One of the best parts of the writing process, for me at least, is working on revisions with my editor. It probably ties in overall satisfaction with finishing writing a book.
For most writers, the time period between finishing a book and working on editorial revisions and line edits is usually fairly long, so returning to the world of an old, good, novel can feel like returning home after a long absence. And you all know what bed feels like after a long stint on the road, sleeping on hotel mattresses.
I happen to be in both of those good places this week -- finishing something new, and getting back to a great old friend, my novel Stick, which will be coming out in 2011. It's a different, postmodern kind of novel about looking for home and hanging on to a sense of wonder in a world that can be pretty ugly at times.
The other thing that's particularly gratifying about the editing process is that so far, through four novels, I have worked with only one editor. And I think we're a good match when it comes to working. Better still is that all my work gets done on paper, so I get to carry around my manuscript with me. I get to read my editor's handwritten (in pencil... and nicely written) notes and questions. And then I write on the pages, too (in red ink)... so, when I'm finished, the thing looks and feels like a real book that real human beings really worked on.
I'm not putting down electronic editing. I am certain that at some point in my future I will be required to do it. But I am also certain that at some point in the future, I'll be reading books on an iPad or something like that, too.
For now, give me paper.
And put me to work.
9 comments:
I heart Liz. And paper, too.
The best.
The best.
I love Liz, too, especially when she lets me copyedit manuscripts like yours and Julie's
Hmmm... I like that. Thank you. I always thought she was so protective of our work, and rarely let anyone else see it until it was, like, ready for galleys. Maybe that's just my own projection since I never let anyone see my work until she gets a look at it. In any event, thank you for saying that.
Editing probably is more fun when you have a real editor. I always use paper and a red pen though too. Reading off a screen hurts my eyes after a while.
RM,
I don't just have a "real" editor, I have someone (and everyone who works with her will absolutely say the same thing) who taught me more about how to write than anyone, any school, any undergrad or grad course ever did. One of those rare old-school editors.
I've found it hard to get back to that character's voice going back to edit my first novel while I'm working on the second with a totally different voice. Any advice?
I must also confess to loving Liz, though she's not my editor.
I enjoy this process, but also can find it frustrating because I ususally revise on my own for three drafts before ever setting it out, so it can become overkill.
William,
That is a very good question. On the one hand, it's a good sign (to me) and it puts you in the minority -- writers who use different voices with different novels. Unfortunately, too may writers use the same voice, but change the names, when they work on successive projects. I've found this particularly true in YA (even the non-series stuff). Go ahead and blast away on that, overly sensitive and highly personalizing writers out there... but you know it's true.
On the other hand, I don't know what to tell you to solve that problem. I am currently doing the same thing -- working on STICK, and finishing an entirely separate novel with a completely different voice and tone... AND writing a script all at the same time.
For me, my brain just tells me when it's time to switch from working at one job, and going over and punching in at the other.
I don't really like doing it, but there is a "job" aspect to what we do, isn't there?
Post a Comment