tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post2598093935888226366..comments2024-03-29T03:26:15.005-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: 3 Factors That Influence How Much Editing a Book GetsJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-22928396448561766732011-09-01T23:56:59.189-04:002011-09-01T23:56:59.189-04:00Great topic choice!
After completing a first draf...Great topic choice!<br /><br />After completing a first draft of a planned series, I presented the idea to an editor who told me the protagonist, as written, was not strong enough to carry a series. I rewrote the story ... five times. <br /><br />I learned so much while writing that first novel and the second one won't have the same problems. But it would be impossible for me to write an entire novel, fully fleshed out, and ready for print.<br /><br />Some authors can write a fairly clean first draft, but I don't envy them. I enjoy writing the story from beginning to end, then returning to flesh everything out once I have a better handle on the plotline and characters.Gail M Baugniet - Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11543343067963247963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-70162856382147554832011-09-01T21:34:03.039-04:002011-09-01T21:34:03.039-04:00This was very helpful. I hadn't seen anyone ac...This was very helpful. I hadn't seen anyone actually list estimates for how much their book changed in edits. Thank you.<br /><br />The first book I finished a draft of looks quite different from what it is now. The main characters are essentially the same, though better developed, the goals, conflicts, and bare bones of the plot is virtually the same, but it has richened over time. I've also added an antagonist that really brought the story together in a way nothing else could have.<br /><br />My more recent books have required less editing. But then, I wrote them after more experience and while using many of the tools I'd gained through workshops.Laura Lee Nutthttp://lauraleenutt.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-61548409695158052942011-09-01T20:42:17.651-04:002011-09-01T20:42:17.651-04:00Great post. I just finished the proofs on my 17th ...Great post. I just finished the proofs on my 17th book. My first draft is drastically different than my final draft. I've edited as much as 75% of complete changes (even keeping the same characters and plot) and touch every page in the editing process. My books are much, much better because of both my own self-editing and my editorial revision notes.<br /><br />I've never thought my books were perfect when I was done. :)Allison Brennanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05598446973999304028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-91905764952338579142011-09-01T17:17:32.795-04:002011-09-01T17:17:32.795-04:00Thanks for the post. It is encouraging to hear ho...Thanks for the post. It is encouraging to hear how others do it. I struggle a lot in the edit stage. I do not mind the grammar, sentence structure stuff but have a huge challenge in the big picture edits. I have a lot to learn. It would be very encouraging to see someone one's first(or early) draft and their finished project to see just how the changes occurred. <br />Either way, thanks!<br /><br />Oddly enough, I just wrote a post today at my blog about finding big errors in the writing of published books. I am not pointing any fingers at writers, editors or the like - just curious if the folks who buy the books and support the authors are more drawn in by writing or by story? Come check it out if you'd like.Embracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12057449503326153449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-84679948163251599012011-09-01T14:39:14.881-04:002011-09-01T14:39:14.881-04:00I knew there was a lot of editing that happened wi...I knew there was a lot of editing that happened with a book, but have never experienced it first hand. I recently reviewed some writing I did years ago; I was almost embarrassed. I am glad that we can get better as we go! :)Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-64277788396815769932011-09-01T13:12:53.351-04:002011-09-01T13:12:53.351-04:00"The best writing is rewriting." Or so s..."The best writing is rewriting." Or so said E.B. White. And I agree.<br />And I also think the best rewriting comes with feedback from others. Or, as I like to say, "The 'eyes' have it." <br />The more eyes on a manuscript, the better. That doesn't mean that I agree with every recommendation given. But I do consider it.<br />My debut novel went through several significant changes before it's final form. And I definitely think the finished product is stronger than the first draft. (Of course, I can also think of ways to improve it now too. But it's going to print . . .)Beth K. Vogthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04032849469366266791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13422176380227474132011-09-01T11:05:18.601-04:002011-09-01T11:05:18.601-04:00It's been great to hear that so many of you ha...It's been great to hear that so many of you have had extensive changes too! Just shows that we really NEED objective feedback to take our books to the next level. <br /><br />And Sally! Sorry to give you a complex! ;-) But I'm sure when I pick up your book someday, I'll feel the same way!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-83254207821883041282011-09-01T03:09:51.950-04:002011-09-01T03:09:51.950-04:00I am definitely surprised by the changes my book h...I am definitely surprised by the changes my book has gone through. When I re-read my initial 'final' draft, I shudder to remember I once thought that was publishable. I'm about to embark on the beta-reading phase, so it will probably change a fair bit more yet!Cally Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08313803959936813426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33664773625491933772011-08-31T23:29:50.052-04:002011-08-31T23:29:50.052-04:00Jody - thank you so much for answering my question...Jody - thank you so much for answering my questions. My first manuscript changed about 30% as well (from agent edits), so I am very relieved to hear that yours did too. <br /><br />I must say, I usually feel pretty good about my writing ... that is, until I pick up a published book (such as yours) and my confidence falls through the floorboards and plummets down toward the earth's solid inner core. So your post gives me hope!<br /><br />I have gone through several rounds of edits with my agent and I know the writing keeps getting better. The question is, will it get good enough? I guess only time will tell.<br /><br />(Oh, and last night I ordered my very own copy of The Doctors Wife on Amazon. Looking forward to reading it and feeling very insecure about my writing really soon. Sally :)Sally Hepworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07417446672874466269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56020119188286238902011-08-31T21:41:15.592-04:002011-08-31T21:41:15.592-04:00What would we do without great editors? All our bo...What would we do without great editors? All our books would be 900 pages long and full of typos.<br /><br />I love my editor. She watches my back.<br /><br />I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has had to do rewrites. Thanks for sharing your story :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kathiswritingnook.com/" rel="nofollow">Kathi</a>Kathi Oram Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959149321213743448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-29860010952957826472011-08-31T20:41:36.100-04:002011-08-31T20:41:36.100-04:00As a new author, I was surprised and relieved at t...As a new author, I was surprised and relieved at the amount of work my editor put into my manuscript. She improved my story and writing immeasurably, and even if my book doesn't sell many, I know the editing process has been invaluable to my writing.testhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04738594136372903385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-34693895042529995702011-08-31T17:11:55.063-04:002011-08-31T17:11:55.063-04:00I learned so much about the process through the ed...I learned so much about the process through the edits on my book. And now I'm doing some nonfiction editing for my publisher. Maybe it's the English teacher in me, but I'm having a good time!Laura@OutnumberedMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10764574855540659528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-82072201556794365312011-08-31T14:10:12.331-04:002011-08-31T14:10:12.331-04:00My first drafts are loosely written, meaning I ant...My first drafts are loosely written, meaning I anticipate having to change over HALF of some of them to even get them readable. It's that daunting feeling of being overwhelmed by the potential changes that keeps me procrastinating them away. How to fix that is the solution I'm looking for.<br /><br />Thanks for the guidelines on your edits!Cameronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00178591911846098491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-1841206587976818202011-08-31T13:30:54.171-04:002011-08-31T13:30:54.171-04:00Jody, having just finished reading The Doctor'...Jody, having just finished reading <i>The Doctor's Lady</i> in printed form, I can attest to the fact that you did a great deal of work on the story to get it where it is today. As you said, there were no sweeping changes, but you tweaked things here, tightened things there, and took time to make your characters compelling. Your hard work during the editing stage paid off. I watched your story go from good to great and great to stellar, and I fully expect to see it go from stellar to bestseller.<br /><br />(For those who don't know, I'm Jody's CP and was privileged to read two versions of <i>The Doctor's Lady</i> in manuscript form.)Keli Gwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13236868298400593688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51536261638087705422011-08-31T13:24:42.347-04:002011-08-31T13:24:42.347-04:00When I first finished editing a manuscript that my...When I first finished editing a manuscript that my agent picked up, I thought that it was done. However (and I thank her for this), she pointed out some bad writing habits that I couldn't spot, such as an overuse of pronouns. This has taught me to be careful in my future writing, and to humbly accept that there will be multiple revisions.Brandi Boddiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08017741568841209088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10330320149494911352011-08-31T12:23:42.548-04:002011-08-31T12:23:42.548-04:00Great info as always. I'm excited about your ...Great info as always. I'm excited about your soon to be released book and can't wait to get my hands on it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-32365437463284581402011-08-31T12:11:49.715-04:002011-08-31T12:11:49.715-04:00I just finished the final edits on my novel. The f...I just finished the final edits on my novel. The finished product is 7 thousand words lighter, around 20 pages shorter, and quite different from the first draft that was written several years ago.Loree Huebnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09845600356878587780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-68472798332778120062011-08-31T10:17:36.432-04:002011-08-31T10:17:36.432-04:00I love editing!!! My novel changed DRAMATICALLY - ...I love editing!!! My novel changed DRAMATICALLY - including cutting 2 major characters completely. I don't regret it. I think editing depends on the strength of the first draft.Jaime Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07768583469408522818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-78971507551157572512011-08-31T10:01:34.992-04:002011-08-31T10:01:34.992-04:00I believe what Hemingway said: "First drafts ...I believe what Hemingway said: "First drafts are shit." Mine certainly are because I don't know the story I'm writing yet. I'd say about 70% of my first draft ends up getting re-written. That's been the case with my first two novels and I don't see it changing much.David Kleinhttp://www.bydavidklein.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-62217692910843523822011-08-31T10:01:01.205-04:002011-08-31T10:01:01.205-04:00oh yeah, I'm surprised alright. Especially whe...oh yeah, I'm surprised alright. Especially when I send something off to my CP and she has all these suggestions I hate and love at the same time. Hate because it means I have to go back and change stuff but love because I know her suggestions are going to make my book so much better.mshatchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06308916014310536449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-22580996740411692382011-08-31T09:59:17.189-04:002011-08-31T09:59:17.189-04:00I love hearing about the editing aspect of publica...I love hearing about the editing aspect of publication. I always enjoy doing revisions, but I realize my version of a final draft won't be final in an agent's or editor's eyes. Working with an industry professional to make my work even better is something I look forward to. One day.... <br /><br />Love seeing your countdown clicker saying "000 days". Yay!!Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-32650856448759018132011-08-31T09:55:18.219-04:002011-08-31T09:55:18.219-04:00I'm not embarrassed. I don't want to be, a...I'm not embarrassed. I don't want to be, actually, although I think I'll be worried when my book first comes out. This particular story is the first one I ever finished, so you can imagine the types of overhauling it needed to even be a viable book with conflict, arcs, etc. Poor thing. <br />While the plot has been strengthened though, the characters are basically who I started with, only refined.Jessica Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12365768876905444157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-39944394266031833522011-08-31T09:49:05.563-04:002011-08-31T09:49:05.563-04:00My verse novel is only 15, 000 words, and yet I we...My verse novel is only 15, 000 words, and yet I went through roughly 8 rounds of edits. Part of this was due to the closing of my first imprint (and the subsequent changing of editors), but the other part, I think, is that with such a limited number of words, it's vital to get them right.<br /><br />I'm so glad two wise, talented editors gave so much insight and enthusiasm to my little book.Caroline Starr Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04597510685273079757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-59241081745350378732011-08-31T09:42:20.647-04:002011-08-31T09:42:20.647-04:00I'm so grateful to my awesome editors. I can t...I'm so grateful to my awesome editors. I can think my manuscript is in a good place after a lot of self-editing but they always find ways to make it so much better. How wonderful your editors are devoted to putting out a stellar finished product. I'm happy too that I didn't rush to self-publish because I believe the editing process has really improved my writing. Good luck on your book release!Jennifer Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13300124780126853962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-77743734046222345652011-08-31T09:29:20.902-04:002011-08-31T09:29:20.902-04:00Amanda asked: Do agents do much editing on your no...Amanda asked: Do agents do much editing on your novel or do they leave that to the editors? I’ve heard they work with you on your proposal but do they do much on your novel? <br /><br />My thoughts: Great question, Amanda! I think that every agent will have different expectations. If an agent is really busy, they might not be able to take on a client whose manuscript needs editing before sending it out to publishers. But if they have the time and see the potential, they might be willing to work with the client to do some editing. My agent, Rachelle, works both ways. I know she's taken on clients whose books she's helped edit first. But I know lately she's indicated that she has less time to do that.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.com