Our authors often say that the editorial conference is one of the highlights of their experience with creating a book. It’s one thing to tell your family and friends about your project. It’s another to talk it over with an experienced editor who has assembled, read and edited your book.
The conference with your editor is your opportunity to revise: to add or delete or rearrange big chunks of the book. Your goal, and your editor’s goal, is to arrive at an agreed-upon, satisfactory final form of the book. He will make whatever changes you request.
You’re the author, so it is your choice – do you want the editor’s opinion and recommendations? For every rough draft an editor compiles and edits, he makes a few notes: a recommendation, in his opinion, of some area that could be improved. In some cases, the author is calling to say he wants to revise that very area. If you want advice for how to change your book, ask your editor. You will get excellent guidance, and probably some very reassuring feedback, too.
Not everyone welcomes constructive criticism. Not everyone wants to analyze their book. So if you like your book and you’re happy with your book, don’t ask for criticism, and you won’t receive any. As the author, you’re the boss and you call the shots.
• Stories To Tell • PO Box 993081 • Redding, CA 96099 • 888-577-9342 •
