Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
[Hannah Moore]
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
[Richard Carlson’s best selling book title]
Depending on your approach to the editing process and how clean your manuscript really is, that first revision letter from an editor can seem like an attack.
Just as with a rejection letter, remember. This isn’t about you it’s about your story. Hence the first, and one of my favorite, quotes—a reminder that the goal is to get the book published.
Presumably when you started writing, or were in the midst of writing your latest book you discovered the answer. If not, before you submit your manuscript anywhere consider: what’s important about your story?
What is the core theme or premise or character or scene that makes this story yours and unique?
That’s the battle you want to fight, on the off chance the editor doesn’t get it.
Everything else is negotiable. Or not even worth the ten-second debate.
I suggested earlier that, as part of your business plan, you define what you are looking for in the author/editor relationship.
Two key issues are—
Does the editor respect your story? and, Does the editor respect your voice?
If the editor is doing both, walk away from the revision letter, after reading it over carefully. Once you’ve let go of your emotional response, come back with a fresh attitude. And get to work.
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