tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post8884623994515017539..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: My First In-House Rewrites: Specific DetailsJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50347603391048460932009-10-23T04:19:21.677-04:002009-10-23T04:19:21.677-04:00You share this process of writing/acquisition/edit...You share this process of writing/acquisition/editing very well. I've got a follow friday on by new writing blog, and have chosen to feature your blog on it this week. You don't have to do this for me or anyone else. This is just something I've chosen to do on my blog to share information to my readers.<br />http://www.abloggersbooks.com/2009/10/my-follow-friday-author-jody-hedlund.htmlAnne Lyken-Garnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01425485414456096031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-34250004043442920572009-10-22T16:28:48.983-04:002009-10-22T16:28:48.983-04:00First,I want to say a big "thanks" for s...First,I want to say a big "thanks" for sharing this journey.The whole acceptance/ editing/etc. part of "trying to be an author" is still mysterious to me. Frankly, I'm most surprised that Bethany House accepted the manuscript, even though they want such major changes as a new ending and different character arc. I've read so much about the "harsh reality" of publishing--editors don't really edit any more, the manuscript has to be perfect at time of submission, use a book doctor to fix your manuscript before submitting, etc.--it is a bit refreshing (but also daunting) to realize the editing process continues until actual publication. After 10 years of creative writing, I still feel a novice. So I WOULD tackle all the editor's suggestions, especially for my first book. As a professional in another field, I recognize where I do have legit expertise and where I still have a lot to learn. Good luck! PatriceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65638604545508351062009-10-22T13:54:42.663-04:002009-10-22T13:54:42.663-04:00Wow, that is interesting. Now I understand why the...Wow, that is interesting. Now I understand why the whole editing process can be so time consuming. For me I guess I would just try to look at it all as a growing experience because it might be tough to change major things in my novel:)Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03925811510913201292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23016724732329390792009-10-22T12:13:47.889-04:002009-10-22T12:13:47.889-04:00I always love hearing about the process of getting...I always love hearing about the process of getting a book to print. One change that surprised me is the character arc. Sounds like it will be a lot of work to change.Pattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00685341739870191402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-66179394279795582452009-10-22T11:51:27.929-04:002009-10-22T11:51:27.929-04:00Love that picture! Sounds like you've got a lo...Love that picture! Sounds like you've got a lot of work ahead of you. Blessings on getting it all done! I love stopping by your blog and getting the "skinny" on your publishing journey. Fascinating, to say the least.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13832782604769370695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-66435595134968235592009-10-22T09:48:34.119-04:002009-10-22T09:48:34.119-04:00Phew! Glad to hear that compromise is an option, ...Phew! Glad to hear that compromise is an option, and I imagine that it DOES make for a better book when the editor and author both workshop the ideas to come to a revision that will be true to the story and characters but also in-tune with the market.CKHBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741681893677604323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-72501349142289617952009-10-22T00:58:51.981-04:002009-10-22T00:58:51.981-04:00I am open to making many kinds of changes to impr...I am open to making many kinds of changes to improve my book. However, my book is nonfiction; and there are lots of things I absolutely would not change. Not for fame or any amount of money. I would never make a change that I believed would be less pleasing to God.writer jimnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-48755881629077144102009-10-21T23:44:48.195-04:002009-10-21T23:44:48.195-04:00Jody, bless you as you work on this project.
The ...Jody, bless you as you work on this project.<br /><br />The best advice I ever heard on this subject came from a professional writer I know. On the subject of major rewrites, she said: "Try it first. Try it and see what happens."<br /><br />That is the course I plan to follow, should I ever be faced with what you're facing now.<br /><br />If I try it and I can't live with it, then it's sayonara, contract. But I suspect that there are *many* ways to rewrite that can preserve your authorial integrity and satisfy your editor.Rosslyn Elliotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11304732306399786236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-42643032471989610312009-10-21T20:50:02.690-04:002009-10-21T20:50:02.690-04:00Thanks for sharing details. I think I'd proba...Thanks for sharing details. I think I'd probably go with what a publisher asks of me, especially on the first book. They know what sells.Roni Lorenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02719679344024635326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51917429254596074692009-10-21T20:04:41.980-04:002009-10-21T20:04:41.980-04:00I'm with Melissa! Thanks for this post, it hel...I'm with Melissa! Thanks for this post, it helps me understand what I can expect when my time comes; which is pretty far off. I wish you all the best with the pile of work you have to do. Love the pic!Ellie Kingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56265754096177755862009-10-21T19:20:04.801-04:002009-10-21T19:20:04.801-04:00Jody,
I am actually most surprised by #1. As a rea...Jody,<br />I am actually most surprised by #1. As a reader, i often get bored by too much detail in descriptive settings and will skip ahead. But you have helped me a lot by writing today's post. <br />I can only imagine the stress build-up beginning at this point for you, but getting even a little done each day will help. Can't wait until next posting. Thanks.Ava Walker Jenkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12968305681481056689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-46475839301396859582009-10-21T19:13:25.008-04:002009-10-21T19:13:25.008-04:00Hi, Jody!
I am curious to read about your reactio...Hi, Jody!<br /><br />I am curious to read about your reaction! I think I'd feel uncertain about some of it until I sat down, thought it through, and even wrote some of it out. Usually when I heed the suggestion I suddenly envision/understand what's requested--and then feel more comfortable, even excited about what I need to re-write.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing with us! It really means a lot.Kristen Torres-Torohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15903038121623389560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-29659334279545345602009-10-21T18:31:14.019-04:002009-10-21T18:31:14.019-04:00I usually trust the editors. I love that you told ...I usually trust the editors. I love that you told us what you will be working on. Makes me think I better work on my setting for my current WIP more!Terri Tiffanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07771622379178654235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7383391458588845012009-10-21T17:17:06.887-04:002009-10-21T17:17:06.887-04:00Wow, I love that you are sharing this journey with...Wow, I love that you are sharing this journey with us. I think you are open minded and positive and it will all lead to good things.Erika Robuckhttp://www.erikarobuck.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-44448606808041441332009-10-21T16:41:21.355-04:002009-10-21T16:41:21.355-04:00Hi Jody -
Oh my, that's a lot of changes. You...Hi Jody -<br /><br />Oh my, that's a lot of changes. You're basically re-writing the whole book.<br /><br />When I've had to re-write smaller pieces, a few well-placed words can sometimes accomplish a lot. It might not be as extensive as it appears at first glance.<br /><br />I'll pray for you. :)<br /><br />Blessings,<br />SusanSusan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-9976339750850978302009-10-21T15:54:43.354-04:002009-10-21T15:54:43.354-04:00I just love these posts on what happens after the ...I just love these posts on what happens after the call! I'm hanging on the edge of my seat! <br /><br />The changes didn't surprise me. I've recently had a major "aha" moment via a personal rejection. It's wonderful to know what I need to work on in order to sell my books.<br /><br />The great thing is--you only have to hear it once for it to sink in!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-84191839252142466552009-10-21T15:22:39.722-04:002009-10-21T15:22:39.722-04:00Hi Patricia!
I love your question too! Wouldn'...Hi Patricia!<br /><br />I love your question too! Wouldn't "dislking the arc of a major character be something that might cause an editor to pass on a story rather than to buy it with plans to change it later?"<br /><br />I wondered this myself after I got their changes! But apparently they liked either my writing or the rest of the story well enough to take a gamble on me! And actually, the new character arc is already partly woven into the natural plot. I will just need to go through and make it the main emphasis rather than the other one I had.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-32258867545192211802009-10-21T15:17:20.308-04:002009-10-21T15:17:20.308-04:00Hi Mandy(Creative A),
Great question! "How m...Hi Mandy(Creative A),<br /><br />Great question! "How much do I think is worth giving up for a single publishing house? Does it make you feel as if you are loosing some of your novel?"<br /><br />I think each author has to decide what they're willing to sacrifice. There was one aspect of my novel I wasn't willing to change, that had to do with the ending. At first, after getting their feedback, I didn't know how I could change the ending AND keep what was important to me. But the more I brainstormed, the more I was able to come up with a solution that was workable for both sides.<br /><br />Also, I think if there was some aspect that you just couldn't change, then you could involve your agent to help negotiate. That's part of their job too.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-89015814822253155152009-10-21T14:58:59.033-04:002009-10-21T14:58:59.033-04:00Hi Carrie(CKHB),
There were a few things I didn&#...Hi Carrie(CKHB),<br /><br />There were a few things I didn't totally agree with. And as I thought through the "concerns" I was able to resolve some of them in a way that satisfies my editor enough but also doesn't compromise what's important to me about the story. <br /><br />With most of suggestions, however, I'm trusting their expertise!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14187824647821247282009-10-21T14:58:11.377-04:002009-10-21T14:58:11.377-04:00"While some of the rewrites will make my book..."While some of the rewrites will make my book better all around for any publishing house, some of the changes are specific to Bethany House and the standards they hold for their books."<br /><br />Jody, this is fascinating. It never occurred to me that this was part of the edits. How much do you think is worth giving up for a single publishing house? Does it make you feel as if you are loosing some of your novel?<br /><br />Good post.<br /><br />-MandyCreative Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02960292977608812418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-15303959772272574452009-10-21T14:54:21.745-04:002009-10-21T14:54:21.745-04:00I don't envy you all the rewriting, but I unde...I don't envy you all the rewriting, but I understand and expect it. While we're cocooned in the initial creation stage of our writing I don't think we give a lot of thought to how our stories will be received. We're writing from heart and head, combining knowledge of technique with a story idea. After months or years of writing and revising we're so intricately involved in that story that it's impossible to be unbiased about it. <br /><br />If we are convinced it is written exactly as we wish it to be presented to potential readers, we have the right to withhold it from scrutiny by publishing professionals. We could self publish and put it into the market "as is". The thing about those professionals, however, is that they possess knowledge and experience way beyond ours, and are far enough removed from the story's authorship to be able to give impartial suggestions and guidance.<br /><br />I can't imagine being so stubborn about my rights as a story's creator that I would resist help in refining it when that help would give it a better chance to be successful. But, oh, the work! As I said, I don't envy you that. :)Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-83093341122064764112009-10-21T14:38:42.418-04:002009-10-21T14:38:42.418-04:00Jody, I'd say you're handling the editing ...Jody, I'd say you're handling the editing process with a fair amount of grace. Thanks for opening a window into it for the rest of us.<br /><br />The only one that surprises me is the hero's character arc. Because doesn't that, in essence, change the entire story, or at least half of it? My confusion stems from thinking that dislking the arc of a major character would be something that might cause an editor to pass on a story rather than to buy it with plans to change it later. In a way, it widens the window of hope, I guess. Says a lot about your writing talent, I think.PatriciaWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79803118353100018262009-10-21T14:31:00.287-04:002009-10-21T14:31:00.287-04:00There was a day when I bristled and freaked out wh...There was a day when I bristled and freaked out when confronted with such heavy duty revisions. But, I watch The Husband and in his line of work the client is king, no matter how hard he works on the content of a video or set design, or what have you, they are likely to shred it to bits and he has to start all over. To him, it's all just part of "the process", so he takes it in stride. When I started writing scripts for some of the productions I had to remain completely open to my work being chopped and dissected. I feel your pain. <br />;-)Elizabeth Bradleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03150221675618198674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-53690728267238676872009-10-21T13:40:35.027-04:002009-10-21T13:40:35.027-04:00Wow, Jody, I'm so glad you shared all of these...Wow, Jody, I'm so glad you shared all of these. Opened my eyes more to the publishing/editing process.Melissa Amateishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086267508858187716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-60297537391179850372009-10-21T12:36:34.641-04:002009-10-21T12:36:34.641-04:00Jody, you're stressing me out! But in a good w...Jody, you're stressing me out! But in a good way. I just think we all need to realize that it is no easy street when "the call" comes in. There is still work to be done.<br /><br />Like others here, I'm a little surprises at #2. That's an area I'm working on in my current MS, so I would be troubled to have to change it once I put all that thought into it. But, if someone is going to "help" me come up with a better plan, then I guess I would be all for it.<br /><br />I hope your daughter feels better soon! Good luck writing and getting to that research!Heather Sunserihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12552506888985553471noreply@blogger.com