Comments on: The Care and Feeding of Editors http://romanceuniversity.org/2009/11/23/the-care-and-feeding-of-editors/ Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:53:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Allie Pleiter http://romanceuniversity.org/2009/11/23/the-care-and-feeding-of-editors/comment-page-1/#comment-2426 Allie Pleiter Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:43:09 +0000 http://romanceuniversity.org/?p=2036#comment-2426 Carrie- I can only answer your question by telling you that twice I've set up a phone call to talk about refusing to make a change, and both times I've changed my mind by the time of the phone call. So I've never really "locked horns," but I also really, really respect my editor's judgement after so many books together. It's never come to threats. It should never come to threats, we're supposed to be professionals here. In most cases compromise has won the day. Like I said, if you dig in your heels, you'd better do it with your eyes open as to the fallout--personally and professionally--it's going to cost you. There are times when it's a fair trade. But they had better be few and far between and dire in my opinion. Carrie-
I can only answer your question by telling you that twice I’ve set up a phone call to talk about refusing to make a change, and both times I’ve changed my mind by the time of the phone call. So I’ve never really “locked horns,” but I also really, really respect my editor’s judgement after so many books together. It’s never come to threats. It should never come to threats, we’re supposed to be professionals here. In most cases compromise has won the day. Like I said, if you dig in your heels, you’d better do it with your eyes open as to the fallout–personally and professionally–it’s going to cost you. There are times when it’s a fair trade. But they had better be few and far between and dire in my opinion.

]]> By: carrie http://romanceuniversity.org/2009/11/23/the-care-and-feeding-of-editors/comment-page-1/#comment-2423 carrie Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:57:29 +0000 http://romanceuniversity.org/?p=2036#comment-2423 Morning Allie... Thanks for the editor info! I'm hoping I can use it some day...=) What happens when you strongly disagree with your editor, and refuse to make the changes they want? Do they just say oh well then, that's ok.....or do they threaten to not publish your book? Or does everyone work towards a compromise? carrie Morning Allie…

Thanks for the editor info! I’m hoping I can use it some day…=)

What happens when you strongly disagree with your editor, and refuse to make the changes they want? Do they just say oh well then, that’s ok…..or do they threaten to not publish your book? Or does everyone work towards a compromise?

carrie

]]> By: Allie Pleiter http://romanceuniversity.org/2009/11/23/the-care-and-feeding-of-editors/comment-page-1/#comment-2422 Allie Pleiter Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:52:43 +0000 http://romanceuniversity.org/?p=2036#comment-2422 Yes, I've had the same editor for all of my Steeple Hill books, although because I've written for several SH lines I've worked with other editors as well in partnerships. I do think it's fine to ask them how much communication they want (agents may have some insight on this as well). I'm well aware that the long, strong relationship I have with my editor is a rarity and a gift, but I've worked to make it that way, too. As for Kelsey's fundraising question, I think the best lesson I learned was how to hear "NO" as "NOT NOW". Fundraising is about weeding through the "no"s to find the "yes" you need. The journey to publication works much the same way. You can't take an individual "no" as a personal insult. It's a moment in time between two entities. You take what's useful from that "no" and move on to the next opportunity. Fundraising is actually a very good education for writing, I think. Yes, I’ve had the same editor for all of my Steeple Hill books, although because I’ve written for several SH lines I’ve worked with other editors as well in partnerships. I do think it’s fine to ask them how much communication they want (agents may have some insight on this as well). I’m well aware that the long, strong relationship I have with my editor is a rarity and a gift, but I’ve worked to make it that way, too.
As for Kelsey’s fundraising question, I think the best lesson I learned was how to hear “NO” as “NOT NOW”. Fundraising is about weeding through the “no”s to find the “yes” you need. The journey to publication works much the same way. You can’t take an individual “no” as a personal insult. It’s a moment in time between two entities. You take what’s useful from that “no” and move on to the next opportunity. Fundraising is actually a very good education for writing, I think.

]]> By: Kelsey Browning http://romanceuniversity.org/2009/11/23/the-care-and-feeding-of-editors/comment-page-1/#comment-2421 Kelsey Browning Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:05:58 +0000 http://romanceuniversity.org/?p=2036#comment-2421 Allie - Welcome to RU. We're delighted you're here. You bio caught my attention because I was a fundraiser at one time, too! What one or two tidbits did you learn in your former career that have helped you in your professional interactions as a writer? Thanks so much! Kelsey Allie -

Welcome to RU. We’re delighted you’re here.

You bio caught my attention because I was a fundraiser at one time, too! What one or two tidbits did you learn in your former career that have helped you in your professional interactions as a writer?

Thanks so much!
Kelsey

]]> By: Adrienne Giordano http://romanceuniversity.org/2009/11/23/the-care-and-feeding-of-editors/comment-page-1/#comment-2420 Adrienne Giordano Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:32:14 +0000 http://romanceuniversity.org/?p=2036#comment-2420 Hi, Allie and welcome to RU. I'm curious if you have had the same editor all along. If not, how was the transition to the new editor? I'm sure there's an adjustment period when working with a new editor because both the writer and editor need to learn the other's inclinations, strengths, weaknesses, etc. Hi, Allie and welcome to RU. I’m curious if you have had the same editor all along. If not, how was the transition to the new editor? I’m sure there’s an adjustment period when working with a new editor because both the writer and editor need to learn the other’s inclinations, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

]]> By: Allie Pleiter http://romanceuniversity.org/2009/11/23/the-care-and-feeding-of-editors/comment-page-1/#comment-2419 Allie Pleiter Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:03:42 +0000 http://romanceuniversity.org/?p=2036#comment-2419 OOPS-- on that previous email I meant to open with "I speak to my EDITOR." I just shouldn't attempt this stuff before the second cup of coffee! OOPS– on that previous email I meant to open with “I speak to my EDITOR.” I just shouldn’t attempt this stuff before the second cup of coffee!

]]> By: Allie Pleiter http://romanceuniversity.org/2009/11/23/the-care-and-feeding-of-editors/comment-page-1/#comment-2418 Allie Pleiter Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:02:42 +0000 http://romanceuniversity.org/?p=2036#comment-2418 I speak with my agent whenever I have a significant issue to discuss. I'll email her with small details, or email her to ask to set up a time for a phone conversation for more complicated matters. We've been working together for all of my Steeple Hill books, so we've established a very strong relationship. I'd "budget" my communication a bit more, perhaps, if we were on our first book together. I talk to her first unless I need to "process" something first with my agent to get a better perspective. And I copy my agent on anything that might involve her or anything I think she should be aware of, but not every small detail. My advice? Ask your editor how much/little communication she likes. Would she prefer you bunch up a collection of issues into one larger email, or send questions individually? There is such a thing as too much, though. Think of her as your boss...try to go to her with solutions or choices instead of just going to her with problems. And yes, always share good news! I speak with my agent whenever I have a significant issue to discuss. I’ll email her with small details, or email her to ask to set up a time for a phone conversation for more complicated matters. We’ve been working together for all of my Steeple Hill books, so we’ve established a very strong relationship. I’d “budget” my communication a bit more, perhaps, if we were on our first book together. I talk to her first unless I need to “process” something first with my agent to get a better perspective. And I copy my agent on anything that might involve her or anything I think she should be aware of, but not every small detail. My advice? Ask your editor how much/little communication she likes. Would she prefer you bunch up a collection of issues into one larger email, or send questions individually? There is such a thing as too much, though. Think of her as your boss…try to go to her with solutions or choices instead of just going to her with problems. And yes, always share good news!

]]> By: TraceyDevlyn http://romanceuniversity.org/2009/11/23/the-care-and-feeding-of-editors/comment-page-1/#comment-2416 TraceyDevlyn Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:46:55 +0000 http://romanceuniversity.org/?p=2036#comment-2416 Hi Allie, Thanks for joining us today! Can you tell us a little about communication with your editor? I'm sure it varies, but how often do you talk to her? Do you send her great reviews? Do you cc: your agent? How do you know when to talk to your editor rather than your agent? Can you tell I'm unpublished? :) Thanks, Tracey Hi Allie,

Thanks for joining us today!

Can you tell us a little about communication with your editor? I’m sure it varies, but how often do you talk to her? Do you send her great reviews? Do you cc: your agent? How do you know when to talk to your editor rather than your agent?

Can you tell I’m unpublished? :)

Thanks,
Tracey

]]>