Am I close to an offer or just dreaming?

From what I have been told, this happens a lot, but that is not to say it can not lead to them buying the book.

My thoughts, they want to see if you understand what the editor is looking for and if you are capable of refining to their standards. They point out things in the excerpts they choose, have you fix in your own style and if they feel you understood what they want, then they have a notion of your working ability.

After all, it does not help an editor if she points out 6 issues she wants corrected and when she gets the corrections back you totally did not understand what she was refering too. Multiple edits waste time and cost the publisher...

Or so I have been told...

It's a very, very good sign. BUT, and it is a big but, it doesn't automatically mean an offer will follow. So, be optimistic, but they still have to like the changes you make, and the book as a whole. And if it's one editor, pre-acquisitions board, that's one thing. But if it's post acquisitions, that's another.

Honestly, ask your agent what this means and how optimistic to be. He/She should be able to give you more specific advice than those of us who don't know the specifics of your situation and the editor/house involved.

But good luck!

~suki

That's very exciting! You're close for sure, but not there just yet. This happened to me and it fell through. As difficult as that's been, I still know that I almost made it - and that I'm not done yet.

Hang in there and keep us posted! Best of luck!

Paranormal_Writer said:

My question is, does this happen to a lot to authors, ie revisions before an offer is made? And if so, how often does the publisher ask the author to do revisions on the MS, and then reject it?


Thanks!

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Many first time novelists are asked to do revisions before acceptance, usually under teh guiding hand of an editor.

How often do such novels get rejected, even after the revision? I'm not sure it's possible to put a number on it. Such things are on a case by case basis.

But I will say that if you do your part, chances are very high that you'll get an offer.

Paranormal_Writer said:

Thanks thothguard51 and Suki for your replies.

Suki, I don't know if its been to the acquisitions board yet, all I know is that she is the executive editor. That's quite high up isn't it?

I guess I will know more when she actually contacts me. (My agent said she's going to soon). Can't wait to know what she wants me to change. I love doing revisions. Is that weird of me lol?

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Yup, if the executive editor is asking for some revisions, it's a very good sign.

Relax and listen to the requests, and then mull them over and make sure you agree, talk to your agent, etc. Then, if you agree, good luck.


~suki

Paranormal_Writer said:

I love doing revisions. Is that weird of me lol?

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I love revisions, too. My close call didn't work out, but the revisions ended up being something I (and my agent) loved, so it's still got legs.

Six of probably the longest months of my life. But my agent has a very cautious nature. She's really good, but she's operating on a plan that does not lob it around. It's hard not to scream, "JUST GO! SEND IT TO EVERYBODY! AAAAAGGGGHHHHH!"

Of course, I don't. I'm a very nice client.

Well, editors are the first step. They usually have to pitch to two other groups of people to decide whether it goes or not, so if an editor likes a book, they'll frequently work with the writer to make it as good as possible so they have the best chance at getting an offer approved.

I can only speak from my experience, but I'd say that if it's like what happened to me, you're one step closer than you were before; clearly they liked it enough to want another look, and/or see if they can work with you. I'd only be repeating what others have already said if I went any further, except one thing needs to be said again: this is good! Best of luck and keep your fingers crossed.

Always a good sign when this happens. See the edits through. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Tri

Paranormal_Writer said:

If you don't mind me asking, what happened in your experience? Did you get an offer?

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Yeah - eventually I got an offer after re-writing the entire book! I just signed the contract and am waiting for the lead editor to countersign. But it easily could have gone the other way; just do your best and the rest is out of your hands.

keep us updated.

Paranormal writers, this is wonderful news! Please do keep us updated during this process!

I'd view this as a terrific and hopeful situation. I think you should, too.

Best of luck!

Paranormal,
I'm in the same spot. What I can add to this discussion is that my very experienced agent said in days past, the editor would have just bought it and worked with you. These days it's this kind of market, with hoops for you to jump through. I did most of the edits suggested, and changed some very essential elements of the book. There were things I felt were not right to change, though. So, for me, it is a good, new version, thanks to the rewrite, but one that could still use an editor's hand in. Agent and I agreed on that, that if the editor wants more changes, it should be a deal this time.

Unlike some posters here, my book isn't doing that 5-days-on-sub-and-here-comes-the-auction thing. It's a risky book, and I'm looking for a house that wants to back my risk all the way. But who doesn't?
As far as will we be successful, let's find out what tburger does for good luck.

cagedrobin said:

What I can add to this discussion is that my very experienced agent said in days past, the editor would have just bought it and worked with you. These days it's this kind of market, with hoops for you to jump through.

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Yep. My agent said that even as recently as a couple of years ago, this sort of thing didn't happen.

Best of luck, cagedrobin. Hope it works out! (And sooner rather than later.)

Paranormal,
It's been going like this: The book was submitted last winter; the editor sent a note, very detailed and long to agent about likes/dislikes. Agent set up a call with the editor. (I liked that the agent took a role in the conversation.) Editor phoned me after that, at a time we agreed on through my agent. I liked the call, liked getting to ask questions and discuss options, and I really liked the editor--smart and articulate and clear. After I reworked I ran the rewrite by the agent (total rewrite time 2 weeks), who sent along the ms. Now, it's been a month. Editor was nudged about a week ago, promised a read.
Every Monday I think: Surely today is the day! And then Friday rolls around.
It's Monday. Blah.
I have a couple of other editors also reading--I know that's excellent, but I'm soooo ready for some kind of response. . . It takes FOREVER.
Paranormal: Set up that call as soon as you can. Before the editor forgets your book. This was my agent's good advice.

Perks: Thanks for seconding my experience. It's a tough market even though we hear these Amazing stories about getting an agent, adding water and stirring, and having an instant auction!