. . . and said my proposal wasn't quite what she was hoping for.
No, this isn't devastating news. Because she went on to tell me a bit more of just what it was she would like to see in this next book I write. And I know I'm close. I think I've mentioned before that working with Herself has made me a much better writer. She will NOT let me take the easy way out -- no short cuts.
So I'm rethinking that proposal -- same characters, but a different emphasis . . .
You may recall that I sent in Under the Skin back in mid-May. And that I haven't heard back from my editor as to whether she liked it or not. Though I've tried to remain stoical about it, I have been fretting. Just a tad.
I didn't want to email and ask if she'd read it yet. After all, I'd been very, very much past my deadline in getting the book in -- how could I expect Herself to hurry with reading my manuscript? Besides, she was probably busy hanging out with her big, important guys -- you know, Lee Child, Karen Slaughter, Deb Crombie, Laurie King . . . that gang of NY Times bestsellers.
Or maybe, the voice of doubt said, Herself has read it. Maybe she hates it and is trying to find a way out of the contract. Or . . . or . . .
Finally my agent mentioned to Herself that we were wondering if she'd had a chance to take a look at Under the Skin.
What? says Herself, I read it back in May and accepted it and sent Vicki a note with a cc. to you.
No, says Ann, my indefatigable agent, we didn't get a note.
Hmm, says, Herself, I'll have to check when I get back to the office.
Okay, now I knew that the book had been accepted. What I didn't know is how Herself felt about it. And that matters rather immensely.
So I braved up and emailed Herself. And this is what she said.
I think it's the best thing you've ever written. I was totally enmeshed in it--the characterizations were rich and fresh and the novel-within-the-novel was strong and instantly compelling. I hated for the book to end, I truly did.
Calloo, callay! Oh, frabjous day! I chortled in my joy!
Herself went on to mention one plot line that needed reinforcing -- which I shall promptly give some thought to and address when I get the line-edited, copy-edited manuscript back.
It's the light at the end of the tunnel! It's a new day dawning!
It's clouds rolling away and blue skies ahead!
It's an email from Herself saying that the pruning away of excess material in The Day of Small Things (aka Birdie's book) worked for her and that the results were "spellbinding!"
The manuscript is in copy editing now -- when that's done, I'll get it back and address whatever further small changes are required. But for now . . .
So, I'm back home (just barely) and I've heard from Herself who feels that while Miss Birdie's story is "magnificent," there are other elements that throw the story out of balance. There is more work to be done. We will have a phone conversation on Thursday.
To me, this is good news. I have an editor who wants to wring the best out of me rather than just accepting something that's 'good enough.' There are lots of editors out there, so I hear, who don't actually edit -- just say yea or nay. Herself is not one of these. On the contrary.
I have every confidence that when we're done, this book will be a hundred percent better than the book I sent her. And you faithful readers, waiting patiently (or not), will be the beneficiaries of our work.
