It’s a bummer, but sometimes I don’t know best by JoMarie DeGioia
There is something to be said for humility and being open to ideas, especially those I should have come up with on my own. Take my newest release from Sinful Moments Press/Lachesis Publishing, More Than Passion. This book started out in a dream a very long time ago, and eventually won both an agent and a publishing contract with a very small press. The book was well-reviewed and told a darn good story, if I say so myself. The small press ultimately closed its doors and I retained the rights to the book, titled Raven’s Flight. I thought no one would ever read this story again, despite inspiring two (or perhaps three?) more tales starring supporting characters who demanded their own days in the sun.
Flash forward
to 2008, when Lachesis agreed to publish Pride and Fire. This book, which follows Raven’s Flight, was sleekly published, with a gorgeous cover and great editing. When the time came to submit the book that follows P&F, I mentioned to the publisher that I had the rights back to the book that came before it. She asked me to submit it and, at the Romance Writers of America conference in Orlando, Florida she told me they wanted to publish both Raven’s Flight and More Than Charming. Yay! Readers had been asking for Geoffrey and Becca’s story since P&F came out, bummed that the book was only available used and quite expensive at that. Now folks could read the story that sparked both P&F and MTC! The publisher had some changes in mind for RF, however. Dum dum dummmm….
Now, this is the first Historical Romance I’d ever written. I felt possessive of the story and the characters. The trouble was she had a darn good idea that would lift the book to another level. Why not keep a popular character in the hero and heroine’s lives after The End? she asked. She went so far as to give me her ideas for this character’s life in a future story down the line. I admit her enthusiasm was contagious, though I didn’t know if it could work. I ruminated over her suggestions and, when the contracts were signed and edits were soon to commence, she asked if I was still open to making those integral changes. I swallowed my doubts—and pride—and answered in the affirmative!
Diving in to the manuscript yet again, which by this time had been substantially rewritten from its previous published state well before its submission to Lachesis, I made some changes. And some more changes. I flatter myself that the alterations I made, and those more extensive ones on the later suggestions of my fabulous editor, seemed to fit well with the story. Ultimately, I believe they’ll deepen the reader’s emotional connection to the heroine and make them love the hero even more. Jeez, why didn’t I think of that in the first place?
So, long story short, it seems in my case the author doesn’t always know everything about her story or even her characters. The tale can shift and change, with the help of a publisher and editor who care as much for my story people as I do. Keep an open mind and don’t lock yourself into following some set of rules you’ve come across in a class or workshop. Not all rules work for all authors, let alone all stories. And hey, sometimes it takes a fresh pair or two of eyes to see a new direction ahead.
I wager that if you read More Thank Passion you won’t see the stiches or patches in the tale or in the characters after their initial creation. Please feel free to contact me, for I love to hear from my readers! JoMarie@JoMarieDeGioia.com
Pick up a copy at Sinful Moments Press, Kindle , BN or ARe
Edits aren't always my favorite, but I love the ones that bring new layers of awesome to the story!
Sounds extremely interested and exciting! I'm super happy for you!! yay!! ^_^ i'll have to check them out soon.
"New layers of awesome." I love that! Thanks for stopping by–JoMarie
I've done exactly what you did a time or two. In my case the changes made for a better book. I find that I don't mind editing when I've been given a delicious new direction to contemplate.
Hugs, L
Thanks so much, Tonya!
Love your advice to "Keep an open mind and don’t lock yourself into following some set of rules you’ve come across in a class or workshop." As a writer who had not yet achieved publication, it is nice to hear that there are some publishers/editors out there who are willing to let us "break" the rules.
Jo Marie, It's a wonderful story of how an editor can see something more in your story than you did! And it has a happy ending. I love stories like this and am so happy for your success!
Lara–I feel like I'm in good company! Thanks so much.
Thanks so much, Brenda! Who knew, right?
Judy, I'm very lucky with publisher and editor in this case. Thanks for the well-wishes!
What a great story! Sometimes, as writers, we are too involved in our stories to see changes to make it better. It’s always so great when you come away from edits feeling happy and excited for a release
Kara
Too true, Kara! In these bigger books we live with the characters for a longer time. Thanks for leaving a comment!
I got a great visual image of a fresh pair of eyes. Wouldn't it be great to have a pair or two in the fridge? Good for you for making the right decision on this book and not letting ego and pride get in the way.
Thanks, Naomi. And now I have this image of eyes all lined up in the egg tray on the refrigerator door!
I haven’t had the joy of being published or the agony of edits, but I have had the good fortune to have an excellent first reader who has done for me what your editor did for you. Hard as it was to give up MY take on a certain character, listening to her (wink, wink) suggestions has definetly improved my manuscript and brought it closer to publication.
Oh, you aren't talking about "that poor bastard," are you, Pat? *grin* Thanks for stopping by!