There comes a time in every writer’s life when they must say good-bye to an editor. Usually it’s when the editor has decided to move on to something new. This past weekend I was approached by two writer’s at different stages of their careers that wanted to know if they should break up with their editor and/or agent.
The first writer is currently under a four book contract with a large NY publishing house. Her agent seems to be getting ready to retire. While said agent hasn’t confirmed the retirement all signs point in that direction. This writer is in a quandary because she knows there is so much that could be done to increase her sales, but her agent just isn’t doing her job. She doesn’t know if she should start shopping for a new agent or wait it out. The agent has rights to the four books. Only two are published at this point.
The way I see it she’s losing sales. Her blood, sweat, and tears are not getting the perks she should see from her agent. Another friend and I suggested she ask the agent point blank her plans for retirement and if she should start looking for another agent. It’s only fair that the agent give her a timeline. If the agent doesn’t give her any information, maybe it is time to part ways. I’d like to know what you think.
The other is a writing duo. They are working on their second ebook and their second editor. This editor is a writer’s nightmare. She is telling them what words to use and has basically made them rewrite the entire story. Now when they were offered the contract, the publisher stated there would be minimal changes needed on their part.
When does an editor go too far? When is it time for the author to step up and say, “Hey I’m not making these changes.” Personally, I didn’t get good vibes from this situation from the beginning. They were offered a contract in May, received cover art in June and then heard nothing from the publisher for months. Their emails went unanswered. Then one day the publisher reappeared and said they now have an editor for the book. Things only progressed downhill from there.
I advised them to consider opting out of their contract when the publisher went MIA, but because they are new to the business they didn’t want to rock any boats. I understand that, because I’m still learning myself. But I’m sorry at what cost is publication worth it?
Edits are one thing, but re-writing an entire story to fit the editor’s needs doesn’t bode well with me. Seriously, at this point is it still my story or the editors?
I’d be interested in your thoughts on this subject.
P.S. Check out my guest author Raine Delight and her cool contest over at my blog today: http://amberskyze.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
.jpg)
I think it's inevitable that authors will change editors and agents as their careers grow, just as agents and editors move on. It's part of the (painful) process of publishing.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck--
Adele
Amber I loved this blog!
ReplyDeleteEditing is such an intimate act of trust and respect. A writer and an editor must be a good match for the process to work. I would ask your friends who write as a duo-have they read any of their editor's work? Do they like the results she has gotten with other authors? If they like the work they need to ask the hard question-do we need to make changes to grow as authors? If they don't like the quality of work-they need to leave. It's real simple-take the time to study your editor's style and competency level and decide if you can learn from him or her. I ordered and read books that my new editor had worked on so I had some idea what to expect from her and I contacted authors who had worked with her in the past. It's an important relationship so do some research.
I hope someone can give us some advice about agents!
XXOO Kat
I agree Kat and yes, I'd love advice on the agents! :)
ReplyDeleteYou give good advice. Opted out of the contract with both seems like the way to go. If the agent isn't doing anything and is going to retire, why stay connected? And, it the publisher doesn't keep in touch with you, why would you stay with that company?
ReplyDeleteWow. I feel for your friends. Been there, done that. Not easy.
ReplyDeleteI don't have an agent, but it seems to me it would be mandatory to be able to communicate with them. The agent and author should be a team working towards the common goal of successful publication.
ReplyDeleteI DO have experience with switching editors. It was not an easy transition for me. My second editor was brutally honest with what she felt were my short comings and it was hard to hear. After licking my wounds for a bit, I studied her comments and took the time to further educate myself before tackling the edits. The result was a far better book than the one I had originally submitted. 98% of her suggested changes, additions and deletions were absolutely valid. Concerning the other 2%, which I felt would change my voice or vision, I respectfully explained my reasons for wanting to keep them in the finished product. The process, though difficult, pushed me to become a better author, and I'm incredibly grateful my editor invested her time in my work - ultimately, won't we both reap the rewards?
Yes, I believe with the right editor we would reap the rewards. I'm hoping this editor does make it a stronger book for them. I'd hate to see their story get lost. :)
ReplyDeleteAn editor can not be a "yes man" to the author's self-perceived perfection. I have my own voice, and I have a very definite style. It is hard for me to ratchet back on the style for a publisher/editor who feels that is not what she wants to see in her finished work...and believe me, if the publisher is also your editor, you do what you must to get that work published...even if it means dumping 50% of your story, or doing a 100% rewrite. It's all part and parcel of the business. If you are writing for your own pleasure, then fine...defend your position to the death. Be ready to have your book removed from the release schedule, or to have a book that you are utterly thrilled with, but doesn't sell well. When you get to be a big name in this business, you will STILL be edited. LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh absolutely, Fran. I think what has gotten lost is this editor is rewriting the book. She's dictating what words to use, what dialogue, description. She just wants them to hit accept changes. In my opinion I would take the book to another publisher and do edits properly.
ReplyDelete