Revisions

[justine_currie]

From Rachelle Gardner - The Revision Letter.

Some of you may wonder, what exactly does that letter address? Simply put, it addresses whatever your particular book needs to make it the best it can be. But to be a little more specific, here is a rundown of SOME of the things your editor may look at.

A good thing to keep in mind as you feel crushed by all the proposed changes: "Sometimes people ask how it could be that an agent or editor would believe in a project enough to take it on, yet request so many editorial changes. The answer is twofold. First, we specialize in seeing potential - reading between the lines, as it were. Second, we might love a manuscript, but we almost always know some ways to make it even better. It's just what we do."

Maybe that'll lessen the blow. Probably not, but one can always hope. :)

Comments

[subtlefire.livejournal.com]

This is really useful for me as a beta, too. Not being a writer myself, I especially need to be aware of these things when working on a story. Thank you.

[justine-currie.livejournal.com]

Yup. Lots of good stuff in there for writers and editors/betas.

You're welcome. :)

[libby-drew.livejournal.com]

Getting edits back can be both painful and exciting. :D Having faith in your editors does soften the blow. Sometimes. ;)

[justine-currie.livejournal.com]

I shall keep that in mind. :)

I've had mixed responses. I would imagine having faith in the editor would go a long way.