Comments on: Know When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em

By: janetgrant

janetgrant — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:43:57 +0000

About alternate endings appearing on an author’s website, I view them as kind of like an alternate ending for a film as additional material on a DVD. A decision was made as to which way to end the book, but just maybe this the alternate ending would generate interest in the book.
Valerie, yes, the editor can see the book wrong and steer it incorrectly. Unfortunately the author’s name remains on the tortured published piece. But, in my 30 years in publishing, I’ve seen only a handful of manuscripts misshaped by an editor.

By: Valerie C.

Valerie C. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:16:23 +0000

Can I ask what happens when you “lose” that type of discussion and it turns out to be a flaw in the book? It ultimately reflects on your skills as a writer when other editors/publishers/agents see it, not on the editor’s and it feels very unfair. Is there a way to redeem the situation?

By: Carla Gade

Carla Gade — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:21:08 +0000

That must have been hard for the author, but as author’s we must learn to entrust our stories to those who can see the bigger picture.

By: Julie Surface Johnson

Julie Surface Johnson — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:33:10 +0000

Recently,I read Jimmy by Robert Whitlow. It was a sweet book about a boy with learning disabilities–and it had a tragic ending that broke my heart. At the end of the book, there was a statement to check the author’s website for an alternate ending. Is that something authors typically do if they aren’t sure about the ending that is ultimately chosen?

By: Linda Kozar

Linda Kozar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:52:50 +0000

I would definitely take to my prayer closet over a situation like this. But I think it is important for writers to be open to feedback and suggestions. In the case of my first book, a friend who is an avid reader was kind enough to read the ms. When she told me afterwards that chapter 3 should be chapter 1, I was skeptical at first. But after reading the first 3 chapters LIKE A READER, I had to agree with her. I changed it and the book was later published.

By: Katie Ganshert

Katie Ganshert — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:03:49 +0000

Excellent advice. I just read your article on CFOM today and thought it was very wise. Thanks for sharing!

By: Krista Phillips

Krista Phillips — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:52:24 +0000

Maybe it’s just me, but I know have a country song in my head… “know when to walk away, know when to run… You gotta..”

Okay, I’ll stop now! Trust me, I need to write not sing:-)

It’s funny, as a “pre-published” author I sit here and think, “Wow! I can’t imagine telling an editor no! As long as they are publishing it, I’ll change anything!” But then I know you all are probably laughing at the naivety of that… Regardless, it’s good advice to keep in mind for when my rosy glasses aren’t so rosy anymore!

Thanks!!

By: Lynnette Bonner

Lynnette Bonner — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:24:08 +0000

This is a great reminder. I read a lot of blogs and often the attitude I see from writers is “it’s them against us.”

Reminding ourselves that the editors want our work to succeed just as much as we do, and have put their money where their heart is – that can only help us on the editorial journey.

By: Lea Ann McCombs

Lea Ann McCombs — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:41 +0000

That must be tough for a writer to have to change the entire ending of a novel. Like finding out your five-year-old son was really your daughter!LOL

You’d sure have to put a lot of faith in the editor’s reputation for being spot-on.