Can you take direction? Do you meet deadlines? Are you easy to work with? Or are you a whiny, petulant artist who believes their work is perfect on arrival? The editor is going to get a sense for all of this via revisions and other contact.
Writing is a competitive business. And it is a business. We, the writer, need to make a product that the distributor can sell. That's our job. Not only do we have to write something great, we need to do it their specifications, and, I believe, we need to be easy to work with.
Because talent is only a piece of it. It matters, trust me, but it isn't the only thing.
Maisey, yep, this is very important. Catching an editor's eye is only the start. Like you say, you have to take direction and come up with the goods. In many ways, the pressure gets even harder the further along you get. It's vital that you prove that you can work with the editor who has taken an interest in your writing, that you take on board what they say. Otherwise you won't have them for very long. :-)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right Maisey. Good post!
ReplyDeleteHi Maisey,
ReplyDeleteLoving your blog, and huge Congrats on your success - can't wait to buy your book!
Wise post, and one i'm taking right to heart as I start on my journey.
Yup, yup and yup again. lol... I consider myself professional and meeting deadlines is my style. I'm organised and waiting for the next contract, and waiting, and waiting. lol...
ReplyDeleteI think it makes a huge difference if one gets on with their editor, especially when both sides are easy to work with. It makes it more enjoyable.
Suzanne :)
Yep. It's nice to work with people who are...nice.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Maisey! And very timely too, I might add, after some of the behavior on the Ihearts blog. I think all that will settle down now, and people will go on to the business of supporting each other as the follow up mails are sent out. (hopefully)
ReplyDeleteThanks for being there for the rest of us!
Amy
I hope it settles soon, Amy.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm kind of sad for those involved really. They've shown what they would be like to work with.
After getting a chance to 'meet' some of the Harlequin writers via email, I can say they're wonderful, helpful ladies who truly like to encourage people, and like to see others succeed. It doesn't seem like the nasties would fit well there.
Too right. I'm sure it will be business as usual soon. I think the vast majority of us appreciate every scrap of advice and direction we get.
ReplyDelete