This post was originally sent through my author newsletter on April 28th, 2023. To subscribe to my newsletter and receive up-to-date news, musings, and more, click HERE.
I've been submerged in book revisions. Or, as my husband who works in tech calls it, I've been "heads-down."
This is for the first book on my write-for-hire contract, and I knew from the start that the turnaround times would be quick. I submitted my first draft on March 27th, and my editor was hoping to have the manuscript completely finalized by the end of April! I received her notes, along with the client's, a little over a week ago, and dove right in.
What kind of edits are we talking about? One secondary plotline is being removed (and possibly saved for a future book). Another plotline is being enhanced slightly to take its place. A few characters' details (age, interests, backstory) are changing. I'm strengthening and sharpening the friendship dynamics in the story. None of this is overwhelming—but as I said, the timeline is tight.
I've never completed a book under contract, from writing early sample chapters to polishing the final manuscript, this fast. In fact, in my experience, months can pass between sending in a draft and receiving notes from the editor. Also, I'm used to a process that has three revisions: the first draft gets global, structural notes, the second draft is more about refining arcs and characters, and the third draft is where line editing happens. Perhaps because we spent so much time up front on the synopsis and character sketches, this time, most of that draft-one work was done before I wrote the actual draft. The edits I'm working on now feel like second-draft edits, with a bit of line editing thrown in.
There are pros and cons to working this way. On the plus side, I am deep in the headspace of this book. Because I'd just turned in my first draft, when I received my edits, I was able to jump straight back in. It can take longer to find your way into the story after a lengthier break. But at the same time, those breaks between drafts can enable you to see what's in front of you with clearer eyes. You're almost like a fresh reader. What's not working—and what is—comes into focus.
The other interesting thing about these edits is that I am working as a contractor: the creative vision is not mine alone. There are a few choices being made that I would not have chosen. This DOES NOT mean I think they are bad choices! They're just not the way my instinct would naturally guide me. Every writer—every creator—is different, and this write-for-hire process involves being open to others' opinions and preferences. There is a lot of me in this project, but it's not entirely mine.
I'm heading to the New England Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators annual conference this weekend. I'll be presenting two professional workshops, along with two friends: a session on successful school visits with Janae Marks and a session on co-writing a book with my Thirteenth Circle coauthor, MarcyKate Connolly. When I'm not presenting, I'm planning to attend other workshops...but I'll also be spending time in my hotel room, heads-down in book revisions. My goal is to get the manuscript back in my editor's hands by Monday or Tuesday.
Then, in another few weeks, I'll probably start working on book two!
Tight deadlines can be difficult, but most of the time, I'd rather be writing than waiting. (This is why you'll often find me playing around with new ideas in between drafts of books that are further along...) Give me something to work on, a way to make forward progress, and I am a happy writer.
(Though I will be glad to come up for air next week!)
~Kathryn
What I'm:
Reading: the third Thursday Murder Club book, The Bullet That Missed. I love this series about a set of octogenarian crime-solvers living in a British retirement community. What are your favorite cozy mysteries?
Listening to: My kiddo's new favorite song is Katy Perry's "Roar." She asks to listen to it over...and over...and over. I think it may have taken up permanent residence in my head. Luckily, it's pretty cute when she sings along at the top of her lungs...
Loving: Spring weather. Here's my girl in one of her new spring dresses, showing off her arabesque. Look at those straight knees, that pointed toe!
