Tackling the Revise + Resubmit Request

You're waiting for news from an agent or editor, and that anticipated name finally appears in your inbox. But what if it isn't a yes or a no? Besides the obvious answers, there's a different option: A revise and resubmit request.

Whether there's an element of your story that needs to be tweaked or a structural component that doesn't meet the requirements for a particular line, this typically means they see promise in your project but would like to see how you change certain things before they commit. Sometimes this happens in a pitch meeting or query response. Other times, they will send full editorial notes like they would for one of their own clients.

Since I'm working on one as we speak, here are my top tips for dealing with a revise and resubmit request:

Number one and most important, this is -- more often than not -- a good thing. Nothing to be upset about at all. Yes, it's more work to put into a project you've probably already spent a considerable amount of time shaping up to send off in the first place. But it will be worth it. Remember that this means your story made this agent/editor think and that he or she is invested in the idea enough to respond thoughtfully to you out of the hundreds of submissions in any given week.

But you don't have to take the advice. Revise and resubmit requests are great opportunities to show how teachable and creative you are with constructive criticism (an editor's dream author). If you've made every attempt to be open-minded and discussed it with trusted people who know your work and you still feel these suggestions don't seem like a good fit with your vision, then it might be best to move on. If their suggestions are so extensive that the structural integrity of your story is lost (and it's no longer your own story), then maybe you'd be a better match with a different agent/editor. But more than likely, a reputable industry professional will give you suggestions to bring out the best in your story and make it a mutual fit, especially if you know this individual has worked with authors whose work resonates with you. Don't be afraid to ask if it's all right to run your revision ideas by the agent/editor before you begin, but make sure you have a good handle on them first to present them cohesively. (And if you have an agent, make sure to get his or her approval to contact an editor first!) Experiment with the changes. See if they resonate with you and give your story life. Then proceed accordingly.

When undertaking this kind of edit, you can never go wrong with a good checklist. If a request seems daunting (Mine was two pages long!), make a list with each change along with action items that can accomplish it. What backstory and plot points need to be changed? Does any of this change your characters' essence or how they would react to things? What questions need to be answered as these changes unfold? What plot points will each change affect later in the story? Having a roadmap or sorts is a tremendous reference as you implement these changes in each chapter and a great way to keep things organized! Plus, the accomplishment of checking things off never gets old.

Here's what mine looks like:

Have you ever gotten a revise + resubmit request? What are some ways you know an editor/agent/critique partner's advice will benefit your story? How do you tackle a big rewrite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Laurie Tomlinson is a wife and mom from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who is passionate about intentional living, all things color-coded, and stories of grace in the beautiful mess. Previously a full-time book publicist, she owns a freelance copywriting, editing, and PR consulting business called 1624 Communications. 

She's a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a two-time Genesis Award winner, and the runner-up in the 2015 Lone Star Contest's Inspirational category. Her work is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary.

You can connect with Laurie here:

Facebook - AuthorLaurieTomlinson

Twitter - @LaurieTomlinson

Web - www.LaurieTomlinson.com

Interview with Cara Putman

I'm thrilled to host my mentor Cara Putman today as she celebrates the release of her newest book, A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island, which is hot off the presses this week! Cara is such a treasure to everyone who knows her, and she has gone above and beyond to offer me support, advice, and encouragement just when I need it the most. She is very active in the group American Christian Fiction Writers, and if you're a member of that organization and have attended the annual conference, Cara was probably the well-accessorized woman who offered you a smile and directions to your newcomer's class. She's also an attorney and a stellar wife and momma. I could go on and on about how wonderful she is, but what you need to know is that her fiction is also fantastic. I'm reading A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island now, and I've been so enjoying the rich setting she evokes. So without further adieu, pull up a chair, grab a cup of hot tea, and come get to know my good friend, Cara.

1) You have a new book that just released. Tell us a little about it.

A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island was a fun contemporary novel to write. It can’t help being fun when it’s set on such a fun site. Here’s a little about it.

Attorney Alanna Stone vowed long ago to avoid Mackinac Island. Although it may seem the perfect place to heal, for Alanna it holds too many memories of a painful past.

But an exhausting high profile case and an urgent plea from her parents have brought Alanna home. Moving into the house next to Jonathan Covington doesn’t help her. Jonathan may have been her first love, but he was also her first lesson in betrayal. Now Alanna must protect her privacy and her heart. Then Secrets and a murder intersect, and she’s thrust into controversy again as tragedy turns public opinion against her and potentially her family.

For years, Jonathan has stubbornly resisted the urging of his family and friends to date, believing he’s already found the perfect woman. With Alanna’s return, he begins to wonder if he’s waited too long for someone who isn’t the right one after all.

2) What made you want to write this book?

The island is distinctive. The scent of fudge permeates the air. (Ashley's note: Must. Go. Here.) Fort Mackinac dominates part of the harbor view. And the sound of horses' hooves provides a soothing backdrop.

But there’s so much more than wonderful places to stay. Mackinac Island transports visitors back to a time that is slower-paced. Travel is by horse drawn carriage (what’s more romantic!), bike (a bike for two sounds pretty romantic to me) or by foot (stroll quaint streets? Sign me up!). While each of these has charm and appeal, the reality is that peace permeates your time on the island because something key is missing. The noise of cars and the requirement to rush around. With a setting like this, it didn’t take long to find a story that fit. Add murder and mystery, and it was fun to write.

3) Fun question! If you could choose any novel that's already been written, erase it from history, and then write it and claim it as your own, which would you pick?

Wow, Ashley! What a great question. Hmm, what a hard question! I think I’d say Anne of Green Gables. Anne is such a classic character. Timeless and in situations we can still relate to almost 100 years later. I’d love to write someone that lasting.

4) I know some of my fellow Alley Cats would agree with you on that one! How did you get started with writing?

I’ve always wanted to write. As a young teen, I started writing novels. They’ve disappeared, thank goodness, but the itch to create characters and stories never did. After I’d gotten married, graduated from law school, and started a family, the urge to write regenerated. In April 2005 I went to a booksigning and met my mentor Colleen Coble. The rest is history. Amazing what happens when God’s timing connects with passion.

5) Many of us at the Alley are still unpublished. What advice do you have for authors who are trying to find an agent and a publishing house?

Be patient and be willing to do the work. While my journey looks uber fast, I’d spent a lifetime in training. Be willing to listen to advice and alter your original idea. Often agents, editors, mentors have suggestions that will make your work more sellable. Be willing to consider those pieces of advice.

6) What is your favorite part of the writing process?

The writing. I love watching the evolution of an idea to a completed story.

7) Least favorite part?

The outlining. I find it painful to keep digging ever deeper. But I know it’s critical.

8) Tell us about your involvement in ACFW and why this organization is so important to you.

I wouldn’t be the writer I am without ACFW. I’ve served on the board off and on for a total of five years, helped start the Indiana chapter, and play a couple roles with the conference. I love helping writers new to ACFW find their way around. That’s why I mentor the first time conference attendees. I remember what it was like to come – and I’m an extrovert! So I invest time in the first timers to help lower their jitters. I am firmly convinced I wouldn’t be where I am without ACFW, so I want to help make it an organization that continues to help others.

9) What kind of themes can readers expect to find in your writing? What is your heart for your books?

I hope they close a book with a sense of hope. That no matter how dark life seems, that God is still there. Even when we can’t see Him, He’s there. And He’ll give us a strength we didn’t know we had.

10) Another fun question! Tell us one random fact about you that will help us know you better.

I’m a second-generation homeschooler. That means I was homeschooled and now homeschool my kids.

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She’s an attorney and a teacher at her church as well as lecturer at Purdue. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and romance to life.

An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska and George Mason University School of Law, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.

Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey.

Links:

Website: http://www.caraputman.com

Blog: http://blog.caraputman.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/caraputman

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cara_putman

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caraputman

GIVEAWAY time! Today I'm hosting a giveaway of Cara's newest book, A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island! To enter, comment on this blog post about why the book sounds interesting to you, and be sure to include your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you if you win. Contest is only available to residents of the United States.

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Ashley Clark writes romantic comedy with southern grace. She's dreamed of being a writer ever since the thumbprint-cookie-days of library story hour. Ashley has an M.A. in English and enjoys teaching literature courses at her local university. She's an active member of ACFW and runs their newcomer's loop. When she's not writing, Ashley's usually busy rescuing stray animals and finding charming new towns. You can find Ashley on her personal blog and her Tumblr. She's also on Facebook and Twitter. She is represented by Karen Solem.