My writing career has been full of lots of ups and downs. One of the biggest decisions I had to make was whether or not to go with a small press back when I first signed with MuseItUp. Now, there's tons of info out there on either side of this debate, but this was the choice I made and for the most part it's been good for me. I definitely wish I had more marketing skills, but I do what I can.
Another tough choice I had to make recently was when my normal editor for the Sary books had an accident that led to me being reassigned in the middle of revisions on my next release, Surrender the Sky. I suddenly ended up with a new editor in the middle of a book and series. And, well, I knew from our first email exchange that this was going to be different. My general response to anything like this is to be nice and just deal--nothing comes from making waves for minor things. But then I got my comments back for my next round. And I knew this was just not going to work. We had very different views on many things and while there were some really good points she made, which I was happy to work with, there were others that just made clear to me that our differences in how this book worked
I felt bad. I still do. I asked to be reassigned to another editor. It was a really tough choice for me. But I honestly think it's better to work with an editor who likes your book, at least on some level. Sure, someone else can edit it and help out, but finding someone to work with who wants to spend some time in the world you've created is also important. Otherwise, well, it's just going through the motions and there's nothing of the magic that is writing.
In some ways, I'm glad. The whole situation stressed me out like crazy. And I realized that I really didn't need that. I stood up for myself and my books. I don't want something like this to reflect poorly on me or my book or my writing, but sometimes tough choices have to be made. This was just a recent one in a few crazy years of being a published author :)
How about you--what kinds of tough choices have you had to make as an author? Or just in general?
Meradeth, I'm so glad you posted this today! Other writers can take heart from your encouraging words of wisdom and your experience. Something similar happened to me over a decade ago, but with a different ending. (Kaboom!) A good mid-list publisher had acquired my middle grade girls soccer series and, wow, was I ever excited. The further I got into the revision/editing process, the more dejected, frustrated, and, yes, even angry, I became. My other, well-pubbed writer friends and a stellar editor friend read over what was happening, and they assured me I was right to feel as I did. I was being asked to change the entire manuscript; the assistant editor even rewrote pages, using the most trite cliches imaginable. Well, I was in a state, and I decided I couldn't let my work become an embarrassing travesty. After lengthy discussions with not only my editor, but the editorial director, and even the publisher, I walked away from the contract. Yep. Walked away. The series will never be published, but at least I saved my writerly soul -- just as you were able to save yours. Thanks, Meradeth! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! That's quite a tale to tell. I feel for you!! But I'm glad you were able to stand up for yourself and your books. That's seriously the most important part. Thanks SO much for sharing--it makes me feel loads better, too :)
DeleteI think you were absolutely right in your decision. Both the writer and the editor (and agent if one is involved) have to not just "like" the work but "Love and be Excited" about it. If they aren't, they aren't the right people to work with. Yeah, it's a hard thing to deal with and my personality leans toward yours. I usually just keep my mouth shut and just "make due." But the longer I'm in the industry, the more I'm learning that I have to speak up. Otherwise it's easy to get over looked, pushed aside and, yes, stuck with an editor (while may be a great person) doesn't fit my work.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for standing up for your vision!
You get some Red Bull in you and you go like a rabid Energizer bunny!
Michelle :)
LOL!!! Today is definitely a red bull, rabid energizer bunny kind of day :) And you're totally right--there's a time to stand up and say something, otherwise it's so easy to get overlooked. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, or so they say :)
DeleteWow, I know it was due to unforeseen circumstances ... but having you change canoes in the middle of the stream ... really?!?!
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for being upset. You had every right to be, and I'm glad you spoke up and got some results. I hope your new editor loves the Sary just as much as we all do.
But I'm proud of you for sharing your author pet peeves with us. Don't keep your frustrations bottled up inside! Let them out! I'm so proud of you for this post, I can't even tell ya :-)
Thanks, Faith! Seriously, I was so nervous to share this! But, really, we all have tough things to deal with in this author thing. And I always love your posts on the tough parts of writing, because they remind me I'm not alone!
DeleteI'm a go-with-the-flow gal, too, so I know that must have been a difficult decision. I absolutely think it was the right one, though. I think it's not only important for your editor to enjoy your work, but in a series, care enough to really get to know it. I hope everything goes smoothly with the new one!
ReplyDeleteThanks! My new editor is totally fabulous, so it definitely worked out :)
DeleteA very wise post today, Meradeth!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It wasn't easy to share, but it felt right :)
DeleteThanks so much for opening up and sharing with us. This sounds like a really hard decision, but I am glad that you did what you needed to for you and for your book. Reading is so subjective, and it is easier to work with someone who loves the story (and easier to take advice too). I can't wait to read the next Sary novel! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was difficult, but I think something I had to do for my writing :)
DeleteOH man, what a decision to have to make! It sounds like you made the best choice though! Still, not fun to go through such a stressful time. Most of my tough choices these days consist of what I am going to do with my time. Last Saturday there was a ton of stuff going on and trying to decide how long I was going to stay at each event and what I was going to go to and what I wasnt , was pretty tough. At least it all happened in 1 day and I didnt have to stress out too much.
ReplyDeleteI love all the awesome stuff you manage in a weekend, Stacie. Makes me wish I lived closer so I could tag along to some of them! :)
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