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I just wanted to apologize for not delivering the promised post on methods of letting go. Basically, I have had to set my priorities and the ones on the top of the list happen to have everything to do with EditQuest. Because frankly, that has to get done. So in essence I’ve temporarily let go of the things on my “To Let Go” list.
The EQ web copy is finally completed and the ebook on how to get published is just about done. If I could, I’d give you a peek at the theme but I have no clue how. Nothing has been uploaded yet, since there’s still a bit to be done in that respect first.
I’ve been taking longer than expected with the ebook because I’m distracted by all the information people are dishing out lately on their blogs. Everyone’s posting frequently enough that I’m having to admit, once again, I can’t keep up and comment and post here and also get my work done. I must pare down, for now, and I hope no one will think of it as my lack of interest. It’s simply not the case.
In truth, I also find myself feeling a bit contrary lately, torn in different directions as well, and I don’t want that to carry over in my comments. I’m getting a bit frustrated with all the stuff I’m absorbing and I have to remember that this is all pretty much people’s own interpretations of things based on their experiences. To whom do I listen? In whom do I put my trust?
Not whom, but rather what. The answer is my gut.
What’s on my Mind
I’m also finding I haven’t given much thought to many things being discussed, or I just don’t know enough to form a strong opinion that doesn’t constantly waffle back and forth. I’m not one to shy away from admitting when I’m wrong, but it’s frustrating to me to discover that, as usual, I have so much to learn.
Ellen wrote a very thought-provoking post the other day on what it takes to be a writer. While I’ve been editing for a long time now, I yet find myself confused by the difference of opinion out there on what makes a good writer, and what constitutes the publishing process. Everything is based on personal experience, even among publishers and agents.
My biggest concern right now is making sure what I put in my ebook is not simply my own experience. If I wish to help writers get published, I need to broaden the scope of that experience. And at the same time, focus it so that it will not be confusing for others, and balance that with what I believe as an editor and what the nasty truth is about publishing.
Regardless of others’ opinions on writers and writing and publishing and their experiences and what worked for them, there is one absolute. That is this:
Acquistions editors do not buy stories because they are well written.
They buy stories that will give the reader the maximum reader experience, if I may borrow a bit from Kelly. They buy stories that will sell. As always, that is the bottom line. Which seems to mean that what makes a writer good is his ability to write what the editor wants.
You see my conflict here as a copyeditor. All my life I’ve strongly advocated what I feel is good writing, and I don’t necessarily mean by the rules. After all, once you know the rules you can certainly break them.
But the truth seems to be that once you can write a literate sentence, what being a successful writer comes down to (and I cringe here) is your ability to write something the people (including publishers) want. In this case, Ellen was right. All you need, then, is desire to write. And knowledge of what the publishers want. Sounds suspiciously like changing your voice, doesn’t it? Or at least tailoring your writing to what you know will sell? Remember how in school you just wrote what you thought the prof wanted to read so you could get a good mark?
Yeah. That was never me. I wrote what I wanted to read. Because I had a huge problem with being graded. (But that’s another story.) I was lucky that worked for me in all except one class I didn’t give a shit about anyway. I also have long had a very strong opinion on what I think good literature is. And working at a bookstore and a library quickly showed me that either most people have shitty taste or it isn’t about good writing at all.
Publishing isn’t necessarily about great books. It’s about books that sell. Publishing is a business, after all. And unfortunately, so is writing. At least writing to get published. This saddens me to no end. The business aspect, the ugly underbelly of the industry behind the making of beautiful books, is what turned me off and led me to choose against taking the publishing program in BC.
It’s obvious to me, and likely to you, that those two — excellent writing and books that sell — are not necessarily the same thing. Unfortunately, there are scads of rejected brilliant manuscripts because they don’t offer what the people want to read. And there’s an abundance of not-so-brilliant writing that gets accepted on a daily basis.
How do I reconcile my desire as a copyeditor to make writing the best it can be? I don’t believe in an author changing his or her voice to suit what the public wants if they don’t naturally offer it. I don’t believe in changing a writer’s story altogether or adding profit-making bits that may not necessarily fit. I believe in great writing. I believe in producing literature that doesn’t suck. At the same time, I totally believe in helping people get published.
On the edge of the abyss this week, doubting my entire purpose, my use, as a copyeditor, three things occurred to me.
1. Of all the stories that are marketable, the editor WILL choose those that are well written (and this includes having the elements of characters the readers can relate to, having a great plot, etc., not just technically good writing) over those that are not. Thus, writers need to stick out from the crowd to be chosen.
2. I don’t believe in not making something better if it can be improved. Nor do the thousands of copyeditors who successfully exist around the world and who form part of the association to which I proudly belong.
3. There are tons of writers out there with simply a desire to write, as Ellen says. And that’s it. But I don’t believe that’s all you have to have. As mentioned, you at least have to have a good idea that may need tweaking and reining in. They have no connections, no knowledge of how to go about getting published, no idea how to format a manuscript or see that they have great dialogue even if their idea is salable. If their writing is bad but they have a good story, how will they get noticed? Their query letter and book proposal cannot be bad. Those must be well written or the editor or agent won’t even find out there is a winner behind the writer.
What do these three points lead to?
Yes. That I am still needed.
Thus, like a superhero on call, I swirl my cape, sheath my editor’s pencil in my pocket protector (okay, I don’t really have one of those), and raise my ink-stained fist in the air.
To infinity and beyond!
You are *most definitely* needed, Word Girl!
Which is why you and I will be in touch…
(BTW – no need to apologize – this was really good.)
-Brett
Brett: holy cow you are fast! I was thinking this was yet another long post and who is going to read all these long posts?
I can always count on you.
I look forward to working with you on your book.
Thank you.
“ebook on how to get published is just about done”
Congratulations!
“posting frequently… I can’t keep up”
I feel that pain.
“difference of opinion out there on what makes a good writer”
You are a good writer: thoughtful, focused, clear, interesting, organized, good grammar…
“They buy stories that will sell. ”
That is absolutely the bottom line. I have seen many terribly written books be top sellers, which is why I try not to be so hard on myself. There is a market for everything, always someone who will like it. Who will rise to the top is another thing. What will the masses like?
Yes, brilliant writing probably gets rejected quite a bit because the masses can’t relate and aren’t interested.
One brilliantly written book that bored me to tears was Atonement.
“doubting my entire purpose”
I go through this regularly, glad to see I am not alone. Have sort of come to: nothing matters, so do what makes you happy.
Agree with your 1,2,3.
Being a great writer and also appealing to the masses is the key. You don’t have to be a bad writer and you don’t have to be an elitist either — just be a good writer and tell a good story.
Nice tie in with WordGirl.
Just stumbled across your blog. Added it to my “Blog Surfer”. Just wanted to say kudos for the “Word Girl” picture.
Heh heh.
I like the Chimp Sidekick.
EVERYTHING’s better with a Chimp!
First off, Word Girl is awesome. My daughter loves her.
Second, just keep doing what you’re doing. The fact that you question yourself means that you’re not too arrogant to see things from the writer’s perspective.
ScreenwritingforHollywood is right. You just need to be a good writer and tell a good story. Editors can help make a good writer great and a great writer immortal. I’m not sure who said that, but they were probably the bomb.
Steph,
It’s one of those perfect storm things – Friday afternoon + rainy day + RSS + a good post + a speed-reading Brett!
It will be fun to work on this.
-Brett
PS – Friar, you’re so right – a chimp makes everything better. Kind of like bacon. And Viking spiders, with horned helmets.
Steph
I got my eye on you, (when my Basil book is finished and I need some editing).
@ Jaden – thank you once again for your compliments. I’m glad to have your professional perspective as well. “There is a market for everything, always someone who will like it” makes me feel a hell of a lot better for the writers I try to help! I’ve actually quoted you in my ebook on that. I hope you don’t mind. Thanks!
@ Strugglingwriter: Welcome! I’m glad you liked this post. I can’t wait to check out your site. Struggling writers always give me perspective. And maybe I can repay the favour by helping here.
@ Friar: I knew someone would notice the chimp! he’s the opposite to the the evil monkey hiding in my closet…
@ Writer Dad: If I had TV WordGirl would seriously be my favourite show. Word Up!!
@ Brett: My cheese to your bacon. Nothing beats cheese in getting me through the day. LOL!
Oh Friar!!
(Um, I’ve already started…)
strugglingwriter: I’m short on time right now but I started to check out your site as well as your Paul Tales. I’ve already learned some things (how come I didn’t know about HC’s authonomy program?!) and I’m interested in reading more of your writing!
Will revisit soon!
When the Chimp does something good, you gotta make sure Word Girl pats him on the head, and rewards him with a banana pellet.
Otherwise, you’ll just end up with a frustrated angry chimp.
And frustrated angy chimps do NASTY things…
…like flinging objects that should NOT be flung!
Insert chimp scream here: (AECK!!!)
Haha!
This is a civilized site, dammit! No poo-flinging here!
Steph – looking forward to hearing more from you
Stop by anytime!
Steph,
A trip to Borders will show you that bad books get published every day.
And to that I say…Thank Goodness!
It gives me hope!
There is a need for you.
Never let anyone tell you that striving for quality fell out of style. it’s one of the classics.
Steph,
A trip to Borders will show you that bad books get published every day.
And to that I say…Thank Goodness!
It gives me hope!
There is a need for you.
Never let anyone tell you that striving for quality fell out of style. it’s one of the classics.
Steph,
A trip to Borders will show you that bad books get published every day.
And to that I say…Thank Goodness!
It gives me hope!
There is a need for you.
Never let anyone tell you that striving for quality fell out of style. it’s one of the classics.
Steph..
I never said poo.
YOU did…!
@ Friar – you were *thinking* poo…admit it!
@ Steph – as with a lot of creative endeavors these days, it is indeed a business. Cartoons are a business too and I have to remind my readers of that. Everyone thinks it must be a big fun party, but uh…no. It’s a business with sometimes as much bull a widget factory!
That’s why crappy cartoons get made.
But folks do that to pay the rent and do their own work for their art. Sometimes they get to mix the two and that rocks.
You’re on the right track. Help people tell their stories better. They need your help. I’ll be doing the same, but in a slightly different way.
(And yes, monkeys make things funnier. So do penguins. Put a penguin *anywhere*…instant funny.)
Whom do you listen to, and whom do you trust? You are absolutely correct. The answer is our gut. EVERY time.
Steph, I am honored you quote me. To elaborate on that quote…
I look at readers of books like people in relationships, one book might not be right for everyone, but it will surely be right for someone, and some books are right for everyone.
Take famous actors or models, like best selling novels, there are millions of people willing to accept them into their hearts and homes for the perception of their beauty and talents. It is the illusion of perfection and superiority.
A book or a person with a less attractive cover and no marketing is going to have a harder time finding its way into people’s hearts and homes, even if the story and writing style are superior, because it is unfamiliar; it is the stranger.
Even though people like to say, “It’s what is inside that counts,”and “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” those are not the mottoes by which people actually live; they are buying what they are told is cool. Sometimes, what is cool is also good inside.
@ SW: Will do! I have you bookmarked.
@ Wendi: you make me laugh!! What a positive outlook you have, though I doubt anything you write would be bad!
You wrote: “Never let anyone tell you that striving for quality fell out of style.” I like that. I’ve lamented the fact that I’ve thought the opposite, that quality has indeed gone down the tubes, and lesser quality has been accepted now.
@ Friar: Well, if I took down the site a notch in sophistication, it’s your fault!!
All I did was read your mind.
@ Karen JL: I swear the penguins are always the funniest in the animated movies!! I adore them. And in books too. Have you seen Oliver Jeffers’s kids’ books about a boy and a penguin? I LOVE them, and the illustrations rock.
Your message was highly encouraging. I feel a solidarity, then, between you and me. Thank you!
@ UP: I’m starting to really try and focus on that, to become more aware of what my gut is telling me. To trust my intuition or my vibes, or whatever! I’m tired of not listening and then saying, Damn, should’ve listened to my gut!!
@ Jaden: I can’t add to that! Well said!
Thanks so much, everyone, for a great discussion today!
Steph,
I have one word for you….
Cupcake.
@Steph – every time I have ignored my gut, it has turned out bad, bad, bad. No I never ignore it. Trust in the gut, Steph! *smile*
Beth: you mean feed my gut cupcakes?
Yummy!! (Have you given in to the café across the street?)
@ Panther: Right now it’s feeling a little queasy, and I should have listened to it before I made the mistake of drinking a glass of pop, which I NEVER do and which we never have in the house. Usually. Blech!!
Steph,
Thanks for the link in your well written thoughtful thoughts.
I do understand that the publishing biz is all about the bucks and not necessarily about the art. I also know that their are editors like yourself who work for such agencies that do their best to let good writing and ideas get published. And usually find themselves minus a job.
I think your doing a great service to writers and I regard editors such as yourself with the highest esteem.
I really don’t know when the publishing biz will change, it’s becoming harder and harder to get published. I think the only way it will change if the buying public changes what its tastes, what it buys. But you never know, sometimes books come right out of left field that no one could predict would be bestsellers. And this is what agents/editors are always trying to do – predict the next best seller.
I understand your angst keeping up with comments, posting and every thing else you have to do. It’s very hard.
Congrats on all you have accomplised! E
PS and you know I’ll be around soon to read a story. I think I just have Deep River left. Not sure, but I’ll find out!
Word Girl rocks.
I’m happy to see you’re working towards what you want to do. I myself feel a bit contrary most days, so I know how bright and shiny the distractions can be……
Also very cool to hear that you’ll be working with Brett on his book. I’m very eager to read the thing already. Yay!
Hope you’re having a good weekend.
I agree with several thoughts above, including going with your gut, but Writer Dad nailed it for me. I recently formed a writing group that includes published authors, aspiring authors and those who have no writing experience. One of those with no experience fears her writing isn’t up to par. I always tell her – just write. For every writer there is an even better editor.
You have skills and knowledge I will probably never have, and that alone makes you very needed (at least in my eyes!)
Ellen: Uh oh! I hope you keep coming back after the stories are finished! I really wish I could sit down and make time to write more. It’s just currently not a priority, which at the same time feel a little dirty to say!!
Thanks for your compliments and insight.
Amy: I am having a good weekend, thanks! And I hope the same for you. We had a family reunion today that went better than I expected. No incidents. There’s always some sort of incident with my family. Actually, all of it makes such great fodder for stories. If only I have the heart.
I too am excited about working with Brett! I’m so happy to have met such great people on line, not because I’ve made clients but because I get to work with people I like!! If all my new clients are as supportive and understanding as all of you here, I will be a very happy woman.
Stacey: on that note above, thank you for your support and understanding as well! I agree. Just write. Allow it to be bad. It can often be made better. I have to keep telling myself as well when I attempt to write: don’t forget it only has to be a draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect the first time around.
Steph, you are definitely needed. The job of an editor is to help the writer present the best manuscript possible. No one in any genre can successfully predict public opinion – Oscar winning screenwriters bomb at the box office, TV shows with excellent writing don’t last a season. We cannot write to please the public, we can only tell our stories and tell them in the highest quality possible. Great editors don’t guarantee a smashing success but they do make sure that your work is polished and professional. So yes, you are needed!
Coming in later (after yet another weekend away)…
I love how you use the blog to talk out what’s going on in your head. I relate to the feelings and the process you go through. I’m glad you’re continuing with EditQuest and I wanted to add that every agent I’ve ever read says good writing beats out everything else every time for them.
And *those* are the agents I want to work with, not the ones who accept less than stellar writing for the sake of a quick sale.
Swimbert: Thank you very much! WOW!! I mean, where have you people been all my life?? I’ve been so exposed to the opposite! This is seriously like dying and going to heaven!
Alex: Funny, because Colin and I were just discussing my blog last night. He has a real problem with the way I use my blog. He says I focus on all my problems all the time and instead I should be doing something about them, writing about what I want, staying positive. I said I was just thinking aloud, thinking things through, and I do also write about good outcomes or what I think I have to do or think. All my life I’ve had to write to sort out stuff so it’s clear enough to me before I can figure out what to do! Granted, I haven’t spent enough time actually doing that part; I always get distracted by something else! But still, sometimes just writing stuff out sorts out the problems. Not always, but sometimes.
Hey, Girl -
Damn right you’re needed! (What would I — your twin in so many ways — do without you?)
Congrats on finishing your web copy and almost finishing your ebook. You should be really proud
Steph,
I love the idea of copyeditor as hero. It’s nice to think that as you’re holed up all alone trying to fix some sentences.
@ Rebecca (aka my twin): Well, almost proud! I just spent an hour emailing my sister something that should have taken five minutes (re our differences of opinion about family reunions), instead of working on the ebook. I meant to finish it this weekend but then I thought of more to add…
@ Beth: It’s funny, though, because I don’t actually believe an editor is the hero. The writer is the hero, the editor the guide, like Gandalf to Frodo, Obi-Wan or Yoda to Skywalker… The writer is the star, the editor is behind the scenes…
I guess what’s actually superheroish about us is our ability to soldier on for all we believe, when some writers ignore our well-meaning advice and thus make nothing of all the time and effort we just spent or when they stand firm in their refusal to use an editor.