this ride called "publication."
I'm learning a ton, and having fun,
Except for this one measly con.
Editing while uncontracted,
is oh so not very facted
You think you're smart, when an adverb does part,
But just you wait until the contract is enacted.
Your manuscript will be sliced,
As well as fully diced,
Overhaul this, and delete this kiss,
You'll discover your work's fully liced.
But oh author, do not despair,
These errors you can repair,
Keep on going, all the while knowing,
With the world, your book you'll soon share.
Remember, do you really desire
your book to be thrown in the fire
when a reader reads, and finally concedes,
that your book needs editing dire.
So chin up, oh you writer,
Grab a coke, or some cider
Snip it here, and never fear,
because inside you is a fighter.
In the end, you'll be happy,
that you deleted the line that was sappy,
when a delighted fan, maybe named Stan,
says your book is far from nappy.
Give your editor a hug
They'll probably be smug
because your book and its great hook
Is being used for more than squashing a bug.
*****
If you haven't noticed... I'm editing my first contracted book, under my first deadline.
You'll also notice that I write fiction, NOT poetry. The above tells you exactly why, and it's not because poetry doesn't sell.
It's because I stink at it.
I hope you enjoyed my fumbling attempt, and happy editing everyone!
*****
Discussion: How long do you usually take to edit your novels? Do you use critique partners, paid editors? Are you prepared for the thought of DEADLINES and professional editors once you're contracted????
*************************************************
Krista is a follower of Jesus, a wife, a mother, and a contemporary romance author. She recognizes that life can be frustrating and just plain not fun sometimes, but believes that laughter and smiles can make the not-so-fun a little better! She blogs about the amazing things God has been doing and her journey as a busy momma of 4 and caregiver to a daughter with a rare congenital heart defect at http://reflectionsbykrista.blogspot.com. She is also a contributor at www.wordservewatercooler.com. She is represented by the fab agent, Rachelle Gardner, and her debut novel, Sandwich, With a Side of Romance, releases in September 2012.
Fun post, Krista. :) Love what you wrote, and the perspective you shared. I'm still in the process of completing my first wip, so I'm not to the editing stage yet. Hopefully in a few months. I'll definitely talk with my CP, and do whatever else needs doing to get my story sparkling.
ReplyDeleteHappy editing! Just imagine how many writers would love to be in your shoes. :) I'll pray for you today.
Your poem DEFINITELY gave me a giggle! I've had a MS professionally edited before - wasn't loads of fun, but it DID make my MS better. I'll definitely do CPs. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI LIKED your poem, very Seussical. Oh my, no, I'm not prepared for deadlines. My schedule is 8 months for writing the rough draft...that definitely wouldn't work for a contract but works for this season of life for me. I like having a F2F crit group because I get 6 or so opinions at once. I really learn a lot by studying the "themes" to comments.
ReplyDeleteOh, Krista, that was such fun. Thanks for starting my day with a smile.
ReplyDeleteI may be an odd duck (there's no maybe about it if you ask certain people near and dear to me =), but I love editing as much if not more so than writing a first draft. Watching my story get better before my eyes is a delight.
LOLOLOL! Love your fan Stan. Good one Krista! :D
ReplyDeleteJeanne T -- yes, I'm oh so aware of that:-) It's funny, everyone always told me (the published authors anyway) that "Just wait till you get on this side of the fence..." and they were right! It's great and wonderful but also different than what I anticipated! :-)
ReplyDeleteJoanne... glad I could make you giggle! And a professional edit prior to publication is a fantastic idea (alas, I could never scrape together the pennies...) but it would give a great idea as to what to expect!
ReplyDeleteJulia, thanks:-) And 8 months isn't horrible... if it's a pretty good rough draft:-) There are a lot of writers who average one book a year published!
ReplyDeleteKeli... I actually dont' mind the process of editing as much as I thought I would. I can totally see how it's shaping up to be much better than the original!
ReplyDeleteIt's the timing that's killing me at the moment, HA! But get through it I shall!
Casey... I was especially proud of Stan as well:-)
ReplyDeleteLove it! Thanks for the snickers. And I agree, actually. Been there :)
ReplyDeleteYeah...I'm snickering and snorting up a storm! That was awesome, Krista!
ReplyDeleteI'm not an editing lover, but hearing you say that you don't mind it as much as you thought..well, that gives me hope.
Poetry should be fun to read and enjoyable, and yours was both! Thanks for the cheer and encouragement you have given many, and for the reminder that we're doing this for a greater good. And for calling us fighters! Wahoo!
ReplyDeleteBlessings on you and your editing, and on your precious family, Krista!
Just getting to this today, but I'm glad I kept the link in my inbox. As an editor & a writer, I appreciated every word!
ReplyDelete