The Author/Editor Dynamic

11 Replies

Several days ago, while travelling by train I fell into conversation with a lady. Our interaction began by her admiring my guide dog, Trigger and proceeded on to a discussion of our respective occupations. It transpired that my companion was an editor for a small publisher. She mentioned how some authors could be “difficult” at which point I felt it only fair to reveal that in addition to my day job (the one which keeps me in Bentleys and fine cigars) I am, in addition a writer. Being blind I was unable to discern the lady’s expression and, to be frank it is one of those occasions on which the lack of vision irked me. In any event we continued our chat and we parted without even a drop of blood having been shed by either party!

My own experience of editors has been positive. The gentleman who edited the anthology to raise money for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) generously donated his services free. I was impressed with his work and subsequently paid him to proof read my book, “Dalliance; A Collection of Poetry and Prose”. Again I was very happy with the results and would recommend his services to other writers.

I would be interested in the views of both authors and editors on this matter.

 

Kevin

 

Kevin

 

11 thoughts on “The Author/Editor Dynamic”

  1. Jane Risdon's avatarJane Risdon

    Kevin, what an amazing co-incidence sitting next to her. So far my experience of publishers and editors has been positive but perhaps I should engage in this discussion in a few years time when the story might be different. I think of publishers and editors having the same role as a record company and a record producer has. In my past life I was, I expect you’ve gathered, I worked in the music business and working with producers and record companies and with the artists I managed, I got used to their input. We all wanted the best possible product at the end of the song writing and recording experience, which would sell. There were rows, massive ding dongs, often. Song writers and musicians had their baby and they didn’t want to change it at all, but the producer had his brief from the record company and it was to make a hit. Somewhere along the way different approaches would be tried, adding this to the work, taking that out and with a lot of joint input and imagination on everyone’s part, a record would emerge which the record company, the PR department and the Radio department could live with and, hopefully, the artist could too. Necessary evils – after-all back then the Record company called the shots; it was their money we were spending. When the artist became successful, earned the big bucks and the clout, things changed, then they called the shots – well as far as it was sensible. I’ve learned never to give an artist full freedom and control because they, more often than not, go up their own rear-ends and become impossible to work with and their work becomes too self-indulgent and no-one else is listened to. So, now I am an author, I keep this in mind and I try not to become self-indulgent and I hope I don’t disappear up my own rear end, and that I will be willing to listen to those who know how to make my books successful. Having said that I didn’t manage rock bands for years and negotiate with the biggest companies in the world by being a push-over or putty in their hands. We shall see. Early days Kevin. I do hope your anthology is doing well. Jane xx

    Reply ↓
    1. K Morris Poet's avatardrewdog2060drewdog2060 Post author

      Thanks for your comment, Jane. I was fascinated to read about your experience in the record industry and the read across to publishing. I am sure you are not in danger of disappearing up your own rear-end! “Dalliance” has attracted a number of very positive reviews. I am, naturally delighted that my book is giving pleasure to readers.

      Kind regards,

      Kevin

      Reply ↓
      1. Jane Risdon's avatarJane Risdon

        Kevin, I am sure it will do well. These things always take a while and continue selling over a long period. I have been involved in 3 charity anthologies for different causes and the last one, last year has been selling slowly and constantly since publication. In fact a follower of mine purchased a copy last week (paperback) after we had a chat on Facebook and she decided she might like to try a book written by crime writers. She normally reads anything but! Wishing you well Kevin. Nice to chat to you again. 🙂

      6. K Morris Poet's avatardrewdog2060drewdog2060 Post author

        Sorry you had a problem with the links Jane. You can download the anthology by going to the following page, (http://newauthoronline.com/anthology-to-raise-money-for-guide-dogs/). The page has 3 links. The first one is to a page on Virgin Money which allows donations to Guide Dogs. The second one is a download link for the anthology and the third link is to GDBA’s website. I’ve just checked the download link and it appears to be working. Please do let me know if you experience further difficulties. You too, have a good day. Kevin

      7. Jane Risdon's avatarJane Risdon

        I hope I sent the right link. Let me know if I messed up. Internet jumping a lot today and I am now wondering. LOL Thanks for your interest Kevin. xx

Leave a reply to Mallee Stanley Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.