Comments on: Breaking Out of the Pack: Listening

By: Larry Mike Garmon

Larry Mike Garmon — Sat, 08 May 2010 11:43:54 +0000

Writing is one of those artistic endeavors that is truly a collaborate effort between writer, agent, editor, and house, each contributing a valuable element to the successful publication of a written work.

Writers often refer to their works “babies” or “children”. Too bad some are not inclined to let their children grow up and be given over to the steady and caring hands of agents, editors, and houses.

By: Crystal Laine Miller

Crystal Laine Miller — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:34:11 +0000

This is such important advice. At times it can be a fine line between an acceptance and rejection. Knowing who to listen to is important, too. I used to fret over those who couldn’t “see” and stubbornly persisted on their own after being given input.

What a gift it is to have someone so insightful as you are to talk over the project with!And sometimes a critique partner can indicate a problem, even if it’s not as specific as you (an agent with up-close perspective in the market) can provide.

This was such a good post. Thanks for sharing this.

By: Rich Gerberding

Rich Gerberding — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:45:09 +0000

I think this series has topped “The Kiss of Death” series as my favorite for content and being applicable to where I’m at.

I think too many writers think they’re hitting a brick wall when in fact the input from agents/writers/critique groups are only a guide rail to keep us on the road instead of over the cliff.

Number 1 was me a couple years ago. The ‘book’ came out of left field out of a workshop, and Books and Such gave fantastic advice about remembering how much different writing for a reader is versus a workshop audience.

The subject and tone gets subtle changes (using ‘Forgotten’ instead of “Forbidden”) and this drives a different set up in chapter 1, but I don’t see any of this as being a wholesale change to the book.

It’s God’s message, and it hasn’t changed, I see my book and workshops as just reminding people of this in a way unique from most of what they’re hearing at church or the bookstores (or Kindle & Ipad now).

By: Teri Dawn Smith

Teri Dawn Smith — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:03:55 +0000

I’m with Bill. If I ever get to that point, just smack me.

Occasionally, I’ve stuck to my guns with a critique partner on something that relates to “voice”, but it’s a little different when it comes to agents and editors. They are professionals.

By: Lucy

Lucy — Fri, 07 May 2010 05:11:48 +0000

Thanks, Janet. I like the way you phrased this, that it’s hard to pull back from a “full-on commitment.” I have a funny feeling that there’s a bit of David Farragut in most writers, making us prone to dismiss the torpedoes and keep going when we shouldn’t. Which makes this post a timely reminder.

And thank you also, Keli, for sharing your experiences. Good luck with your book!

By: Michael K. Reynolds

Michael K. Reynolds — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:06:19 +0000

These posts are such a blessing. Thank you Janet to you and your team for your faithfulness with these daily messages.

As a longtime marketing professional I’ve worked with hundreds of budding entrepreneurs with the same seemingly incurable ear wax disease. Sometimes it’s the necessary pile of rejection letters, or the long, deadening silence of a phone which eventually creates a medical breakthrough.

Yes, it’s possible to experience success despite ignoring professional advice, but I’ve learned paved roads and a good GPS unit make for happier, more fuel-efficient travel.

By: janetgrant

janetgrant — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:40:52 +0000

Jane, see Keli’s comment. She skillfully describes why a writer can have trouble hearing important insights to his/her work. Most writers are passionate about their idea and need to believe in it to give them the guts to write the manuscript. So, even when someone who is your chosen adviser makes a suggestion, it can be hard to hear that observation because your head is so full of ways you’ve convinced yourself you can pull off the writing.
My clients generally are responsive to my suggestions (a la Bill Giovannetti, who has never had to be hit on the side of the head), but it’s challenging to pull back from your full-on commitment to your project to see its inherent weakness. I get that; doesn’t mean I don’t experience frustration when I can’t move a client deeper into his or her project, but I do get it.

By: Bill Giovannetti

Bill Giovannetti — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:26:26 +0000

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility. (Proverbs 15:33, NKJV).

So, if I ever do what you’re talking about, I officially give you permission to smack me upside the head. Hard. So I get it.

Thanks.
Bill

By: Jane Steen

Jane Steen — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:00:41 +0000

I find that strange. Surely in an agent/writer partnership, the agent is the expert when it comes to getting a book published, and if he/she thinks it’s better to present a project in a particular way you should listen?

I would have thought that getting a book published depended on the writer being able to communicate what is in their head to other people, in a compelling fashion. If the writers in question are so wrapped up in their own ideas that they won’t even listen to the expert they have on hand, I would have doubts about their ability to write a good book about it.

By: Keli Gwyn

Keli Gwyn — Thu, 06 May 2010 15:16:06 +0000

Janet, I’m a regular reader of your blog but rarely comment. However, this topic is one that resonates deep within me.

I’ve been writing over four years. Two years into my journey I was privileged to pitch to you at RWA Nationals in San Francisco. Although I was a Golden Heart finalist that year, I had a hunch my stories weren’t at a publishable level. You kindly confirmed that and took time to tweak my one-sheet. Thanks!

I received feedback from other professionals at that conference and at Mount Hermon. I listened and applied what I was learning. Last year I entered a revised manuscript in a number of RWA contests, and it did far better than I’d hoped. Best of all, my entry was judged by Rachelle Gardner, who requested the full and offered me representation in December. (That was the best Christmas present ever!)

I don’t have a tale of a quick sale. Instead, I’m working on a major rewrite. Why? Because Rachelle spotted a plot weakness that would have kept my story from selling. Hearing that I had to rewrite a good 75k words of my story wasn’t easy, but I listened to Rachelle. She knows her stuff, having been an editor for some big name writers before becoming an agent. I’m working on my rewrite under her guidance and know I’ll have a far better story as a result. One day when I have a contract in my hands, I’ll have her to thank.

It can be tough to admit that while our idea is great, our execution may need tweaking. We writers can be very attached to our work. However, by keeping an open mind and accepting the input of those who understand this business and are our advocates, such as our agents and editors, we stand a better chance of producing work that will not only sell but will exceed our expectations.