So is this a good thing?

JackinElgin · Nov 23, 2009

So, I’m sitting in my house being awesome (read: playing Modern Warfare 2) when I get an Email from an editor that has my full M.S. This is a respectable editor and I’d love to publish through their house.
I’m not going to post the entire email but in short they said “while you seem to be a natural writer--clear, concise, interesting to read--the structure of your novel is a huge problem.”

The editor then goes into a little detail of three major problems with the novel (none of which I disagree with.) The editor said that they would get with me in an additional 30 days and let me know how they’d like to proceed.

If this editor says they want my main characters to walk around in pink panties then call them J. Edgar Hoover because I’ll do that.

But how should I feel about this new development?

Maxinquaye · Nov 23, 2009

Editors tend to know their stuff. Ask me, I'm one

Joking aside, I'm not sure what you're asking. What to do? Fix the problems. You seem to have 30 days. If that's not enough, write a nice letter explaining that you are delighted to do the changes, but that it will take 60 instead.

veinglory · Nov 23, 2009

I read it that they would talk again and 30 days and that time is provided for the author to think about how to fix those problems--not necessarily get it all done. Seems promising.

ChaosTitan · Nov 23, 2009

It is promising, and I read it the same way as veinglory. It sounds like the editor who provided feedback is keen on working with you, but the higher-ups have doubts. The editor will likely get back to you and let you know if they want you to revise and resubmit, or if they're going to pass.

Judg · Nov 23, 2009

And in the meanwhile, tackle those structural problems. Input like that is pure gold.

Judg who has her own structural problems to tackle.

JeanneTGC · Nov 23, 2009

Tossing in with VG and CT -- sounds like they're going to see if they want to go forward or not. If it were me, I'd spend some time thinking on what the editor doesn't like and try to make the changes, as much as I could, in the deadline.

You lose nothing if they don't go forward, if the suggested changes are going to make your book better.

Phaeal · Nov 23, 2009

If I agreed that the problems were problems, I'd write back to the editor and tell her I was thrilled with her feedback and already starting on potential revisions. Showing her I'm amenable to suggestions AND quick out of the gate.

At the very least, I'd write back with profuse thanks.

JackinElgin · Nov 23, 2009

Phaeal said:
If I agreed that the problems were problems, I'd write back to the editor and tell her I was thrilled with her feedback and already starting on potential revisions. Showing her I'm amenable to suggestions AND quick out of the gate.

At the very least, I'd write back with profuse thanks.

This is what I ended up sending back to her:

Thank you for taking the time to update me on my submission. I eagerly await hearing further about your perspective on my M.S.
I will begin to develop solutions to the problems that you have indicated in your email and will be able to discuss them with you once you have finished your review.
I would like make it clear that I do not have “Golden Word Syndrome” and am open to major changes or a total rewrite if necessary. If you are willing to work with me I am certainly able to work with you.

What I'm going to do is reprint/re-read my M.S. and begin creating a few solutions in an outline format (expanding on characters, restructuring the chain of events, new scenes ect ect.)

I plan to have a list of possible solutions for the editor but I don't want to go making huge outright changes before actually getting some detailed notes. I'd hate to make a bunch of changes and they say "oh wow you made this so much worse!"

Like i said, if they want a change I'll give them whatever they want.

MGraybosch · Nov 23, 2009

JackinElgin said:
But how should I feel about this new development?

I'd say the editor likes it personally, but has no idea if it'll sell. He might be trying to persuade higher-ups that its in their interest to work with you in order to fix the problems with your work so that they can publish it and turn a profit.

Libbie · Nov 23, 2009

that sounds great to me! It's wonderful that they recognize the potential there even though there are structural issues that may turn other editors off.

My advice to you is to take whatever suggestions they make very seriously. (It sounds like you'd be inclined to, anyway.) I've been corresponding with a good agent (no representation yet, but it seems like it's a strong likelihood) and she advised me to cut 20K - 40K from my manuscript. I cut 30K and what do you know, she was right: The book is MUCH, MUCH better with the changes she suggested.

The pros know their stuff.

So is this a good thing?

JackinElgin

back for more

Maxinquaye

That cheeky buggerer

veinglory

volitare nequeo

ChaosTitan

Around

Judg

DISENCHANTED coming soon

JeanneTGC

I am Catwoman...and Gini Koch

Phaeal

Whatever I did, I didn't do it.

JackinElgin

back for more

MGraybosch

Lunch Break Novelist

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

So is this a good thing?

back for more

That cheeky buggerer

volitare nequeo

Around

DISENCHANTED coming soon

I *am* Catwoman...and Gini Koch

Whatever I did, I didn't do it.

back for more

Lunch Break Novelist

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

I am Catwoman...and Gini Koch