Self-publishing ready or not
Today's writing question is from Tia: When I read unpublished or self-published novels, or even some small press novels, most of the time, the writing is serviceable but there's something about it that is just not quite ready. I often can't even put my finger on it. These aren't amateurish novels, but polished novels that I've easily finished without a struggle. Still, something about it seems off--maybe it needs some improvement in timing, or dialog that flows better, or ruthless eradication of adverbs. Did you struggle with this in your own writing and if you did, how did you identify what it was?
There's a lot of answers to this question, but the simple one is -- there ain't nothing like a good editor. Anything can be improved by a fresh pair of professionally talented and discerning eyes. I'm fortunate to have two editors: my editor at Ace Books, Anne Sowards, and my agent Kristin Nelson. Kristin used to teach college English and has an uncanny way of cutting through the crap to what works and what doesn't and why. Anne has this same gift. Plus, vision wise, the three of us are in complete agreement. It's a working relationship made in heaven.
Back when I wrote my two first novels (that now live in my office closet never to see the light of day), I considered what they called then a "vanity press." This was back in the days before Amazon and print-on-demand. Basically, you paid for a certain quantity of your book to be printed, and they were shipped to you to sit in your garage until you sold them (or gave them to family and friends). Nowadays, self-publishing is push-button easy. And some people push the button before they're ready. Back then, I thought my books were ready to be published. I was wrong. Way wrong. I'm really glad that it was so difficult (and expensive) to self-publish back when my clunkers were in circulation at the NY publishing houses. It forced me to wait to be published the regular way -- the way I wanted and dreamed to be published -- and while I waited, I wrote . . . and improved . . .and then improved some more, eventually giving me work that I'm not embarrassed to see in print.
Great question, Tia! Okay, I'm now out of writing questions from you all. I need more. Feed the author. Feed the author.
Lisa
There's a lot of answers to this question, but the simple one is -- there ain't nothing like a good editor. Anything can be improved by a fresh pair of professionally talented and discerning eyes. I'm fortunate to have two editors: my editor at Ace Books, Anne Sowards, and my agent Kristin Nelson. Kristin used to teach college English and has an uncanny way of cutting through the crap to what works and what doesn't and why. Anne has this same gift. Plus, vision wise, the three of us are in complete agreement. It's a working relationship made in heaven.
Back when I wrote my two first novels (that now live in my office closet never to see the light of day), I considered what they called then a "vanity press." This was back in the days before Amazon and print-on-demand. Basically, you paid for a certain quantity of your book to be printed, and they were shipped to you to sit in your garage until you sold them (or gave them to family and friends). Nowadays, self-publishing is push-button easy. And some people push the button before they're ready. Back then, I thought my books were ready to be published. I was wrong. Way wrong. I'm really glad that it was so difficult (and expensive) to self-publish back when my clunkers were in circulation at the NY publishing houses. It forced me to wait to be published the regular way -- the way I wanted and dreamed to be published -- and while I waited, I wrote . . . and improved . . .and then improved some more, eventually giving me work that I'm not embarrassed to see in print.
Great question, Tia! Okay, I'm now out of writing questions from you all. I need more. Feed the author. Feed the author.
Lisa
posted by Lisa Shearin at
6:47 AM
8 Comments:
Great answer, which makes perfect sense. Thanks!
Fabulous -- glad I could help! I confess, I answered your question last because it was a tough one. I had to let it stew a little. ; )
A good answer to the question, tho' I do think an author needs to develop an inner editor as well as work well with actual editors. I'd write more, but my hand is still healing from strain. :(
Feed the author with
a) cookies/cakes/chocolates
b) nutritious food
c) books
d) questions?
Robert, I agree completely. Until I was published, I was the writer/editor/beta reader. I had no critique group, so I learned to rely on my gut instinct. Take care of that hand!
Yunaleska, "A" would be bad (I'm trying to maintain my Size 4 (down from a 10-12 WOOT!). "B" No thanks, I'm subjected to enough of that every day. "C" Heck, yes. No one can have too many books. "D" But yes, writing questions are what I'm looking for. ; )
I see...I have questions, but um saving them for the tiny interview I keep meaning to email to you.
Yunaleska, as to your interview questions, send 'em on. I'm at a bit of a writing lull for a day or two. Now's a good time.
Great answer, Lisa, and I like that you didn't run down authors who take the self-publishing route.
When I finished my first book I left a bit and then edited. Now - surely!- it was ready! So I sent it around looking for agents and guess what - no takers...Partly this was due to fact my query letter was duff, but also it just wasn't ready.
It's frustrating that things take time - the initial writing, the waiting to edit, the editing, the re-editing...it all takes times but just can't be rushed. I'm sure a professional editor who is working with you can add real value and that extra polish, but I agree with Robert in that you have to be able to really work at editing yourself, too.
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