The edits have arrived from my editor for the 3rd book in the Cadence of Grace series. Edits are often quite an experience for any writer and for me, they’re always a challenge both emotional and mental, but always…the results are SO worth it!
As usual, both my editor and I want you all to get the best book possible to end this series, which means I’ll be hanging out with these pages for the next 5 or so weeks:
I’m thankful for the support and encouragement of friends and family (and for the existence of tea and chocolate) 😀
And chick flicks for when I need a change of pace. Ok, I’ll stop now.
I hope you all have a fantastic week! I’ll be popping onto Facebook a few times this week and sometime in the next few days, have a giveaway to share with you!
Wishing you well on your edits, Joanne.
Thank you so much, Keli!
Go, girl, go!! Can’t wait to read Book 3. 😉
Lindsay – Thank you! I needed that cheer 😉
I love the way you approach edits, looking forward to the end results. Can’t wait to one day read those end results! 🙂
Aw, thank you sweet friend. You are such a wonderful support!! <3 I'm getting so excited for the TC!
I actually look forward to edits if I trust the editor’s judgement–I know my book is going to come out reading MUCH stronger. All the best as you launch into yours, Joanne!
Heather, that’s the best way to look at it! Editors really do make stories so much stronger. It can be difficult, when the initial news comes of what works and what doesn’t, but a few deep breaths and a little prayer are just the thing to jump start those first steps back in 🙂
So, one editing question, and one unrelated question. 🙂
Do you ever fight for a part of the book that you think “needs” to be there if your editor disagrees? Or do you, like Heather mentioned above, trust the editor to know the audience?
And, just because I’m curious, what chick flicks do you like to use as your break? 🙂
Happy Editing – I can’t wait to finish reading their story!
Great question. My editor is always open to my ideas. While a lot of the story remains the same from the final draft, she knows how to look at the different threads and she knows where to suggest me tightening things up and at the same time, is always open to dialogueing about it. Two heads are always better than one at a time like this and it’s amazing how her suggestions may take a moment to sink in, and then when they do, I think “brilliant!” Why didn’t I think of that? 😉 But if there is ever something I’d like to keep or go a different direction on, she’s so respectful. They remind us that it’s our books and they just want to help it be the best it can be. What I do love is every word is always mine. I get to take the vision and then write it how it makes sense to me and that’s one thing I love about working with my editor. 🙂
Oh and chick flicks– I’m a sucker for any kind of Jane Austen 🙂
I’m starting to rewrite my fast draft — and I know edits from my editor will arrive one day in the months ahead. Looking forward to reading your books!
Thank you so much, Beth! I am so eager to read Catch a Falling Star. I just can’t wait and was over the moon to hear there would be more to come! Congratulations 🙂
Hi Joanne, this post and your replies were so encouraging! I am looking forward to working with Shannon on the edits for my first book with Waterbrook soon. My novel, The Governess of Highland Hall, comes out this fall too. I am also eagerly waiting to see the cover. I appreciate your perspective. Happy editing!
Carrie, it’s such a treat to have you visit! Shannon is an incredible editor to work with. She’s a tough cookie and really knows her stuff–which makes for great books in the end. 🙂 I am sure it will go great for you as you are so talented and probably don’t do the silly goof-ups that I do with pacing and plot, etc. I am still learning so many things.
I can’t wait to read your book and I am eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the cover! I noticed that both of our books are waiting for those final covers and I am excited to see them pop up down the road. I hope you are having a great day!
My my, I’m sorry you have SO much work to do. But I will be selfless and kind and offer to help you. Especially with those ending chapters.
Just send me the stuff and I’ll edit for you.
See, people, THAT is how to be helpful…