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Pet peeves
Started by amber_grosjean at 11-20-2007 11:46 PM. Topic has 9 replies.
  
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 11-20-2007, 11:46 PM
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amber_grosjean
 
Joined on 04-13-2004
Muncie, Indiana
Posts 12
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A publisher liked my story idea and asked for my first 3 chapters with synopsis. After reading it, she said it was well written but would only accept it if I changed some things in the story, like the age of the MC, where the story takes place (in a castle, she didn't think it worked for the story), etc. I made all the changes that she requested and resubmitted. Then this person turned around and said I needed to take some classes and learn how to write short stories because it will help me write novels. How did a story go from written well all the way to "go back to school because you suck" That was totally wrong. I won't let this publisher get me down cause it is a great story and I know it will get published, just not by someone like that. Amber
Amber Rigby Grosjean
Author of Cursed Blood
Author of Stolen Identity
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03-01-2008, 1:28 AM
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Bradybones
Joined on 01-02-2008
Posts 28
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That's horrible. Keep us updated, I'm sure you'll do just fine somewhere else. -Brady
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09-11-2008, 1:58 PM
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flashgordon
Joined on 11-19-2007
Posts 131
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That really is low. Were they trying to get you to take some of their classes? Good for you for not letting it get you down. Most opinions are subjective crap - don't take them personally.
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11-10-2008, 4:32 AM
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NJAmy
Joined on 11-10-2008
Posts 1
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It's low, certainly, but not uncommon. I wrote a query and got interest from a publisher then submitted my 3 chapters. Some agents replied to the query with info about why the book idea would compete with other titles on their list, etc. This one said, after reading the ms that the writing was not engaging. I've been writing full time professionally for 10 years, and I've never gotten that response from anyone. I'm pretty good at taking editorial "feedback" but this one seemed like a pretty hurried response to something that she simply didn't spend time with. I take courage from your attitude to keep going. It's easy to let these responses get under your skin and stop progress even when you know they are incorrect.
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01-17-2009, 7:10 PM
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writeroffthelake
Joined on 01-18-2009
Posts 4
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Maybe the changes were not what the editor had imagined, in which case there's nothing you can do since you can't write what's in the editor's head. Or the changes could have just gone off in a direction the editor wasn't interested in. Also, changes in one area often require changes in another area, and maybe there were some holes left by the changes that didn't get patched. Whatever happened, it's not uncommon, and it's a good learning experience because it helped you see your book in a different light. If you feel the changes you made are for the better, then keep them, or maybe expand on them if needed. If you just made the changes to please the editor and don't really feel they work, then maybe going back to your original version might be best...or even a "new original" version that incorporates different changes altogether.
www.writeroffthelake.com
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01-19-2009, 10:39 AM
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rdwriter
Joined on 10-29-2008
Posts 11
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02-15-2009, 5:33 PM
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NevillePark
Joined on 02-15-2009
Toronto Canada
Posts 6
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writeroffthelake- very good word! I have a tendency to believe that if the flow is coming from our "muse"= borne of creative flow, any guidance to mold and form is always valid. If we get advice, I believe it should be revelatory; information we know intrinsically but needed help to uncover.
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03-06-2009, 11:20 AM
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satyagraha150
Joined on 03-06-2009
Posts 4
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That is pretty low for her to have done that. And I'm sorry she did. But, like you said, don't let her get you down. Keep writing. Its what you write that matters. Someone out there will enjoy it. As a follow-up, people have theirs opinions. Their styles of writing and what they like. So, I think the best thing would be to find someone who not only likes your genre, but also has a like for your style of writing. And yes, that sounds tricky, mainly cause it is. But, put enough time and effort into it, and you'll be fine. Good luck!!! ---B.R.P.
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03-06-2009, 2:46 PM
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Craven
Joined on 03-26-2008
Posts 88
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Here is another way to look at the criticism. Perhaps the agent was blown away by your premise and was hooked though a few minor changes would have made it better. Then she saw more writing and realized your skills weren't quite there.
Requests for more materials from an agent are a good thing. And comments from an agent are rare. They signify something, that you have talent. You were good enough to catch her attention. All she's said is that you need to work on the nuts and bolts a little, and classes are the fastest way to get there. The rest is already there. And unlike 98% of the crap that crosses her desk, she wanted to read your stuff. Adjust your attitude, take away the positives, and go do as she says. Writing is all about getting better.
Next time you have a piece to query (after classes), try her first. Remind her of your earlier correspondence. I'll bet she'll remember you and want to see material to see if you've gotten better. Remember that agents are always looking for new writers, and she may have hopes for you. Though rejection stings, perhaps you just put your foot in the door for next time.
Good luck, and take those classes -Craven
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03-27-2009, 9:48 PM
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WardGreene
Joined on 03-28-2009
Posts 4
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If I am allowed to give ane xample from more daily life. In the state I lived in for many years(in Australia),you are required to bring your car to a registered repair garage each year for them to inspect it,and you must get repaired any problem they find that will prevent the car being re-registered.They then give you a certification slip and you then go and pay for the next year's registration. The part that is of interest to you,I think, is that I have a few times put the car through an inspection at one station because I happened to be in the area,knew there was nothingw rong with my car,and so I may as well get the inspection certificate on the spot. Yeah sure. They found a mixture of problems that they could fix for me for several hundred dollars. That was a surprise,but OK,fair enough.However,I would get them fixed near my home,understandably,so next day brought the car to a local place,asked for an inspection.....they did NOT find the faults the first place had found,but,surprise surprise,they found a completely different batch of faults that,yep,would cost several hundred dollars to fix,before I could get a certificate of inspection. So who knows why different editors,agents,etc. knock back a boo?! All the reasons the other suggest are certainly some of them. Simple solution...I took my cars somewhere else.You take your book somewhere else.
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