tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post3082466332039075027..comments2024-02-10T03:13:55.366-05:00Comments on Behind The Garden Gate: You Want Fries With That????The Wild Rose Presshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788008988163575341noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-39833837457777404292011-04-17T12:52:55.287-04:002011-04-17T12:52:55.287-04:00I have to admit, when I get edits I can't wait...I have to admit, when I get edits I can't wait to get to them and whip them out pretty fast, unless they're extensive. Now, I don't do it in hopes I'll get an early release date but because that's the way I'm made. I admit, it's important to reread after a rest. <br /><br />And, as another person said, we are professionals, we should act like it in all things related to our work.Linda LaRoquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16672522522233696282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-42791779192058067542011-04-16T00:22:04.956-04:002011-04-16T00:22:04.956-04:00Really informative post. I've found all editor...Really informative post. I've found all editors work differently and at different paces. What I really love at TWRP is, I get to have a "dialogue" with my editors! At the other publishers' I had no edits. They simply took my work and published it. I think there was one question for the first, and two questions for the third. That's it. An author feels sort of at loose ends if she's treated like that. Consequently, I was unable to develop a working relationship with an editor until I came to TWRP. Thanks bunches for the thoughtful attention.Joyce Hendersonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-50208014895981886672011-04-15T19:26:18.210-04:002011-04-15T19:26:18.210-04:00Thank you for this blog! Sometimes things should s...Thank you for this blog! Sometimes things should seem obvious, but we newbies are often so excited at the prospect of publication that we think "the quicker the better" when it comes to editing our work. It's good to know we can take some of the pressure off ourselves (when it comes to time, not quality). I know my editor Christine is a very busy person and I've learned so much from her. This has been a great adventure or me, not to mention a dream come true.Nona Rainesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-32439405867310629282011-04-15T13:40:23.366-04:002011-04-15T13:40:23.366-04:00I love being with TWRP. I've had wonderful edi...I love being with TWRP. I've had wonderful editors: Allison Byers, Kelly Schaub, and Leanne. Each has a different style, but all are easy to work with. Each editor pulled my best from me. I love each of my covers and find TWRP to be like a large family between staff and authors. I haven't found any TWRP books that don't meet high standards. My only complaint personally is I don't get a big, fat advance. LOL You should be proud of TWRP. It is the only publisher about whom I have never heard authors complain. That's quite an accomplishment!Caroline Clemmonshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14914658854159456335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-65640943969330731062011-04-15T06:36:14.270-04:002011-04-15T06:36:14.270-04:00Wow. To say I'm overwhelmed would be an unders...Wow. To say I'm overwhelmed would be an understatement, ladies. Thank you all so much for your supportive comments. I simply posted a few things that have been going through my head and never expected such positive feedback (In fact...after I hit "post" I worried I might need to join Witness Protection, LOL)<br /><br />We really do have the best authors around right here in the garden--and I'm not just talking about talent. You guys are the best.<br /><br />Hugs to all of you!<br /><br />NicNicDarienzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02827861813000817590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-15792893101103683042011-04-15T01:19:35.598-04:002011-04-15T01:19:35.598-04:00I really feel fortunate to be a writer for Wild Ro...I really feel fortunate to be a writer for Wild Rose, and one of my earliest worries has being put to rest each time I read a fellow rose's book. The editing has improved ten-fold making us authors look SOOO good. What more can we ask...great, friendly editors looking after our works of art. We're blessed!Mimi Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07860937180079684415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-78427655295162299112011-04-14T22:25:59.910-04:002011-04-14T22:25:59.910-04:00I'm putting my hand up as one of those newbies...I'm putting my hand up as one of those newbies who thought the quicker the better and nearly killed myself in the process. It did take me the whole 2-3 weeks during the two sets of edits, but with everything I've learned, my next story will be a lot 'cleaner' and I will enjoy the edit stage even more. <br /><br />Thanks to TWRP for demystifying the process and Nic for the wonderful post. Love your style : )LaVerne Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10418742073687153863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-5512727657241232982011-04-14T21:52:36.086-04:002011-04-14T21:52:36.086-04:00Just adding my thanks for a great post! It helps t...Just adding my thanks for a great post! It helps to get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes!Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09370074339819366901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-80507094119398525052011-04-14T21:09:30.890-04:002011-04-14T21:09:30.890-04:00Great post, and I totally agree. :)Great post, and I totally agree. :)Historical Writer/Editorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15723590041615635358noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-49499403131048048362011-04-14T19:37:41.161-04:002011-04-14T19:37:41.161-04:00When it happens, it happens--rejection or offer of...When it happens, it happens--rejection or offer of a contract. Plenty of time to celebrate or crawl into a corner and sulk before rewriting! LOL Can't get in too much of a hurry. I've had terrific editors and tried to 'be good'--they deserve it! I've felt comfortable expressing my opinion, but in the end, they are the ones 'in the know', and I have no problem with that. I think the comments alluding to the fact that we are/should be professionals is apt. Author-friendly publishers like TWRP are to be cherished and nurtured. We all know the 'other kind' are out there!The Word Placehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00283938312275406325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-21743968274232487362011-04-14T18:02:40.675-04:002011-04-14T18:02:40.675-04:00OMG. YES!
I've written one book for TWRP and...OMG. YES! <br /><br />I've written one book for TWRP and several novellas for other publishers. But the reason I've never submitted another ms to TWRP (well...yet, anyway) is because I'm also an editor for several other e-publishers. And I completely, wholeheartedly agree with every single thing you've written.<br /><br />Editors have deadlines. Scary ones, sometimes. But one company I work for doesn't assign them to us. They expect us to take the time required to make each manuscript we're assigned as good as it possibly can be. <br /><br />And there are some manuscripts which need <i>alot</i> of time. Time to fix jumbled plots. (Done that.) Time to revise entire scenes. (Done that.)Time to edit out the characters' very British vernacular in the beginning of the book when they speak using African American slang at the end. (Not sure why, but yep--did that, too.)<br />And if I told you how I've had to point out point of view breaks...ugh. It would make your head spin.<br /><br />That being said, those mistakes are one of the things I love about being an editor for e-publishers. Not bound by the rigid "rules" of traditional publishing (or the monetary considerations), they are willing to take a chance on a new author who shows promise, and take the time to TEACH them some of the craft.<br /><br />Every single one of my authors has thanked me for teaching them so much about writing. Even when, at first, they thought I was too picky.<br /><br />Honest. Editors do what they do because they love books. And words. And they'd rather make your book shiny and perfect more than anything else in the world--if you let them. Give them time. Realize their suggestions aren't made to make your life miserable, but your book better. And be sure that the glowing review your book receives makes them just as happy as it makes you. :) As I told one of my authors, "We're a team. Your book is your baby, but I'm its babysitter, and I want it to succeed as much as you do."<br /><br />Awesome post! Thank you! I'm sending my authors to see it. :)Cynthia Selwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00073319710895695198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-44329893693517945672011-04-14T17:37:50.099-04:002011-04-14T17:37:50.099-04:00Thanks for the enlightening and entertaining post,...Thanks for the enlightening and entertaining post, Nic. <br /><br />I've heard a welcome message here and look forward to receiving my edits and returning them after taking time to enjoy and digest them awhile.<br /><br />And, oh, BTW: I thought the post was a micro-lesson in POV. Most of us write books with more than one POV. Why wouldn't understanding and taking to heart an editor's POV make our stories stronger and richer?Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13523010278308518222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-19981928693317564692011-04-14T16:54:09.933-04:002011-04-14T16:54:09.933-04:00Well, said.
I've worked with two TWRP editors...Well, said.<br /><br />I've worked with two TWRP editors and both were/are a joy.Donna L Bolkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02251506674126012009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-31089943588041285202011-04-14T15:56:51.984-04:002011-04-14T15:56:51.984-04:00This blog was great. As a new author to TWRP I ...This blog was great. As a new author to TWRP I 'm trying to be low-maintenance lol, and I value the fact that the manuscripts take a while to get a release date. I wouldn't trust a publisher who had my book online within weeks of submitting it. I work hard on my manuscripts and I love the fact that TWRP does too:)Jennifer Snownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-28817221059278004592011-04-14T14:47:48.668-04:002011-04-14T14:47:48.668-04:00I'd also like to commend TWRP editors. The pr...I'd also like to commend TWRP editors. The professionalism and support I've experienced over two contracts has been outstanding. Your post, Nicole, has given me a different perspective on the editing process as I tend to always want to get things done quickly. Thank you.Leigh D'Anseyhttp://www.leighdansey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-81882500806305255142011-04-14T13:59:24.768-04:002011-04-14T13:59:24.768-04:00Thank you for a great post Nic. I have three books...Thank you for a great post Nic. I have three books published at TWRP and have been blessed with a wonderful editor who taught me how to make my writing shine. <br /><br />I agree with Nic. Leave the manuscript aside for a month after finishing the editing, and then look at it. You'll be surprised at how you will see it with a new eye. <br /><br />I discovered a new editing technique recently. I convert my file to pdf and have the computer read it to me out loud. Amazing how I am able to catch missing or repetitive words. It’s not just the ly and ing words that throw me out of a story, but also the continuous, he said, she said, he did, she did. It’s so important to change the structure of our sentences to improve the pace. Anyway, it’s great to have similar posts by our editor to remind us of important things.Mona Riskhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14923883333893160794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-3163834985564577022011-04-14T13:28:49.355-04:002011-04-14T13:28:49.355-04:00Fantastic post. I've always been a firm believ...Fantastic post. I've always been a firm believer in Quality versus Quantity. And, I'm just now coming to terms with the knowledge that I'm not one of those writers who can produce quality work on a vast scale. I'm a slowpoke. But when I finish something I think is great, it's worth all that time and effort. <br /><br />Great insight, Nicole. Thank you.<br /><br />RynneRynne Raineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15817135675121586280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-63962504410761588582011-04-14T13:10:20.189-04:002011-04-14T13:10:20.189-04:00Great post, Nic! I've been paying very close ...Great post, Nic! I've been paying very close attention to the process my story is undergoing at TWRP. Right now, it is in the copy editor's hands. While it's been a couple of weeks since I've last heard from my editor, and I've been chewing my nails in the meantime, I know the story is in good hands. I have a few author friends who had their books pubbed through traditional hard-copy publishers, and it took two to three years before their books were on the shelf! Wow! Talk about a looooong wait! In comparison, ePublishing is quick and efficient. Honestly, it's hard to wait, but I won't complain. I WILL say the process is both nerve-wrecking and exciting!Alyson Reubenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10233804636662093697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-50115299500855837362011-04-14T13:09:20.627-04:002011-04-14T13:09:20.627-04:00Hi,
Love the reference to fast food. It does seem...Hi,<br />Love the reference to fast food. It does seem as though epublishing is getting like that. But I've mistakenly bought ebooks that did seem rushed and not the author's very best. As a reader I will be more careful in choosing by looking at reputable publishers and reviews to get books that are better quality. As an author, I appreciate the many rounds of edits, the attention to detail and the quality product at the end.Kathy Ottenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17996558118761118634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-53448483430141802252011-04-14T12:58:26.474-04:002011-04-14T12:58:26.474-04:00Nic,
I LIKE the two weeks to re-read and correct ...Nic,<br /><br />I LIKE the two weeks to re-read and correct my manuscript. The most important thing is an "error free" book--no matter how long it takes both the editor and me. <br /><br />Guess I'm a perfectionist. But I REALLY appreciate an editor who takes the time to polish and/or give suggestions that will make the manuscript shine. <br /><br />In other words, Nic, I APPRECIATE YOU! Keep up the great work. Woo-hoo!Laurean Brookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06242693739806417138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-28558092375743991442011-04-14T12:50:04.091-04:002011-04-14T12:50:04.091-04:00Great post! I think all writers need to remember t...Great post! I think all writers need to remember that editors are people too! Courtesy never goes wrong.Shawna Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12476399575493212858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-65030304048270714912011-04-14T12:16:48.355-04:002011-04-14T12:16:48.355-04:00Count me among one of the ones who thought efficie...Count me among one of the ones who thought efficiency meant a quick turn-around. That was a worry since I'm one to dwell on changes and try to see them from all angles instead of picking the first one that comes to mind. <br /><br />This blog is another reason why writers who are chosen to publish with TWRP should count their blessings.<br /><br />Thank you for this post, Nicole. Awesome information.<br /><br />Anita Mae.Anita Mae Draperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16618699900826731377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-58438004126294789952011-04-14T12:04:54.816-04:002011-04-14T12:04:54.816-04:00Wonduful post, Nicole! I admit, I'm guilty of ...Wonduful post, Nicole! I admit, I'm guilty of sending my revised ms back rather quickly. For me, it's not a matter of thinking I'll get an earlier release date. With so many irons in the fire, I stop and concentrate on the ms that my editor just returned to me to go over the edits, though there are usually very few. I can't work on more than one ms at a time (In my younger days, I worked on at least 3 at the same time!). This grandma's brain has slowed the absorbtion prosses, lol. <br /><br />I've wanted to be pubbed my TWRP for many years. Last year, they contracted 3 of my books. I've been with several small presses, but TWRP is everything I've heard about them and more. The professionalism is outstanding. The editors are wonderful and quite knowledgable. Even though I've been writing for nearly 30 years, I've learned a few things from my editor which I hadn't from any other, including my days at Kensington.<br /><br />The efficiency and genuine care from my editor has shown me what a top-notch editor and publisher should be. I am so proud to be a TWRP author.Janninehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11942128500628577087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-11757359455299322282011-04-14T11:41:43.269-04:002011-04-14T11:41:43.269-04:00I usually get so angry with myself when I think I ...I usually get so angry with myself when I think I have the ms clean and send it in, then I find more things I missed! Sometimes the editor can find things that were missed entirely. I appreciate the work that goes into making the story the very best. Thanks to all the Wild Rose Press staff!Ilona Fridlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926989890703867833.post-55152235995742585052011-04-14T11:40:48.143-04:002011-04-14T11:40:48.143-04:00Though I've been published before, and experie...Though I've been published before, and experienced the editing process, my first book with The Wild Rose Press is currently being edited. I'm pleased to know that the editors here are of the highest quality and they care so much for authors. That's something I haven't experience before. Thanks for this post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com