The ink has dried on your debut novel, contracted by publisher Good News. You’ve received a check for advances. The confetti from your congratulations party still litters your kitchen floor.
Then an e-mail arrives from Good News:
Hello, _______. Hope you’re doing great! Attached please find a revision memo and an attached book file with comments highlighted throughout the manuscript.
Please read through the work and contemplate the changes we feel necessary to take this book to the next level. Feel free to contact us with any questions. Please e-mail a revised draft by ___________.
We are excited about this opportunity to work with you.
What are they saying, in words you understand?
WE LOVE IT, IT’S PERFECT, NOW CHANGE IT! Or, if you tend to take things personally:
Numb fingers somehow work well enough for you to save the file. You scan the memo, then translate into words you understand.
Kill off one character, or at least his/her point of view. (I had to kill a point of view in Bayou, an officer of the court, NO LESS!)
Cut or slash huge chunks of Chapters 1 and 2.
Write a prologue.
Change the ending.
Age a character miraculously.
I won’t bother to tell you about the ”little things,” like deletions, setting switches, language adjustments. (This is but a sampling of the suggestions you might receive in such memo.)
With one revision memo, your baby has traveled through a paper shredder, which makes you want to do something…
You don’t want to do that, do you? So what CAN you do?
Pray. Scream. Cry. Pray. Call your husband. Your mother. Whoever will sympathize with you. Pray. E-mail your agent. Pray. Schedule a phone appointment. Listen to what she (he) says.
Which probably will be something like this. “They are probably right. And you are probably wrong and need to make the changes.”
Then accept the fact that all of them are probably right. And you are probably wrong. (If you are lucky, your husband and your mother may stick with you on this one. Give them a kiss and move on.)
How do you handle a rejection of another kind?
Print out the revision memo. Read it. Then let it percolate into your brain like a deep soak of a garden. Stretch your brain to CONSIDER the possibilities. As my critique partner Sara has said, “Now, stick with me for a minute here.” (That forecasts a MAJOR change.) You know what? She’s usually right.
Publishers have a knack for cutting chaff. For pruning to increase blossoms. Their experience and use of wide-angle and telephoto lenses allow different views than your smudged and scratched sunglasses.
Visit back Friday for Part 2 of “We Love It, It’s Perfect, Now Change It!”
1 Peter 2:13-16 (King James Version)
13Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
QUESTIONS: Whatever your artistic bent, do you enjoy collaborative efforts or prefer to practice your talent in any way that you choose?
Do you go the critique partner route or fly solo?
Do you take criticism easily or struggle when others make negative comments about your work (even constructively)?
I’m learning to listen and to try whatever is suggestion. Often it gives me a perspective I never expected and makes the story better!
“CONSIDER the possibilities” If only I would do this more often instead of brooding or throwing my own pitty parties.
I think I take critiques seriously but easily. Cute post and so true! I’ve been able to get glimpses of two writers’ revision letters. Ouch. I’m trying to toughen my skin before my day comes.
And aging the character miraculously… I’d love to hear how you did that!
This is why I write, for others to read. So I like considering critiques because I want to know what, exactly, my words accomplished. Trusted readers’ input means a lot to me, showing me if or how I reached my audience, and where I might need to strengthen that intended connection.
My response to criticism, constructive or otherwise, depends on where it is coming from. Respected critique partners and other writers, no problem. Might have to work through some things to swallow it all, but I know they are helping me to improve. Close family, not really a problem either, even if I think we are on different pages about things. I always consider the input and may or may not do anything about it. I do struggle, and am tempted to get defensive with criticism from those people that I am ‘walking in love’ with, the ones that are prickly and hard to deal with. Confess to be a work in progress in all areas, that one included.
I like working on my own, but I do also enjoy collaborative efforts, if I think that we’d work well together and feel led in that direction. So what are you saying Patti, you want to write a book with me? Let’s get our genius friend Jeanette in on it too!
Ha! “It’s perfect but change it.” LOL!
My last manuscript had minor edits except for one scene that the editor said HAD to be changed (although she said she loved it) I really struggled because I loved that scene and changing it–in my opinion–made it less funny.
But after I sat on it for a while, I realized I had to be professional about it and do what they asked to the best of my ability.
I rewrote it, and now I love the new scene even more! (and so does my editor)
Kristen, what a wonderful attitude to bring to the table!!! Proud of you!
Journaling woman, for me it’s been a discipline, like letting God renew your mind!
Jessica, LOVE your skin-toughening exercise! Gulp. Have not gotten to the Home for Unwed Mothers scene yet, where dear Dee will actually sip from the elixir of the Fountain of Youth. Sigh. I wrote this post when way too groggy! Dear Dee will go from nearly forty to around 25 or 26!!!!
I have a love hate relationship with being critiqued. While on the one hand I’ve grown the most from having my entire manuscript professionally critiqued, I must admit the experience was painful (emotionally). Even though I’ve had tons of critiques over the years, it still doesn’t get any easier for me. I’ve found that once I give myself time to relax and move my emotions aside, I’m able to see the truth in a critique and apply myself to improving my work. It still isn’t easy, but it’s so rewarding to see growth and improvement.
I like feedback and I have critique partners. I’ll admit to the initial sting–that oh so constant reminder I’m not perfect, but ultimately I swell with gratitude b/c it’s all moving me toward improvement.
~ Wendy
I like have a critique partner – not so much into larger groups but I do enjoy feedback. Often they are right about suggested changes. I’ve learned so much from getting editorial edits back from my agent. Unfortunately I’m not yet in your position with getting revision notes from a publisher, but I can understand your initial reaction. That’s your baby. It’s perfect. I guess its a balance of trusting their knowledge as well as your own instincts.
I need critiques. I need input. I don’t always like them. They translate into work, extra work, and piles of work. However…
I want to grow as a writer, a Believer in Jesus and a person more than I want to avoid work.
If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Right?
Now, tell me this when I get my revision letter. I can say it now because I haven’t arrived yet where you are.
I love you, Patti, for sharing your soul with us. That endears you to me.
Sharon and Wendy, oh, y’all both put it well. It’s those love/hate relationships that REALLY need God’s refereeing hand, huh??? I’m thinking of that rod and that staff “comforting.”
Wanted to clear up any misunderstanding. I “created” a revision memo based on the three that I’ve gotten plus several others I’ve gotten “peeks” at via writer friends. The ones I’ve seen have also been called Evaluation Memos.
Persevere, ladies, knowing critique partner comments could NOT be as intense as those from my first novel. Um, did I share that there were at LEAST FOUR edits on An Irishwoman’s Tale? And still…sigh…many things I wish I could change. Like THE ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can take constructive criticism, I just don’t like it. lol. Seriously, it depends on who the criticism is coming from. If it is someone who I know wants to help me improve, it is much easier to deal with.
I try to listen/consider after the initial shock. The realization finally hit me that no matter how much I revise, re-write, and toil over these manuscripts, editors will want changes.
I’m collaborating on a project now, but it’s in the early stages. Anyone out there have any suggestions on how to do this successfully?
Blessings,
Susan
I needed this Patti! I’m entering a period in my life where I finally understand the power in submission. Praise Jesus!
I have something for you at my place!
Nice! My crit. partners always help my book. I try to keep an open mind with all suggestions.
Pam, what is it about your voice!! Funny. But real. Yes, I laugh out loud when I scroll onto your post!!
Susan, you are SOOOO right. Are you talking suggestions on collaboration? If so, e-mail me–you’ve got it, but here goes–at patti@pattilacy.com and I’ll send you the name of two critique partners who are doing this VERY successfully!!!
Tamika…then you are WAY ahead of ME on this!!! Perhaps you can be the teacher!!!
Will head over!!!
Hi, Patty! Thanks for visiting me at Book Dreaming. I’m thrilled that you popped over from Tamika’s. The Carl books are my daughter’s (5 y.o.) favorites right now – she loves them! I also have many of Faith Ringgold’s books. Her artwork is amazing. I look forward to getting to know you better.
Shannon, so glad to connect with a GREAT bloggite! The network expands.
Folks, if you haven’t met Shannon, DON’T MISS her great spot, http://www.shannonkodonnell.blogspot.com. It’ll set your heart aflutter!!!
Hmmm…I don’t think I’m ready to write for real.
-FringeGirl
FringeGirl, what are you talking about? You DO write for real! I chatted with a writer friend about that today. If you are writing for God, it’s FOR REAL!!!
Hey, I read your blog. Can’t fool me!