I submitted a synopsis and a query a few months ago to a publisher. They responded promptly with a very nice email and requested the first three chapters – YAY!
I heard back from the editor today and she had the following comment:
“If you would like to make revisions based on my above comments, once they are complete, I would be happy to take a look at the full manuscript. Not everyone will have the same thoughts/opinions about a story, so if you would prefer to not make the revisions and submit elsewhere, I understand and wish you the best of luck in your writing career.”
I should note that her comments about the story, one in particular, is dead on and I had already made the change. The second change she wants me to make is, I think, very valid but I’m needing time to mull it over. It would require changing a bit throughout the entire story.
At any rate, while this may not look like good news to some aspiring writers because it is not a contract or a resounding YES!, I believe that it is exceptional news and something to learn from. As she stated, each editor will feel differently about a story. However, I have tremendous respect for this publisher and value their opinion. Her suggestions are designed to make the book better and that’s always a good thing!
I am well aware of the fact that not everyone would welcome the “please change these things and resubmit” response. I’m not emotionally attached to my masterpiece. I like it and I want it to be the best it can be. I also want to have it published.
I’m 99% sure I’m going to make the revisions she recommends and send her the manuscript in full. So pleased to have this opportunity!
I’ll keep you up to date on the progress. Not sure how long this is going to take but I feel like I have to give myself a deadline to make it happen. I also need to draft a response to the editor. Both of which I’ll share as they occur.
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