STATUS: Received news today that an editor is leaving and dang it all, my author is going to get orphaned. This is especially heartbreaking because this editor is tops and was a perfect fit for the project.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? IF by Dean Martin
This week I’ve been inundated by queries for the Christian market and I’m at a loss as to explain why since I don’t rep projects for that arena. My agency name must have appeared on a list somewhere recently otherwise that’s just too strange to be coincidental.
Now
In other news, I just had to shake my head at a voicemail that was left for me last week. A person who had seen me speak this summer was calling to tell me that he had finished his project and needed me to tell him what to do next.
Well, the talk he saw me give answered that exact question.
Lost in translation?
He remembers that you told him exactly what to do; he just doesn’t remember what it was you said…
The guy needs to borrow Miss Snark’s clue gun.
Poor guy, he’s just a misguided soul looking for direction. As writers we need to delve deeply into his character and ask ourselves, “What makes him do this?” Perhaps the wind blew away his copious notes from the conference? Or maybe he has a bladder control problem and went to the lavatory when the subject of “What to do next” was covered. Imagine his frustration. He’s reaching out for help, he’s drowning in a sea of confusion. Feel his pain.
Did you or Sarah call him back?
Editors unfortunately move through publishing houses faster than the speed limit on a German freeway (which don’t have speed limits) LOL.
Kristin’s poor guy was simply on the beginning of the J curve. It’s probably permanently imprinted on his little red backside on his way out the proverbial tradesman’s entrance.
🙂
maybe you need to start cursing and drinking more. May i recommend wearing unsavory outfits to your next speaking gig? lol
sorry just had to giggle at that.
on the other hand… maybe he was just needy.
RE: orphaned writers. Losing an editor may not be so bad. I’ve had THREE in the past year.
My original editor changed jobs soon after I turned in my revised manuscript. Luckily, I got a wonderful second editor, who shepherded the book through production (and pushed the art department to give me a FABULOUS cover), but then she also left for a higher-level job.
I’m now on my THIRD editor for the launch stage of the book, and guess what? She’s great too! I consider myself lucky to have had three smart, talented people tending to my book over the past year.
Lost in translation?
Or didn’t pay attention?
~JerseyGirl
If the main character of an otherwise Women’s Fiction piece is Christian, but it’s not a huge part of the story, is that still considered part of the Christian market? I ask because although there are Christian aspects to my story (ie having conversations with God, or meeting a guy who is also Christian)…there are many, many parts of the story that would be too much for the traditional Christian market, in my opinion (ie drinking scenes). Does a niche exists somewhere in between the Women’s Fiction and the Christian market?
Amazing. If a writer heard your talk, and doesn’t know what to do next, then how will he ever become published?
And the bandwagon circles to beat the newb over the head for making a mistake.
On the subject of being orphaned by an editor, been there, done that, bought the T-shirt, and am still wearing it. Big hugs to your author, and to you for having to deal with this.
Maybe the “lost in translation” gentleman heard you, but just thought the rules applied to everyone else? We all make dumb mistakes along the way, but it’s tough to make excuses for them when the expectations are spelled out so clearly.
Tawna
Isn’t Christian Bent Jenny Bent’s cousin?
(sorry, bad joke, couldn’t help myself).