This is the e-mail I received today from my editor, Tessa Shapcott. You might have
heard about her – she’s Jane Porter’s editor and worked on the very book that
got Jane a Rita this year. Plus, Tessa’s various credentials are impressive and
she’s a sought after editor. I feel very fortunate that she accepts my work.
heard about her – she’s Jane Porter’s editor and worked on the very book that
got Jane a Rita this year. Plus, Tessa’s various credentials are impressive and
she’s a sought after editor. I feel very fortunate that she accepts my work.
Recently, I sent her my latest manuscript, Special Agent
Finnegan – Book #2 for the Undercover FBI series. This was her reply and it
made me feel so good, that I had to share it with you all.
Finnegan – Book #2 for the Undercover FBI series. This was her reply and it
made me feel so good, that I had to share it with you all.
Hi Mimi,
Here is Special Agent Finnegan line-edited for you. I’m so sorry I took
a day longer and hope I didn’t disrupt your schedule. However, I did find it a
great read. I loved the relationship between Renee and Finn, and the humor
you infused with the character of Collin – some of the things he said had me
laughing out loud! You are terrific at creating characters and dialogue.
a day longer and hope I didn’t disrupt your schedule. However, I did find it a
great read. I loved the relationship between Renee and Finn, and the humor
you infused with the character of Collin – some of the things he said had me
laughing out loud! You are terrific at creating characters and dialogue.
I’m also attaching a few notes I made about a handful of continuity points
that I thought you might want to look at. Nothing too dreadful; just straightening out this and that.
that I thought you might want to look at. Nothing too dreadful; just straightening out this and that.
As ever, if you have any questions or thoughts, please do let me know.
It’s been a pleasure as always, Mimi!
With warm wishes,
Tessa
Now those of you who don’t work with editors might not
find this letter so fantastic. I mean it’s a nice tribute but what the heck…one
would think it normal.
find this letter so fantastic. I mean it’s a nice tribute but what the heck…one
would think it normal.
Think again!
I have many mates that get their edited copy back with a
few terse words about the corrections and a short “thank you” for sending me
the work and that’s it baby!! No compliments. Or any comments about whether
they liked the story—even that they got caught up in it… nothing. Those poor authors
are left wondering if this means that the book was no good or the story not
interesting or???
few terse words about the corrections and a short “thank you” for sending me
the work and that’s it baby!! No compliments. Or any comments about whether
they liked the story—even that they got caught up in it… nothing. Those poor authors
are left wondering if this means that the book was no good or the story not
interesting or???
So… having my very professional editor pay me these compliments
is a BIG DEAL!!!
is a BIG DEAL!!!
And…I hope her comments will foster more interest in this book when it’s released. It’ll be the first time ever, that I will do a pre-order and so will make sure to detail my findings so I can share them with you all.
P.S. It’s a darn good thing she doesn’t edit my blog….gulp!!
I think it's good for you to share what an editor can do to demoralize a writer. Don't think they think about it.
Best with the pre-order Mimi
Thanks Moonie. I'm sure lucky with my editor. She really cares about my work and makes it the best possible. It's hard for writer's when they don't get the support. 🙂
Your humor shines through in your blog as well, Mimi. Can't wait to read Special Agent Finnegan!