Assume the Best

 

Assume the Best

Working With Editors Series: Part Two

Net's Notations Tuesdays

 

Remember last week how we talked about applying grace to your editor/author relations? You’re about to sense a theme. *grin*

Raise your hand if you’ve entered contests. Good for you! Get your name and work out there. Get some feedback. Takes courage. And then you get the responses. Sometimes I’ve wondered what planet the third judge hailed from. Can I hear an amen? The other two seemed in sync, giving similar (higher) scores. But that third one, the one who graded me with something around a 67% (ouch), what happened? 

Honestly, I can’t accept the comments right away. I’ll read them, but then I need some time to process what I’ve just seen—like, say, a week or two. No kidding. But then, when I do sit down with the comments and uncomfortable scores, it helps to tackle them with this idea: assume the best.

It’s so easy to miss what the judge (or editor) is trying to say if we don’t assume grace. Remember, the one giving the feedback is trying to help. In the case of an editor, we are hoping to help you make the story stronger, build your brand, give additional credibility to your name as an author. If you keep that in mind as you review our comments/changes, those “marks” will be easier to take. No one likes to be critiqued. But no one’s perfect. So we all need feedback in order to write better.

Next time you receive feedback on your writing, whether from your crit group or an editor, or possibly even a contest judge, remember to assume the best. Give the other person the benefit of the doubt. Apply that grace we talked about last week. Just because they’ve found things that could use a change doesn’t mean they’re against you. Don’t take it personally.

Next week, another step in the process of working well with your editor: how to tackle edits. 

Portals to Publishing

Portals to Publishing

Why We Need Editors Series

Net's Notations Tuesdays

Have you heard it? All the buzz lately of self-publishing in e-books and the craze that’s going on, turning publishing on its ear. Ask any writer, any publisher who’s in the know, and they’ll tell you “we don’t know exactly where this headed, but it’s going there fast.” But, what happens to quality control?

Some of the authors opting to self-publish their own e-books are offering well-written works because they bring several years’ worth of writing prowess to the process. But with self-publishing there is no guarantee you’ll get quality, which is why self-publishing has been frowned upon for so long. Then, there are the breakouts who earn tens of thousands of dollars a month in e-book sales.They must be doing something right.

One “safety net” of traditional publishing is that though the process is laborious and requires patience, established editors know what readers will buy. They know the standards required for your name to elicit a positive response in readers’ minds. Do you?

POINTS OF VIEW

On Tuesdays this month, we’ve been talking over the reasons we need editors. Here’s one of them—acquisitions editors have been around a while. They know what works and what doesn’t. They know the latest standards. For example, in fiction, point of view is key right now, specifically purist POV—one character’s head per scene or chapter. One. Not back and forth, which used to be acceptable. And not omniscient (an above-the-rest, birds-eye view of what people are thinking or feeling). If you send in a project that contains head-hopping or omniscient POV, you’re likely to get it rejected.

So, what good does rejection do? It forces you back to the basics, back to making sure you have ALL your ducks in a row when it comes to writing. That’s what rejection has done for me. I go back to the basics. What did the contest judges mention over and over? What did my editor cite? What am I still not getting right? Time to bone up on that skill until I’ve got it.

HOT GENRES

Editors also know what the current market wants. Many of them have access to sales numbers (or the pub boards do) and know which genres are hot and which aren’t. For example, romances are still hot, especially historicals. What else? Amish fiction. That doesn’t mean we have to write those genres. Dawn (a cohost here at SW) will tell you, keep writing your genre and wait for it to come up popular. *smile* But editors can offer advice and assistance should you decide to write what’s hot and can turn it around super fast. (There are pros and cons—by the time you finish, the genre may be lukewarm—remember chick lit? But if you can catch the wave and you’re between projects, why not?)

These are just examples of what editors at houses can offer. But if you do decide to self-publish, I still recommend having a freelancer look at your work. Better that than being embarrassed by things you didn’t catch. Remember, no one’s perfect.

A list of acquisitions editors’ jobs:

We’re here to help you look good, which sometimes means declining on a submission.

We’re here to give readers what they want, which does include stepping outside the box every now and then.

We’re here to keep the standards high to best serve readers.

To sum up, editors are portals to publishing, and we need them.

Where Am I Really?

Where Am I Really?
Students of the Craft Series

Net's Notations Tuesdays

Hey everyone, Annette here. I sat in on a workshop at a writing conference several years ago and wondered what I was doing there. This writer was speaking way over my head. I needed someone to address writing craft at my level. I wasn’t ready for his topic.

If I took the same workshop today, I’d find more of the material familiar. But at that point, I didn’t have a clear understanding of just where I was in terms of ability. Let me share some advice, in case you can relate. As students of the craft, it’s important to:

1) Assess where we are. Ask: what are my weaknesses? Where could I improve?

2) Seek out what we need. When you’ve discovered your areas of weakness (POV, dialogue, plotting, grammar, etc.), it’s necessary to locate materials on that topic. One great way to learn more is to find a workshop. When you attend writers’ conferences there are lists of workshop options. Choose the ones which will most meet you where you are, or challenge you a bit. Don’t shoot for workshops which will cover material beyond where you are. You’ll spend most of the time trying to figure out what the speaker is talking about in general and never glean what s/he meant as the meat of his/her presentation. How-to books are helpful resources too. Find them free at the library. (Of course you cannot highlight library books, so you may want to allocate some of your writing budget for personal copies.)

3) Study. After conferences, after workshops, it’s important to read through the materials and your notes once you’re back at your writing desk. How does the information hit you now? The best way to know you’re ready to move on from this stage is to try explaining what you’ve learned to someone else. This demonstrates whether you’ve really got it or not. Practice on your critique group. *smile*

4) Apply. Now, find a place in your WIP (work in progress) and apply this new technique. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come together on the first attempt. No one’s watching over your shoulder. Take your time. Refer back to your notes. Get advice.

This process may reveal other weaknesses, but if so, don’t worry. You’re in good company. Name your favorite well-read, multi-published author and I imagine that person would admit to having a weakness or two. The great thing—we don’t have to forever compensate for those areas of struggle. We can learn. We can grow. We can overcome our writing weaknesses if we remain students of the craft.

Write on!

Attending Conferences

Attending Conferences

Students of the Craft Series

Net's Notations Tuesdays

I read a review today on a book written by a multi-published author. The reviewer said, “I read such-and-such a book by her and couldn’t wait to read her next one. But I was so disappointed in it.” One star.

Yikes! Now, granted, readers have differing opinions. There are several reasons a reader might have connected with Book 11, but not Book 12. But, from the other reviews, it seemed readers weren’t impressed with the author’s characterization in this latest novel. And characterization is a teachable skill.

So, it’s back to the classroom.

This month, we’re discussing being students of the craft. I’ve heard well-published, successful authors say (at conferences), “I’m here (to listen to so-and-so teach) because I want to never stop learning.” That same person was up talking with the teacher during the break, getting advice, learning, growing as a writer.

I respect that.

Are you a committed student of the craft?

Committed students take advantage of every opportunity to learn more about their subject. Conferences are a great resource for learning and networking.

Conferences inspire me. I always think, “I can’t wait until I go home and put this great stuff to use!”

Which conferences will you attend this year? Things are lean for some of us. If that’s the case, find a local conference put on by a small organization. These are likely more affordable than the national conferences. No doubt you’ll be able to glean fresh info, or network with new people. Some writers prefer the smaller conference setting. If so, this is for you.

If funds and scheduling aren’t an issue, attend a premier conference, if you can: Mt. Hermon, ACFW, etc.

Either way, plan ahead. Do your research so you can make every meeting count. Know what agents are looking for, and the same for editors/houses.

Here’s a checklist for committed students attending conferences:

* Carry a bag with your school supplies. (smile) (Messenger bags or backpacks work well.) Pens, notebooks, pencils, highlighters; or a laptop. Plan to scribble down (or type) as much info as you can.
* Attend agent and editor panels. Again, take notes. You never know when you’ll need the information later.
* If available, purchase the CDs after the conference to catch anything you missed.
* Be professional. Agents and editors will take you more seriously if you look and act the part. Students who come in sloppy to class usually don’t apply themselves. Be organized. Project earnestness.
* Plan to study conference materials once you’re back at home, too. Leave time in your writing day for listening to those MP3s or CDs and taking new notes. Then, apply what you’re learning to your WIP (work in progress).

Remember, we’ll are students of the craft of writing. Keep studying. You won’t regret it.

Sit Down and Write!

Hey everyone, Annette here. Welcome to the second post in our New Commitments Series this Net's Notations Tuesdays.

You’ve heard this before BIC (behind in chair). The only way to get your writing accomplished is to sit down and do it. Wave at me if you know that’s true.

There are a million reasons we procrastinate. I procrastinate because: 1) I don’t know what to write next (SOTPers unite!), 2) I’m afraid it won’t be good enough, 3) I’m afraid it will be good enough, 4) I’m afraid of the unknown.

What stops you?

Now let’s talk about what motivates us. Deadlines motivate. Even if you don’t have a contract pushing you toward finishing that manuscript, you can still give yourself a deadline.

This month, lots of our writing pals are participating in the NaNoWriMo—National Novel Writing Month. The goal is prescribed for you: 50,000 words in one month. If you’ve participated, you probably know it’s a sizable challenge, but if you succeed it’s a fantastic tool, plus you’re surrounded by others with the same goal so you have support and accountability.

Same’s true of ACFW’s Novel Track: Writing. I’ve participated every quarter since its inception this year. The difference between this program and NaNoWriMo is that you set your own goal. There is accountability with the others on the e-loop. Daily, you click over to the website, enter your total words for the day and see where your words affect the group’s total. Together, we penned over 1.2 million words in October. Every time I participate, I’m pushed to accomplish my goal. Very motivating.

What motivates you?

Sometimes I’m motivated by the sheer need to write. It’s a feeling that rises up inside me—a desire to create deep characters who hook readers emotionally with their growth stories. Ideally, anyway. Little things in life inspire me. Then, I have to apply BIC. Sit down and start writing.

Meeting writing goals requires:

1) A new commitment to do just that.
2) Self-discipline (BIC no matter what).
3) Prioritizing.

I began a new job in August, but I didn’t let the fact that I now had a(nother) time consumer in my daily schedule keep me from writing. I can’t. Plus, we have McCrit to prep for (right ladies??), and Mondays roll around every single week. *grin*

So, commit afresh to getting those words onto the screen (or page) and don’t let excuses stop you. Set an atmosphere. Set a goal. Surround yourself with support and accountability. Enjoy! Write!

Your Calling

Your Calling
New Commitment Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

During church on Sunday, God highlighted people’s callings. If you’re here, reading Seriously Write, I’m going to take a risk and guess you’re called to write. *grin* That morning, as God highlighted callings, He spoke through prophecy to our congregation. See if you can relate with these messages.

Has the dream died? Sometimes when we don't see the results we thought we'd see in a certain time frame, we lay the dreams aside. If we go long enough, they die. It's time to bring them back to life—to speak life over them and into them and watch God move in fresh ways as we recommit.

Have you held back because of the responsibility? You know your dreams require sacrifice. Callings are costly. But is that a reason to put off doing what you were created to do? Don’t let it be.

God rekindled my dreams the other day in the drug store, of all places. I saw a rack of books in an unusual place—just paperbacks by one or more authors. I want that—my books, out there. I have lots of manuscripts written and I’m sure several more in my heart waiting to be written. And one of my dreams is just to have them out there. Of course, I’d love to be a best-selling author one day, too. *grin*

What about you? Has God make your calling clear? Write it down. What are your dreams? Write them out. Then, recommit to pursuing them, no matter the cost. Ask for wisdom, dive in and be steadfast. You and your destiny are about to collide.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor. 15:58, NKJV)

Reassurance

Reassurance
Net's Notation Tuesdays
Refreshed by God Series

Have you ever wondered if you were on the right road as a writer? I watched the awards ceremony blog feed for ACFW this last weekend with a touch of sadness. I hated missing conference, but it wasn’t meant to be this year. I remember sitting there at the awards banquet many times over the years. I remember the anticipation in the air and the joy. The electricity. This year as I read the blog feed, I wondered “Where do I fit here now?”

I took a break from conference this year due to finances. So, it’s not as if I’m bowing out of the field. *smile* In fact, I’m moving in a different direction as an editor, so I’m really not leaving the field.

And I’ve been writing lately, too, with ACFW’s Novel Track: Writing challenge (which I hope to participate in again in October). But I don’t have a second book published. I feel like I’ve been working hard and learning and growing and things are changing, but the things I’d like to see happen, aren’t. (sometimes)

Can you relate with that?

So, I need God’s reassurance. I need Him to come along and remind me I’m on His journey, not the one I’d design for myself (which, by the way, wouldn’t include even a drop of the wisdom God’s design does).

The great part, though, is I’m still meeting fantastic writers and learning the craft and growing in the field. God’s given me fantastic friends and learning ops. I’m very grateful for all of it!

Sometimes the best assurance comes from counting one’s blessings. Can I hear an AMEN? *grin*

I know this: God is my source for assurance and reassurance, for affirmation and reaffirmation. He will see me through to wherever He wants me.

And that’s all the reassurance I need. How about you? How has God reassured you lately?

God's Promises to Writers Series

Research Help
God's Promises to Writers Series
Net's Notation Tuesdays

Raise your hand if you love research. Anyone? Anyone? I see one hand clear in the back. Good for you. *grin* Research intimidates me. It’s the reason I haven’t dove into writing historicals. Too many unknowns. A long list of things foreign to our experience. The internet helps, but even then I’ve personally spent hours trying to track down one answer and never found it.

God knows what you need to know and how to find it. He can make connections for you. Let me share some examples.

I wonder how many of our readers here at SW are members of ACFW. What a great place to connect. A couple of years ago, as I was writing the first draft of one of my WIPS, I needed to find someone who could advise me on being a touring musician. I put a request out to the ACFW e-loop and immediately connected with a fellow writer’s spouse. This was the first time I’d made this kind of contact. Felt like this was God’s hands linking us. With his help, my questions weren’t as intimidating, the answers as illusive. With God’s help, the provision came.

Recently I needed medical questions answered for a separate WIP, and because of this blog, Dawn and I had contact with a nurse who graciously agreed to help. Separately I wanted first-hand accounts of a specific ailment. Again, God provided the help I needed.

Sometimes I feel as if I don’t lean enough on God and His call. But here’s what I know: When God calls someone to something, He provides everything they need in His time to bring it together. That includes research for His writers. Provision is one of His promises. Rest in Him to provide.