Raven Howell's Blog - Posts Tagged "writers"
An Editor's Tips/I'm the Elf, you're Santa
My writing career has branched more seriously into the role of editor. It’s challenging, fun, and I’m always learning something new. When it comes to working with author and illustrator submissions, I receive lots of inquiries about what is expected, what is needed, how to do right to find, work with, and have a healthy and happy relationship with an editor.
Here are a few things I’ll share. This is my own opinion of course, and every editor as well as every author and illustrator has their own set of do’s and don’ts.
First, an editor wants the artwork or text to achieve the creator’s intentions. So, it’s never about someone else changing it, but instead, finding the clearest and strongest path to achieve the submitter’s concept and ideas. I’m also playing the role of pretending I’m the book buyer and reader. Will I like what I’m reading or seeing? Is there a powerful theme, plot or vision? Any pointless words to dispose of that simply clutter the plot? Does the artwork flow easily from page to page? Is the color scheme appealing to the age group?
From here, it’s important to keep in mind that we both have the same goal to make a book, artwork, story, poem, any submission, the very best it can be! I’m the behind the scenes Santa’s helper, the Elf that works on building and mending the most lovely toys for girls and boys (or adults). You’re the “Santa” that will ride it into the world on a magical sleigh. It doesn’t matter if the work is self-published, traditionally published, released to just friends and family, an article for a magazine, an on-line publication – who is the target audience? How many will it ultimately reach? Where does it lovingly belong? We prep for this behind the scenes, while you end up ultimately delivering it.
If you’re the author, trust in the illustrator’s playing field. Allow them the space to travel in their paints, pencils, and palette’s to make your written dreams come to life. Most artists are quick to make adjustments if they are off track, and teamwork is integral. Drop the defenses, and it’s okay to suggest and even stand firm at times, both as writer and illustrator. If you have a super reason for something and can justify its relevance or how important it is – great! Together, we often come up with lots of compromises not previously considered.
The last thing I’ll say is to really know what you’re writing or illustrating about. If you’re passionate about your submission and have done the research, I’ll know. Your subject and you need to have some intimacy. For example, when I work with other poets, I value an explanation of why there’s a choice to not have a rhyme in a certain spot or why having a bumpy last verse is the way to go.
So, keep these things in mind – and you’ll have a smooth ride. Happy writing, illustrating, and creating!
Chuckles and Smiles
Here are a few things I’ll share. This is my own opinion of course, and every editor as well as every author and illustrator has their own set of do’s and don’ts.
First, an editor wants the artwork or text to achieve the creator’s intentions. So, it’s never about someone else changing it, but instead, finding the clearest and strongest path to achieve the submitter’s concept and ideas. I’m also playing the role of pretending I’m the book buyer and reader. Will I like what I’m reading or seeing? Is there a powerful theme, plot or vision? Any pointless words to dispose of that simply clutter the plot? Does the artwork flow easily from page to page? Is the color scheme appealing to the age group?
From here, it’s important to keep in mind that we both have the same goal to make a book, artwork, story, poem, any submission, the very best it can be! I’m the behind the scenes Santa’s helper, the Elf that works on building and mending the most lovely toys for girls and boys (or adults). You’re the “Santa” that will ride it into the world on a magical sleigh. It doesn’t matter if the work is self-published, traditionally published, released to just friends and family, an article for a magazine, an on-line publication – who is the target audience? How many will it ultimately reach? Where does it lovingly belong? We prep for this behind the scenes, while you end up ultimately delivering it.
If you’re the author, trust in the illustrator’s playing field. Allow them the space to travel in their paints, pencils, and palette’s to make your written dreams come to life. Most artists are quick to make adjustments if they are off track, and teamwork is integral. Drop the defenses, and it’s okay to suggest and even stand firm at times, both as writer and illustrator. If you have a super reason for something and can justify its relevance or how important it is – great! Together, we often come up with lots of compromises not previously considered.
The last thing I’ll say is to really know what you’re writing or illustrating about. If you’re passionate about your submission and have done the research, I’ll know. Your subject and you need to have some intimacy. For example, when I work with other poets, I value an explanation of why there’s a choice to not have a rhyme in a certain spot or why having a bumpy last verse is the way to go.
So, keep these things in mind – and you’ll have a smooth ride. Happy writing, illustrating, and creating!
Chuckles and Smiles
Rejection Reboot
Ouch. "Thanks for considering us for your submission, however it's not right for our publishing house. We wish you luck placing it elsewhere." If you're a writer, you have probably seen these words before.
We ALL get rejections. I feel mine come like a rainy season - one after the other until finally there appears a sunny crack in the clouds. Meanwhile, I know it can feel debilitating, and often, an author may sink into hopelessness.
But take the time to just stop. Practice some self-care. Take a deep breath and think of the reasons you write. Remind yourself to not take it personally. YOU are not getting rejected, it's the manuscript that isn't befitting at this time with this publilsher. No biggie - you can move on, and you will.
For the fun of it, write a short story, paragraph, or funny rhyming verse about the rejection - express yourself, and give yourself a laugh at the same time!
Of course, if you receive professional criticism, great. Time to listen and incorporate any updates that would benefit your writing. But aside from that, try to connect with a family member, friend or another author. You'll most likely receive understanding and compassion because in one way or another, even if you're not a writer, the experience and pain of rejection is universal.
For me personally, I often "listen to my instincts". And often, it works. For instance, at one point, my instinct told me that receiving a particular rejection was a good thing because my hoped-for book needed to have a venue/a publisher to reach a special learning disabled child. So a week later, when I received an acceptance from my publisher, and was told they wanted to produce a dyslexic format, I knew things were as they should be.
Another re-boot from rejection that works for me are gentle, positive affirmations. It helps in bringing back clarity and focus, practice kindness and release stress.
Reconnect with your talent, your passion, your beauty. And KEEP ON! The world wants to hear from you.
Spin a Circle!
We ALL get rejections. I feel mine come like a rainy season - one after the other until finally there appears a sunny crack in the clouds. Meanwhile, I know it can feel debilitating, and often, an author may sink into hopelessness.
But take the time to just stop. Practice some self-care. Take a deep breath and think of the reasons you write. Remind yourself to not take it personally. YOU are not getting rejected, it's the manuscript that isn't befitting at this time with this publilsher. No biggie - you can move on, and you will.
For the fun of it, write a short story, paragraph, or funny rhyming verse about the rejection - express yourself, and give yourself a laugh at the same time!
Of course, if you receive professional criticism, great. Time to listen and incorporate any updates that would benefit your writing. But aside from that, try to connect with a family member, friend or another author. You'll most likely receive understanding and compassion because in one way or another, even if you're not a writer, the experience and pain of rejection is universal.
For me personally, I often "listen to my instincts". And often, it works. For instance, at one point, my instinct told me that receiving a particular rejection was a good thing because my hoped-for book needed to have a venue/a publisher to reach a special learning disabled child. So a week later, when I received an acceptance from my publisher, and was told they wanted to produce a dyslexic format, I knew things were as they should be.
Another re-boot from rejection that works for me are gentle, positive affirmations. It helps in bringing back clarity and focus, practice kindness and release stress.
Reconnect with your talent, your passion, your beauty. And KEEP ON! The world wants to hear from you.
Spin a Circle!
