Wading through feedback
Most of you know I sent my manuscript to a freelance editor, who in turn told me to call it a “fiction novel.”
I’m over it.
This person could have offered me cold hard cash to call it a fiction novel, I’d sooner call it a cheesesteak than a fiction novel, but that’s just me. And yes, I know, that no matter what I call it if it’s good it’s good and if it sucks it sucks.
So I just want to explain how everything in my life goes back to listening to my own instincts. You know, those quiet thoughts that pass through your head when you’re sort of not paying attention. As my best friend will attest, I’m smart but I’m not always queen-of-the-comeback. It takes time for me to process information and to think of something to say. Which is very much in sync with the fact that I’m a thinker. At times in the past something has happened and I’ve thought — “I knew that was going to happen.” Then I remember the inkling or feeling or thought or vision that ran through my body or mind and how, had I actually stopped and paid attention, I actually had more information than I thought I did. In the past 7 years I’ve gotten better at this. I listen and process these inklings and thoughts. Or that’s my intention.
Yesterday when I read the “introductory” email and report from this editor I hired, my initial reaction (after the first paragraph) was that it sounded like a form letter. It was well-disguised, but not well enough. It was not a good first impression of the product I had received via email. But I continued. The feedback made some suggestions that could possibly make sense. Other bits of feedback made no sense. And I enjoy and welcome feedback – good, solid, rip-it-apart-start-over-again feedback. The feedback was often contradictory. A relationship that made no sense to the editor on one of the feedback pages, was noted for being very well-developed on the next. A person the editor noted should be the mc’s romantic interest, is indeed so.
And then I came to the part where calling the book a “fiction novel” in my query was strongly suggested. And I felt like I had the second half of that set of bad-vibe bookends.
So when in an email from my friend Christina, she said, “she’s trying to put your book into too much of a formula,” I knew she was right.
Formula. Form letter. I felt that right from the get-go, didn’t I?
While the feedback appeared highly personalized with corresponding page numbers and characters’ names and places, it was mostly generic stuff. Some of it made sense, and I will read and reread those parts to make sure that what I want to say is really being said.
I feel fortunate to have used this editor in a way. I’ll wade through the comments and suggestions and it will make me use all my writer common sense and savvy to decide not only what works for me, but what doesn’t — and why it doesn’t. The nail in the editorial coffin was that this person rewrote the first lines of my novel — and they were not good. And it’s not subjective. I know when someone improves my work. I love that like Pop Tarts.
I’m open to changing those lines, of course, when the editor who’s publishing my book demands it.
My blog made it onto Alltop. It’s at the bottom, but still on Alltop. I know it’s a good thing, right? I’m there with other writing bloggers and maybe more cool writing bloggers will find their way here and join in on the rip-roaring good time we’re all having.
I’d ask for my money back.
More realistically . . .
in this biz, word gets around. For someone to take money and not spend legitimate and intimate time with your novel enough to get basics straight just isn’t right.
I thought of that, Erica, but since even “what is quality feedback” is subjective and because I will use what was sent to re-evaluate parts of my work, I figured that wasn’t fair either. I won’t publicly out this editor, but I hope that friends looking for one will ask me about my experience. And in private I will divulge.
I think I assumed that since this editor is a published author I would be edited by someone who knew more than me, which is what I wanted.
I’m with Erica 100 percent. Regardless of what you paid this person, it doesn’t sound like it was worth it. You should never feel guilty about expecting quality service; it’s what you deserve.
I’m a firm believer in woman’s intuition. It’s a special gift, yet we’re so quick to discredit it because we want to be nice. We do ourselves so much harm that way. Your words reminded me that I need to make more of an effort to listen to that still small voice. It’s usually right.
Oh, and congrats for being on Alltop! How exciting!
L.C.,
You’re so right, we need to pay attention to our inner voices and instincts. Sometimes, though, maybe it’s better that we don’t realize things right away…like in my case when, one morning, for no reason, I wondered aloud to myself if my ex had kept up-to-date on his life-insurance premiums mandated by our divorce. I was so annoyed with myself for even thinking about it that I smacked my own face. For real.
He died suddenly that night. I was 800 miles away and I remembered exactly where I was standing and what I was doing when that thought had crossed my mind earlier in the day I felt like it was a premonition — but if I had paid attention — nothing I could have done – I would have sounded like a lunatic. He wasn’t sick or in the hospital. The thought left my mind right away. But obviously has stuck with me since.
Needless to say, I really try to pay attention to what my subconscious tells me.
You know I’m a neophyte so forgive me if I’m asking the obvious….is it common to hire your own editor? I thought that the publisher typically provided editorial services. Gosh…there is so much I don’t know.
Listen to your instincts. I think suggestions are good, but if your gut tells you something while an editor tells you another…trust your inner voice.
Geez, you are lightyears ahead of me. I’ve got to get my heiney in gear and finish that book.
Amy, Where did you find this editor? I pay the editor I’m working with after the work is done. If, for any reason, I thought she was charging too much or wasn’t “getting” my work, I’d fire her ass. (And, yes, she’s published as well.) As far as instincts go, Amen, sista! It’s all there for us if we’d just listen more closely and not ignore the signs… And, I don’t mean to sound stupid, but I’ve never heard of Alltop – I’m going to pop on over right now and see what I’m missing out on!
B.A.,
Some writers hire editors, some don’t. It’s advisable to send your query to agents only after your book is 100% polished…so for me that meant an objective and brand new pair of eyes. I didn’t want line-edits, I wanted content editing. I wanted to know about character arcs, subplots, flow of story and where this person saw holes in the story. It’s hard to ask a CP (critique partner) to read an entire book as we usually trade chapters — and I wanted a view on the whole she-bang. Make sense? If I get a publisher one day – oh yes – I’ll be working with an editor again.
And oh yes — work on that book!!!!
Debbie,
I found this editor on a reputable website and there were good references and testimonials. Maybe the feedback would have worked for someone who hasn’t been edited or gotten a lot of critique before? I don’t know. Can’t analyze it, really. Well, I could, but I don’t have the energy for that!
Hang in there… can’t believe it happened to you, but it’s a lesson we are all grateful to have you share… since it can benefit us all. Thanks.
Jenni,
I have to laugh. I always (ok, sometimes) say that I’m the poster child for “it could always be worse.”
Atta girl, Amy Sue Nathan!
thanks angie. you are always there with a pat on the back. much appreciated.
Amy, Don’t forget – you’ve got a GREAT story and you WILL find an agent. And, don’t give up on finding a good editor either. I’m honored I’ve had the opportunity to review some of your chapters.
BTW: Nice set-up on Alltop!
Sorry about your crappy editor. That sucks but that realization goes well with a cocktail.
And you can celebrate Alltop while you’re at it.
Debbie,
I know I fall in and out and am a crap-o CP because of it. I get overwhelmed – and then I get a cold. I love ya all the same and am thinking of you.
(((HUGS)))
MindyMom.
You are a wise woman. A cocktail goes well with just about everything – how could I forget!
I’m still amazed! That sucks, Amy!
But look at you! That is one cool site!
Oh, Amy, that really sucks! Given the fact that the editor “strongly’ recommended that you refer to your work as a “fiction novel” in your query tells me the editor was, perhaps, a fly-by-night. That said, imo, the editor should be reported to “Writers Beware” or “Predators and Editors”. Maybe both.
Amy, you are an excellent writer. Put this “editor” experience behind you, and keep following your instinct. The more you listen to it, the sharper it becomes.
Big ((HUG)) to you! Learn and LIVE!
Congrats on the Alltop!
Kathy,
Thank you so much. I guess the reason I’m reluctant to “take action” is because this was an inexpensive editor and I know that you get what you pay for. Add that to the fact that feedback is subjective and that I’ve been writing and also critiquing others’ work for years, I have very high standards and expectations. And, if I use a suggestion or two, find a snippet helpful, well then, maybe I got my money’s worth, although disappointed.
:-/
Amy – good and bad always come together as a pair dont they? You said it best in your last comment – you get what you pay for. Unfortunately it was on something you are passionate and excited about. = (
But! There is always Alltop. Congrats!
Thanks, Melissa. I don’t want to second-guess myself – but I had high hopes that no matter the cost, someone would deliver what I needed. Again, I’ll dig through and take out of it what I can, but it was not what I expected. Go figure, I was WRONG!
The temptation to allow competitiveness to colour editorial duties increases if the person doing those duties is a published author. The most objective editor anyone will ever find is their local librarian. Many writers do this with fantastic results.
I wonder who edited Shakespeare, Dickens, Bryon, Austen, Bronte( Emily and Charlotte) Keats, Joyce, Wilde etc. At the end of the day, the only editorial opinions that matter are yours and the person who drops the cash in the till to read it. Everyone else is just making noise.
That’s so cool you’re on Alltop.
I’m sorry the editor didn’t give you as much as you were hoping for, I’m sure that’s frustrating. But, it sounds like you’re taking it for what it is and will hopefully be able to use some of the suggestions. Good for you for not blindly following advice that doesn’t fit with what you’re trying to accomplish!
I think it is a blessing you realized this about the editor. You don’t want to work that hard and then see your writing changed in a way that isn’t yours.
And congrats on Alltop.
Amy, found my way here via Twitter. I’ll refrain from commenting specifically on this entry since everything seems covered by your words and all the comments. But I will second your notion about instincts, they are generally in the right.
Although, I do have to say, anyone that is an editor has to realize that a writer is going to be accutely in tune with words and catch on to anything ‘form’ in tone.
I look forward to reading your blog and getting to know you.
Rebecca
“Fiction novel”? That’s just goofiness.