tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156209923311553716.post9067046179954911564..comments2023-09-08T08:20:12.018-04:00Comments on The Lyons' Den UPDATED: The things authors should never do when approaching a publisher... BrennaLyonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399508130752035374noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156209923311553716.post-48553017903650447672015-02-27T18:06:11.132-05:002015-02-27T18:06:11.132-05:00I am new to Fireborn, but not new to publishing. I...I am new to Fireborn, but not new to publishing. I say the following without having been through my first editing process, but this is something that, as a reader, bothers me and it reflects on the author and the publisher. <br /><br />I've heard authors vehemently complain when an editor calls them on passive voice and filters, two very common craft issues. Authors will talk about how editors are trying to destroy their author voice by asking the author to "fix" passive voice and filters. Nothing could be further from the truth.<br /><br />I'd love to see editors remain firm on this particular issue, which only helps to polish and create the best possible manuscript. Right from the submission process, these issues should be handled. So many submission guidelines list these two particular craft issues, but books contain them anyway.<br /><br />Yeah, they bother me as a reader and I've worked hard to scrub my work of them. They are cumbersome. He felt his heart beat. Filtered - of course he did. Who else would? He saw her come in the room. If we are in his POV, that is assumed. <br /><br />To wrap up - Yes, our work is our baby, but if authors could understand that their work is always going to be flawed and it is up to the editor(s) to see where and show us how to fix it. Editing isn't an insult. <br /><br />Issue two is promotion - I have been with seven publishers and none have opened their limited pocketbooks with unlimited advertising. Having been a partner (promotions manager) in a publishing house that is today successful, I encouraged authors to promo their work with the help of publisher-supplied banners, etc. I'm in favor of promo kits provided to authors at the time of their new release, which allows them to plaster their cover and links everywhere. <br /><br />Bottom line - authors need to put their best foot forward. I've met prima donnas that feel it is totally up to the publisher to promote their work. Each has their role, but the author needs to accept the fact that promotion is part of the whole package. The more books sold, the more money everyone makes. There's nothing shameful in self-promotion. <br /><br />Okay, new girl out!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14260617057194501013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156209923311553716.post-54600309222501361632015-02-25T22:00:13.668-05:002015-02-25T22:00:13.668-05:00You've covered most of my pet peeves, Brenna, ...You've covered most of my pet peeves, Brenna, but just let me add: courtesy counts. No matter how annoyed or frustrated you may be, remember that your writing is a BUSINESS and you should act like a professional. This also means an author should not expect special treatment from a publisher or editor just because the author happens to the know the editor personally. <br /><br />As you point out, the decisions a publisher makes are NOT personal. Unless of course the publisher recognizes a particular author who has been a real pain in the neck in the past! ;^)Lisabet Saraihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05162514190572269660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156209923311553716.post-73923322350664587222015-02-25T12:49:35.011-05:002015-02-25T12:49:35.011-05:00If your work is rejected and an editor takes the t...If your work is rejected and an editor takes the time to offer constructive criticism, just thank them and move on. Even if you don't agree with them, never ever become overly sensitive, argumentative, or insulting. Keep your mind open and consider the editor's advice. You may decide you disagree, but at least consider the possibility that they are right.Ria Restrepohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11840478268485844509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156209923311553716.post-61038492614132675072015-02-25T11:25:00.964-05:002015-02-25T11:25:00.964-05:00As an editor, I can say 'bravo' to all the...As an editor, I can say 'bravo' to all the points above. All editors understand that an author's work is their baby and they have put hours of blood, sweat and tears into it. I wish all authors would understand that as editors, our ONLY goal is to make the work the very best it can possibly be for the author's sake. Editors are paid by the word, so have no real stake whatsoever in anything beyond the success of the author. Being snarky with an editor who is only trying to make the manuscript better doesn't help anyone. Remember, as authors you know your story and your characters. As an editor, we are reading 'fresh', as the reader will do, so changes, plot holes and weaknesses we see and point out that seem unnecessary to you are only because you are so close to the work. 'Forest for the trees' stuff. Please respect that we are only trying to help and don't take things personally or be unpleasant. Jamie D. Rosenoreply@blogger.com