Editor’s Corner
On Writing and
Books
“A good book
is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and
treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.” (John Milton)
“The only
sound reason for writing a book is for the book’s sake, and a
book, like a man, is an end in itself, not a means toward an
end. A good book contains the essence of a man’s mind and
heart.” (Edward Wagenknecht, Boston University)
Alexander the Great |
“No
wonder that Alexander carried The Iliad with him on his
expeditions in a precious casket. A written word is
the choicest of relics. It is something at once more
intimate with us and more universal than any other work
of art. It is the work of art nearest to life itself.
It may be translated into every language, and not only
be read but actually breathed from all human lips--not
be represented on canvas or in marble only, but be
carved out of the breath of life itself. “ (Henry
Thoreau) |
Lessons from a Polar Explorer
A venture into the unknown can often end in failure. Many of the polar explorers
encountered unforeseen perils that lay waiting for them in hostile unchartered
territory. In 1914, British explorer Ernest Shackleton’s polar expedition faced
disaster when his supply ship, the Endurance, became icebound in the Antarctic
ice—only 100 miles from the South Pole. Shackleton and his men were marooned and
in peril of losing their lives if they didn’t find help fast.
The Endurance icebound
in Antarctica
In one of the most daring and gruelling journeys in maritime
history, Frank Worsley, Captain of the Endurance, helped
navigate Shackleton and a handful of men in the James Caird, a
small lifeboat, through 800 miles of chilling and treacherous
seas to safety in a whaling station in the South Georgia
Islands. From there a relief ship returned with Shackleton to
save the rest of his camp still stranded in the Antarctic ice.
Shackleton learned some hard lessons of survival: don’t
underestimate the unforeseen and don't try to go it alone.
Shackleton used the resources around him to get the help he
needed to survive. In his case, he sought the help of his ship’s captain,
Frank Worsely, whose navigational skills enabled Shackleton and
his crew to sail safely through the most dangerous waters on the
planet. Shackleton had not foreseen the perils of pack ice that
marooned his expedition, but he did eventually seek vital
resources that were available to him. Shackleton's experience
"told you that there are always going to be obstacles in the
way. You have to keep your faith, keep believing…keep working
together, even if you think you're never going to make it."
(Quarterback Tom Brady, New England Patriots)
The James Caird and its crew
The author’s quest for publication is, in some respects, like
that of the polar explorer--an expedition into unknown and
perilous territory. It’s not uncommon for a writer to venture
out alone on the quest, unprepared and unaware of the labyrinth
that lies in waiting. It’s a journey through unforeseen hazards
filled with daunting tasks: 1) finding a reliable and affordable
literary agent; 2) learning to write effective queries and book
proposals; 3) sorting out the pros and cons of self-publishing;
4) deciphering proper manuscript format; and 5) assessing legal
and money matters, including book marketing and royalties. Other
concerns, though not as serious as the tasks enumerated above,
including protecting intellectual property, securing permission
to reprint, properly citing sources, and checking facts, for
example, can consume the author’s mind, taking away energy best
spent in crafting the book. In what seems a futile endeavor to
get published, the author invariably reaches a point of
disillusionment and resignation. After months or even years
spent writing the “masterpiece,” and hours and hours in an
admirable effort to find an interested publisher, the author is
left with a work unapproved for publication. Rejection follows
rejection. It is not to say the piece is unworthy of
publication. However, the manuscript becomes “icebound”—marooned
in the ‘My Bestseller’ folder on the hard drive of the computer.
So, what went wrong? In all probability, the author has not
taken the trouble to put the manuscript in a finished and
presentable state that will pass muster. No wonder a literary
agent couldn’t be found who would endorse the piece. Chances are
that the manuscript and query presented to the agent--or
acquisitions editor at a publishing house--were not edited by a
professional editor. Self-edited works and queries frequently
contain an unacceptable number of errors in grammar and
syntax--enough “inky embarrassments,” as Bill Bryson calls them,
to cause a frown of disapproval on the brow of a literary agent
or publisher. Despite the best of intentions, the author becomes
blind to the need for help.
Overwhelmed and discouraged, the author
spends most of his time trying to figure out which path is the
right path in the quest for a viable and interested publisher.
It’s easy to get off the right path. It’s easy to get lost.
Partnership with a Copyeditor
The copyeditor can help the author to produce a finished and
presentable manuscript. Once the editing has been completed, the
copyeditor can guide the author to the right path to take in the
search for a publisher. The author is able to utilize the
resources, knowledge, and understanding
required to move the manuscript across the finish line.
Which path is the right path?
An Even Keeled Working Relationship
“Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than
in the one where they sprang up.”
(Oliver Wendell Holmes)
The author and the editor need to work together to create a
shared vision for the book. This means that at the outset they
exchange meaningful discussions as how best to approach a viable
publisher. What is the best way to “sell” the book and its
concept? The editor can help the author to write a “powerful
pitch”--a convincing case for publication. Having proceeded in
an even keeled partnership, the author and editor discover a
strategy for success. Now, armed with a finished and polished
manuscript in one hand and a sound action plan to sell the book
in the other, the author stands an even chance at getting
published.
Caveat
No editor can promise a writer that editing their prized
manuscript will guarantee publication. In reality, an editor
offers neither a quick fix nor a rescue operation. What the
editor can offer is to be a good listener and ask questions that
encourage the writer to understand ideas that have yet to be
imagined. An editor can offer the necessary knowledge and
guidance to facilitate a vision not yet considered.
Collaboration is power.
Enhance your
chances at getting published: Partner with an Editor.
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