Hi ABM fans! Can you believe it’s August already? I’m trading days with Patricia for those who may have been expecting her Wednesday, or go looking for me on/Friday. Hubby and I are going out of town Friday to Sunday to see our oldest daughter and her family since their move to Aurora, CO a month ago. While we’re there a young woman my girls grew up with is getting married (that’s actually the catapult for us going this particular weekend) and she really wants us there. We are her second parents.
I’ve been trying to figure out what the Sam Hill to blog about and have been coming up blank. But then I remembered something huge that happened this month two years ago that actually has something to do with now, and my upcoming release with Lyrical Press, Inc.
So, I thought I’d just share a little story about my contemporary book-in-edits.
It was July 30, 2010, when my critique group “leader,” and fellow new author- her debut book comes out later this year or next with Entangled Publishing- challenged our little group. Mills and Boon had decided to do what they called a Fast Track Initiative. Send in however much you have of a manuscript by August 24th, 2010, and they guaranteed a response by the end of that month. I accepted, as did several other members of our group.
I had other projects going, but none fit the Medical line taking submissions. I wailed, whined and pulled my hair after accepting Melinda’s challenge. Why? Heck, I don’t write medical! It literally took me a hours just to think up a theme for a story. Seriously. What could someone who knows nothing about medicine possibly write that would be convincing to M&B Medical that I knew what the heck I was writing about?
I asked myself- and hubby- what do I know that could fall into the medical field? Then it hit me. I know enough about animals to pass the test. A veterinarian. Ok, and let’s make hero an EMT, but not just any EMT- nooo, I decided he flies in a helicopter, a Mediflight paramedic. Yeah, I know exactly…nothing about that! It took me to Aug. 16th to scrape out one chapter I titled “Perfect Dr. Viv,” but I polished and sent the chapter to M&B on August 17th. One week before their deadline. The craziness began when an editor loved my chapter! I really hadn’t planned to need to write the whole book, so I didn’t write any more…at first…
Over the next three and a half months I ended up writing and submitting first one, then three chapters, and then the full.
I edited and then rushed my critique group through it and emailed the whole thing to the editor on Dec. 18th. Yes I forgot about it a third time. What editor gets back to us on a full in less than six months?
On Jan. 24, 2011 I got another email from her…
Editor-lady hoped I’d be open to revisions and to resubmit. Otherwise known as an R&R.
I did not jump right in this time like all the others and say yes. If you have received one of these, or do in the future, you shouldn’t either. Let that request sit a solid day or more and then really read it, every detail of it, and then give serious consideration before you agree.
My revision request came with five- count them, 5- pages of well-thought out revision suggestions. I gave it a week in which I read her revisions over and over, talked to the group and other writers, looked areas up in the ms she specifically pointed to, read the email in full again. Then I finally decided I would try.
Jump forward through the next seven+ months, throughout which time I sent revised chapters back and forth with editor-lady.
I chose this long-winded post today for one main reason. Here it is:
When edits change the basic fabric of YOUR story, YOUR characters, to the point you, THE AUTHOR don’t know who they are- there’s something wrong. It’s wrong because it’s not your story anymore. It’s not the creation, the birth child of months of sweat and tears and determination from you. It’s become something else.
That’s what happened to me. The closer editor-lady thought I was getting to what M&B Medical wanted- and closer to a possible contract- the less I began to understand my characters. The less I knew where the story was going and the less I wanted to look at the story. At all. It wasn’t just that I was sick of these two, as any author can relate. I didn’t know them or their story and that made it impossible for me to write their new story as it unfolded- because I didn’t have a clue where it was going. I got to a point I couldn’t force myself to open the document.
It wasn’t my story any longer.
On Sept. 4, 2011 I emailed editor-lady and informed her that, though I loved working with her, I no longer felt M&B was the best placement for my book. I withdrew my manuscript from HQN/M&B. That was a difficult decision. To tell a HQN editor thanks, but no…
Good news- Always deal in a professional manner with editors, no matter how you might feel. Separate yourself from the issue and be upfront and sincere. Why? Here’s part of her final email conversations to me that week a year ago:
I’ll also be sad to see the back of Viv and Conner – there was such a lovely bond between them! – but best of luck with your future writing.
As I do think you have a wonderfully fresh, sparky voice, if you decide you are interested in submitting to M&B again, then don’t hesitate to email me directly.
With best wishes
Be professional and good things come. When I pulled that book from her, I was certain I’d signed my fate with M&B. I mean- who does that?! I was as happy to get this last email as I was that very first chapter request. She also suggested which lines I might sub to when I informed her it wouldn’t be Medical again. J
Great news: In May, 2012 I sold that same book to Lyrical Press, Inc. My lovely editor and I are moving forward in the edits for a tentative March 2013 release. MY story. The one I wrote two years ago- as I wrote it. My editor and I had fun coming up with the new title, Risk Factors, and it suits, and I’m happy with everything about the process this time.
I gave it a shot with M&B, after careful consideration, and I allowed the story to take a path I wasn’t happy with in the end. My bad. But I also knew when to call it a day. It’s MY book. My baby. Mine. If I, or you, don’t stay strong in this business it can make for not so pleasant experiences. I learned my lesson and I’m happy it turned out the way it did. Will you be able to say the same for the sake of a coveted publishing experience? I hope so. But keep in mind that not every publisher and book may be suited for each other.
Thank you for letting me make your eyes bleed today with a longer than normal (for me) post. I hope my path helps someone else. Have a happy August, and thank you for visiting Authors By Moonlight! 
I hope you have time through the month to see what the other girls have planned to entertain you with.
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I’m sorry that things didn’t work out with your story & M&B, but I’m a big believer it all happens for a reason…and there isn’t a reason you can’t try again with them if you want. Either way it was a great learning experience
Congrats on your contract with Lyrical!!xoxox
Thanks Christine. I learned a lot from that experience for sure, but I’ve learned so much more, but from my editor’s chair since then too.
First of all, congrats on your contract with lyrical, Calisa! I’m nodding all over the place here. I had an experience like that. Several months ago, when my agent and I were still sending out queries of my latest release, we ended up getting an R&R back from one. It wasn’t Harlequin, but it was up and coming epub (can you tell I’m trying not to step on any toes?!). I decided in the end not to do the revisions, for exactly that reason–the changes they wanted would have changed my vision for the book, how I saw the hero and heroine. I just wasn’t willing to do that to them.
In the end, though, the book ended up with a publisher I’m very happy with. My editor loves it exactly the way I wrote it. So good for you for sticking to your vision. I agree completely. Your book, your baby. I was told something once, years ago, back when I first started to write. Someone told me (and this isn’t an exact quote, of course) that sometimes, it’s a matter of finding the right editor for you and your work.
Course, now I’m dying to read the book, so consider me watching for this one .
Congratulations on the upcoming release of Risk Factors. So glad you followed your instincts, and thanks for sharing that earlier journey. We all want to get published and continue being published but we have to stay true to our characters and stories while taking guidance from an editor. It’s all a big balancing act.
Joanne I’m so glad you followed your heart too. I thought I could do those edits and still hold onto MY story. It didn’t work for me. I know we have to be flexible and willing to make changes, but when those changes kill that story, or just create a new one you have to be a fortune teller to know I think! lol I tried for seven months and in the end didn’t like where it took my story. But I have a foot in the door of M&B still, so all was not lost.
Robena you are right. I still want to sell at least one book to HQN just to say I did it, but not at the cost of my voice and characters. Thanks for stopping in.
so glad you shared this, Calisa! Because you’re absolutely right – there is story improvement and then there is twisting your story around until you don’t recognize it. That can happen with actual editors or with critique group. I’m so glad you listened to your gut – and I hope I *still* see your name on an M&B title. Soon!!!
I haven’t given up on that dream Kristi. It’s not the end all dream anymore with all the talk of bad contract dealings and bye-bye paper and all that- but the dream is there.
I know you’ll be there with me one day!
What a great story, Calisa. I’m glad you were brave enough to pull your book back and keep it your book. It’s a good lesson for the rest of us. Sure, there are changes we’re willing to make and do make. But ultimately, there’s a line we can’t cross. Thanks for relating your experience AND for the point about keeping the exchange professional. That was very wise on your part.
I basically had the same thing happen with HQN Historical. Nice editor lady wanted me to completely dissect the book which destroyed the entire plot. I pulled the book (tough decision); left the ms as it was and submitted to The Wild Rose Press. Great decision!!! That book has won two prestigious awards.
Great blog on editing and how it can completely change the story and our view on the changes. And yes, always remain professional about it. Keeping doors open is a good thing! And it does take a good amount of courage to walk away when you feel the fit isn’t right. Bravo to you! Glad things worked out.
I’m glad my experience might help others, Willa. And being professional wasn’t easy. I had a snarky email written first because when I realized what we’d (I had) done to my story, I was angry and it showed in my email. I sent it to an editor friend to make it presentable. Good move! lol
That’s wonderful news Loretta! Congrats on the awards. Which book was it, if you don’t mind my asking? One lesson I learned through that whole process is that an editor can change whatever she/he wants in the book… You can put your characters anywhere and they will survive like we do- but when you change the characters, when they are no longer the ones you created the story for…that becomes the problem.
Thanks Patricia. I like open doors! lol
I can imagine how hard it must have been for you to walk away from HQN, but in the end the lesson there is to be true to yourself.
It wasn’t the easiest decision, Tiffany. That’s why it took me to seven months when I knew by three it wasn’t working for me. But it paid off.
I think it’s so important to find a home for your story that fits both you as the author and the vision you have for the story. Great post and great advice for deciding on how to deal with revisions. No matter what, you have to stay true to yourself.
I also had a publisher suggest I revise and re-submit, and also wondered if it was worth it. I’m glad, though, that I took her suggestions as it made a much better story. But she wasn’t trying to change the plot or characters, just make it tighter and flow better. I learned a lot from her and am forever grateful she took a chance on me.
Thank you Debra.
I’m very glad it worked for you Sandy. I think it does 90% of the time. Just not that time for me. Do I want to work with that editor again? Absolutely, but I know how to handle things next time to protect my vision so this wasn’t a complete disappointment as a writer. It was a learning experience from my professional POV. For me, that’s what this business is about; constant learning new things as it changes.
I had a pub suggest I make changes to A Run For Love. I did and sent it back to her. She suggested more changes. I said ‘thanks but no thanks’ and sent it to another pub who loved it, published it, and it’s been out for months now, doing fairly well with great reviews. If you won’t stick up for your story, who will?
I agree. I’m glad you stuck to your guns, Callie.
That was a really tought decision to make, Calisa. The happy ending has come, though, and the most important thing about it is how you feel having made your decision. All of it is a learning process! Good luck with Lyrical. I’ll be looking out for it!
Thank you Nancy! I’ll be heading to your guest post at Cathie Dunn’s now.
I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since you wrote that first chapter! You know I’ve been by your side about keeping the story your way and I love Viv and Conner. I can’t wait to read the final result when it comes out next year. Super congrats to you, my friend.
Melinda
When one door closes another one opens….
Remember to say this to me when it’s my turn. I am sorry but you’ll get it. never give up!
(((big hugs)))
Neecy
I haven’t had that experience yet, but I’ll remember your advice if I do. Best of luck with it when it releases with Lyrical!
Yes- Melinda up there ^ is the one who made this story start to grow life with her challenge. Thanks Melinda! I know several times through that whole sordid process you heard me scream “I owe you for this!” Well, I do owe you Twinkie. Love ya. Thanks for sticking by this one even when I wanted to give up on it. Remind me to write a wedding scene into one some day just for you.
I’m so happy you came by! Hug baby boy for Auntie Lisa. 
Consider the reminder on timer, Ceecy. You won’t need it, but I wish you all the luck I can give!
Feel free to ask me anything Ally, if it will help. Thank you for the incredible Beta read! Priceless.