I hope everyone is having a fab weekend! I know, I usually don't post over the weekend but I had to take a break from editing so thought what better time to post while thoughts are fresh than right now, lol I know it's later than my regular posting time and with still not enough coffee yet, and seriously thinking I'll never reach that point, you'll have to bear with me again, I'm afraid ;)
For this post we'll assume you sent a query and sample chapters out to and editor and she wanted a full, so you sent it. They offered a contract but they also want revisions. So, continuing with this theory, you've sent the story back to them and have once again received their copy back. They want additional changes.
So, let's break this down a little..
For many, this is the norm..they'll send a letter letting you know of their interest, and sometimes they'll include some minor changes they'd like to see. Moving forward just a bit, now, at this same time, keeping with the above, they have offered a contract. Congratulations!! That's totally awesome, and no doubt, you're floating on cloud nine :)
After a bit, when your feet are on solid ground again, you go back and re-read the letter and the notes that the editor had left. You work your fingers to the bones and fix the issues and then send it back, along with the contract if you haven't done so before this point.
You're excited beyond belief! You have spent countless hours alone, with only the thoughts and actions of your characters playing out in your head. Sometimes they're easy to deal with, sometimes, not so much. But you've done it! You have a contract and your book will be available for all to see!
Then, you feel the rug pulled out from under you because you've got another round of edits to go through. This time, your ms looks more like the red sea of ink. You may wonder, what the heck happened? How can it need that much work/corrections? You may be afraid that making all these adjustments will hurt/change your story.. yup, the very one that took all but your last ounce of energy and sanity most days, for almost a year. Panic sets in, right?
But, here's the thing.. it's ok to panic. In fact, I think if I didn't panic when I walk in those very shoes, for me, it wouldn't be as rewarding. You have to remember too, first and foremost, romance publishing is a business. We're talking billion, not million, yup, with the 'b' dollar business. You, and it's the same for your publisher, editor, etc., they want to put out the very best story that is possible.
Anyway, back to panicking. It's ok to feel confused and whatnot. Walk away for a day or two, don't touch your ms during that time. Let things process in your head, let it settle. Take a deep breath, have a cup of tea, take a long walk, go to the movies.. whatever you do that helps to unwind from a stressful day or week. Then, when you're back to 'writing mode' pull the ms back out and start at the very beginning, the first editor marked note. Read it, read it again if you need to, and go from there.
What you don't want to do is take all of this personally. Your editor is not trying to change your story into hers. She's not putting up wall after wall for you to climb, only to tumble back down the damn thing and climb it a few more times, until you seriously don't know what you're feeling at this point. Several rounds of edits may make you upset, yes, but letting your editor 'have it' or telling her off isn't going to help either. Totally the opposite to be honest.
For now, let's assume you've only met online and don't know her personally. This is the time to act professional, in fact, way before this point, but for this post we'll start within the time frame. Anyway.. She's on your side. Her name is behind it as well as the publishers, and yours on the cover. The time and place to not have a thick skin is not now, and certainly not with her. You can always vent to your sister, your best friend, your who ever, though it probably won't make you feel any better in the end. Try your best to understand why she's asking for the change/s, if you're not sure, ask her. Now, by no means am I suggesting to send an email for every question. Condense it and try to ask all that you can, within reason, in one email.
There may be a spot though that you'd rather not make the suggested change, that's okay, too. The next time you talk to your editor, explain why you feel the way you do about that particular part. And who knows, by talking it through, the two of you may come up with a different and better outcome that neither of you thought of before you talked. :)
The truth is, it is not often a story does not need to go through editing before it's ready to be released. But if you take it all in stride, step by step, as it's presented to you, it may not feel so overwhelming. And may be easier to get through every round of edits that are needed before it's ready for its release!
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
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