redick—may success be yours!
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The authors out there who either no longer listen to their editors or whose editors don't push hard enough are plain to see, I think. I could list 10 such writers that consistently drive me crazy now; it is very apparent they aren't edited as strongly as they used to be.
I know how tough you are when it comes to your role as editor-in-chief of Del Rey, Betsy, even on some of the bestselling authors of your imprint. Those I talk to welcome close looks and valid arguments because they they understand publishing is a group effort that only begins with a first draft.
I guess does that make me a self-inflicted sadist, since I want my own book at Del Rey and under your critical eye? Or does that make me just very smart?
Thanks for the insight!
Heh heh heh. The ego has landed. I know to whom you refer. We shall speak of this no further...
And as a writer, I always hope for an excellent editor. There are egos at play there as well sometimes.
Your writers are lucky to have you.
Thanks for that post! Rewriting isn't as much fun as writing, but it's just as necessary. I'm surprised at how much better the third draft of my manuscript is (after input from agents) than the first draft, even though it wasn't fun knowing I'd made mistakes in the first draft and having to iron them out.
I also love the phrase "the ego has landed"!
I sit on both sides of the table in this issue,
as an editor and a writer. I love writers who
take editing suggestions well. I do respect that
it is ultimately their work, but I've yet to
publish a piece that I didn't change in some way.
I wonder if, besides ego, some of these writers are just used to disregarding free critique? I love critique and editing; I rarely come through the experience without feeling as if I've bettered my work.
Good post.
*laughs out loud* I just read this entry aloud to my husband, who said, "Writers are the miners. Editors are the jewelers." I think that's actually an absolutely terrific way to look at it: it is with the editor's keen eye for line and clarity that we writers can go back to what we initially dug up and make it better.
And I'll get that third draft back to you as soon as I possibly can. :)
-Catie
Thanks for the post. I'm looking forward to the day my manuscript is looked at by an editor. I've already learnt I'm too close to my own work to see what needs improving.
I love edits! The only thing more fun than writing my books is talking about my books, with someone who obviously cares enough to spend a lot of time thinking about them and how to make them even better. And finishing the edits, and seeing how much stronger the book is...that's the best part of all.