STATUS: Very sad to see that Imeem has now merged with My Space music. Not sure how good my music excerpts will be until I can find a new, good site for the embeds. I already miss Imeem.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE by Johnny Mercer and Margaret Whiting.
And because I so rarely answer, I thought it would be fun to take your questions from the comments section of my December 1, 2009 blog entry and actually respond.
I know. Try not to die of shock or get used to it. Grin.
Lisa Dez asked:
I’ve been asked to make some revisions by an editor PRIOR to her taking my mss to her editorial board. My agent says this imprint is doing that more and more. I’d love to know if this is a common thing at all houses.
Sadly, this year a lot of editors are asking for revisions before going to ed. Board or before offering to buy a book. It’s becoming unpleasantly common across a number of publishing houses.
Stephanie McGee asked:
I’d be interested to get a feel for how angels are faring with agents and editors these days. I know Becca Fitzpatrick had Hush, Hush hit shelves a couple months ago. I’ve got an angel project hanging out on the sidelines but I’m not sure I should bother since I couldn’t get it done in time to hit any sort of angel renaissance.
Angels do seem to be popular as of late. Random House is releasing their angel book called FALLEN this month as well. Is there room for more angel books? I’d say yes but it depends on your take on it. They haven’t been done to death as of yet but just like all things paranormal in the YA world, editors are looking for something different and fresh. Since different and fresh is almost impossible to define until you see it, I’m not sure this answer helps you much.
Debra Schubert asked:
One question: Did you simply hold the glass of wine or did you get to drink it, too?
I did take the occasional sip!
Tags: young adult
That’s the right answer! 😉
Johnny Mercer! How cool is that?
Kristin,
You’re up late for a midwesterner! I’m enjoying my first real blizzard. We actually had a message on our phone (from the city, I think) telling us if we had any health issues or were pregnant we should relocate closer to the hospital until this storm (plus 48 hours) has passed.
I know you didn’t quote one of my questions on your post, but I’m hoping you’ll address my concern.
I’ve had several hand written personal rejections from editorial directors, in the last couple months. My critique group thinks this is great. According to the blogging world this is positive, but is it really? Of the last five things I’ve sent out I’ve only had one form letter. Does this mean I’m getting closer to publication or does it mean, I’m submitting to really nice people?
Kristen, I was annoyed about imeem too. I tried lala.com and so far have been reasonably pleased with it.
Actually, I’d be thrilled to have revision suggestions from an editor! Why wouldn’t I want to give him/her the strongest book possible to take to the editorial review committee????
I had an great rejection letter from a Grand Central editor, with a terrific idea to strengthen the story. It was so great, I was annoyed that I hadn’t thought of it, and so I made the revision, but alas, my shot with that publisher was done. In a million years, I’d have rather made the revision BEFORE they read the manuscript!
Thanks for answering, Kristin. For the most part the editoral suggestions were good, and it gives me an idea of what she’s thinking, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Interestingly, my mss is angel related YA.
I was disappointed yesterday when I went to imeem to listen to my ‘work’ playlist. Only to discover it was gone.
Kristin,
Try ilike.com (they won’t be full songs, but they do the job); it’s free and what I used to replace my Imeem player yesterday in a client’s blog when it suddenly went kaput.
Hope that helps!
Tricia L
@LisaDez
Angel related, but fresh, different AND AWESOME
Loved the Q&A Kristin. Thanks!
Frankly, I suppose it depends on what revisions are being asked for. If a works is right, then it should be right the way it is. If it’s not, then the editor and publisher should pass.
Again, it’s one thing to say, “Can we add a scene or two to make this character stand out a little more,” assuming it was always the intent by the author for that character to stand out. It’s another thing to say “In then ending the main character dies, can we make him live?”
Not sure what the Imeem thing was, but I do go to Pandora Radio where you can make your own stations based on a musician or band you choose. It’s pretty cool.
Nice post of Q&A btw!
I have a question for you. Several pro’s have told me to avoid the 250 words/page x number of pages formula to estimate word count. Instead, just to use the MS Word “word count” function. Do you agree? There is a LOT of disagreement on this subject amongst sites.