Comments on: The Adventure of Book Edits

By: Jennifer Major

Jennifer Major — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:12:11 +0000

My my, I’m sorry you have SO much work to do. But I will be selfless and kind and offer to help you. Especially with those ending chapters.
Just send me the stuff and I’ll edit for you.

See, people, THAT is how to be helpful…

By: Joanne Bischof

Joanne Bischof — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:53:41 +0000

In reply to Carrie Turansky.

Carrie, it’s such a treat to have you visit! Shannon is an incredible editor to work with. She’s a tough cookie and really knows her stuff–which makes for great books in the end. 🙂 I am sure it will go great for you as you are so talented and probably don’t do the silly goof-ups that I do with pacing and plot, etc. I am still learning so many things.

I can’t wait to read your book and I am eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the cover! I noticed that both of our books are waiting for those final covers and I am excited to see them pop up down the road. I hope you are having a great day!

By: Carrie Turansky

Carrie Turansky — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:50:08 +0000

Hi Joanne, this post and your replies were so encouraging! I am looking forward to working with Shannon on the edits for my first book with Waterbrook soon. My novel, The Governess of Highland Hall, comes out this fall too. I am also eagerly waiting to see the cover. I appreciate your perspective. Happy editing!

By: Joanne Bischof

Joanne Bischof — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:43:49 +0000

In reply to Beth K. Vogt. Thank you so much, Beth! I am so eager to read Catch a Falling Star. I just can't wait and was over the moon to hear there would be more to come! Congratulations :)

By: Beth K. Vogt

Beth K. Vogt — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:12:50 +0000

I’m starting to rewrite my fast draft — and I know edits from my editor will arrive one day in the months ahead. Looking forward to reading your books!

By: Joanne Bischof

Joanne Bischof — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:03:34 +0000

In reply to Teddy G.

Oh and chick flicks– I’m a sucker for any kind of Jane Austen 🙂

By: Joanne Bischof

Joanne Bischof — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:03:15 +0000

In reply to Teddy G.

Great question. My editor is always open to my ideas. While a lot of the story remains the same from the final draft, she knows how to look at the different threads and she knows where to suggest me tightening things up and at the same time, is always open to dialogueing about it. Two heads are always better than one at a time like this and it’s amazing how her suggestions may take a moment to sink in, and then when they do, I think “brilliant!” Why didn’t I think of that? 😉 But if there is ever something I’d like to keep or go a different direction on, she’s so respectful. They remind us that it’s our books and they just want to help it be the best it can be. What I do love is every word is always mine. I get to take the vision and then write it how it makes sense to me and that’s one thing I love about working with my editor. 🙂

By: Teddy G

Teddy G — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:18:16 +0000

So, one editing question, and one unrelated question. 🙂
Do you ever fight for a part of the book that you think “needs” to be there if your editor disagrees? Or do you, like Heather mentioned above, trust the editor to know the audience?

And, just because I’m curious, what chick flicks do you like to use as your break? 🙂

Happy Editing – I can’t wait to finish reading their story!

By: Joanne Bischof

Joanne Bischof — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:00:52 +0000

In reply to Heather Day Gilbert. Heather, that's the best way to look at it! Editors really do make stories so much stronger. It can be difficult, when the initial news comes of what works and what doesn't, but a few deep breaths and a little prayer are just the thing to jump start those first steps back in :)

By: Heather Day Gilbert

Heather Day Gilbert — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:55:29 +0000

I actually look forward to edits if I trust the editor’s judgement–I know my book is going to come out reading MUCH stronger. All the best as you launch into yours, Joanne!