Revising

It’s been a couple of weeks… since my book deal was announced, so I’m well on my way to fortune and fame, right?

Nah, not really.

What I am doing right now are edits and revisions – a process that is going to take the next couple of months. In fact, what I’m learning is there are really two levels of editing: the developmental edits (character, plot, pacing, etc.) and the copy edits (grammar, syntax, spelling). I’m at level 1. During my first few calls with my editor , she outlined some immediate things to address: creating some more “bridgework” for the sequel and trimming back some character exposition. We bounced a few things back and forth; I told her my vision for the sequel and possibly a 3rd book after that, and we agreed to let me take a stab at the initial cuts. I’m due to have that in right after this holiday weekend, and when we both agree how much I didn’t cut, we’ll start the whole process over.

Some writers love the revision process, others hate it. I put myself with the former. Because my writing is so “unexposed” (no critique partners or Beta readers), I look forward to the exploratory nature of revising. I’m eager to hear others’ opinions of what works and what doesn’t; to drill down into the paragraphs, word by word. I imagine I’m just as protective as any writer over their pages, but at this stage of the game, I am more than willing to follow the advice of those who know what they’re doing and who’ve already experienced a lot of success. As writers we spend a lot of time alone, and this is the collaborative part of the process, and I’m looking forward to it.

So no, I’m still a long way from book covers and publicity and fame and fortune. Right now I’m still writing and crafting and revising to make this book as it good as it can be.