It
is with a bit of trepidation I have begun another edit of my young adult novel,
We are the Warriors. This time I have
the unique advantage of working with a professional editor. My family and
friends had assisted often enough, until I think I wore them out. Their
assistance over the past seven years of my novel has been very valuable. It was
time to get some additional, experienced advice.
So
I have my first copy from my editor in hand...Suggestions to cut 9,000 words,
reflections on lapses of time or skips in relationship development, corrections
as to terminology...all very good.
The
challenge is to get creative again about a text I really want to be done with.
Seven
years. I keep saying seven, I've worked on this novel, but I'm afraid to go
back and count, it may be more...
Three
writers conferences, three meetings with literary agents, suggestions to
improve, query letters sent out to agents, finally a request for my manuscript
from a literary agent at a conference. That was an exciting day! Later, the
email back, suggesting changes to improve the novel, and a request to resubmit
if I make substantial changes.
Between
moving and closing offices for a year, I finally had a new version. I cut
characters, dropped scenes, added more dramatic tension, sent it off to the
literary agency. No response. No response. Ask for an acknowledgement. No
response. Has the publishing industry changed so much that it no longer has
basic courtesy when it has an author's manuscript?
So
now the question remains, as we work toward a fresh polished copy, whether to
continue 'cold' query letters to agents or to self-publish in some fashion.
Whatever happens, I intend to have the best novel that I feel I am capable of
at that time...and one that is actually finished!
