Do It Your Way
Some of you have given up on me. You’ve quit asking “How’s the writing going?” You’ve even stopped asking, “Are you still writing?” Honestly, I don’t blame you.
I gave up my law practice in 2001. At the turn of the century. Fourteen years ago. Fourteen years. In that time, I’ve published a lot. A lot. You can read all about it on my Achievements page if you want. I’ve also won awards. A lot of awards. You can read about that on the same page.
Yet.
I have not published a novel.
When I began my writing career, I thought this was the trajectory. Hallelujah—you’re getting short stories published. And essays. Winning awards. Getting your first book published. Now you can impress an agent with your resume. Have a major house publish your novel.
But when I got involved with writing novels, I began serpentining. I wrote a novel. And another. And another. That kept up for five novels. I began sending them to an editor. She gave me feedback. I sent her another novel, and revised a different novel while she was working on her review. Or wrote a new novel. Which I then sent to her for review. I have now written seven novels; she has reviewed five.
This is not a straight line trajectory.
Yet.
I felt this was the route for me.
Today, the editor sent me her Reader’s Report on my latest submission. Usually, she chitchats in the cover letter and gives a synopsis of her reaction to the novel. This time, she basically said, I’ll let the Reader’s Report speak for itself. I thought, well, she must really hate it. She wants to keep her negative feedback in the professional realm of the Reader’s Report.
I couldn’t blame her. I’d taken a real risk with this novel. It features Mary the mother of Jesus and, yes, Jesus too—back on earth to deal with the evil of a new, supercharged private prison. Plus, structurally, I’d played around. Offered stand-alone chapters that asked the reader to hang in with me—time would explain them. Religious irreverence, political bomb shells, literary devices—what’s not to hate?
Her first sentence: “Cutting to the chase: I think this is your best manuscript. Hands down.”
Here’s the point: you have to follow your own process. Even if it is contrary to everything you’ve been taught. Even if you can’t find anyone else who follows that process. Not your published author heroes. Not your writer friends. Even if it’s so time-consuming everyone starts asking, Are you still writing?
Do what feels right to you. It may work out. It may not. But at least you have done everything that felt right to you to succeed.
And you know what? You just might do it.
an editor's reader's report, Do it your way, Getting Published, publishing your novel, The Bone Trench, The route to publication, working with an editor
Marisa
That’s such wonderful news! This book sounds incredible–I can’t wait to read it! Congrats on the wonderful feedback! Take some time to bask in it.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thanks, Marisa. She said she’d be glad to tell me what else I did right if I wanted. I’m thinking that would be helpful. Sometimes you do something right and you don’t know what it is. 🙂
Jerry Harber
Very happy for you and here’s hoping. If I were younger, I might have gone the traditional route. On the other hand, when I was younger, I didn’t have time/courage to write. I believe the appropriate expression here is: you go girl!
Ellen Morris Prewitt
I don’t know if I will pursue the traditional route or not, Jerry. The editor seems to think the potential’s there with this manuscript, but . . . You have done it your way and done it well. That’s an inspiration!
Rick DeStefanis
NOW I ASK YOU!!! (Yes, those are all caps.) Have I given up on you?? Have I stopped working with you? No…..I didn’t think you would say so. SO>>>> (more caps) I DO BEG YOUR PARDON!! dear friend. I’m gonna be there (God willing) when you do it.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
“Some” of you have given up on me. You are not some, Rick. Thank you for being there for me (even reading my wacko novels–:))
Rick DeStefanis
Wacko…..let’s just say unique. I only tease when I say you smoke powerful opiates to produce hilarious, but truly meaningful works. You have a path taken by no one but you. Keep walking that path, and I believe you will find more believers, other than us few who have truly grown to see the beauty behind your madness. 🙂
Ellen Morris Prewitt
That’s a quote to remember: “the beauty behind your madness.” (This is the novel about which you said, “You will offend everyone but terrorists, and you might have offended them too–right up there with my favorite quotes of all time.)
janet sever
I haven’t given up on you–Just been quietly cheering you on from afar.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thank you!!
Luanne
I only have one word: WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you, Ellen!!!
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thanks, Luanne. As you know, one of the difficulties I’ve had is deciding which novel to focus on, even posting the Reader’s Poll you participated in. The old “if you only had one novel you could get published” question wasn’t much help—I love them all. But I’m going to pay attention to this. I’ve been thinking about you and April 15 and things slowing down. Hope Doll God is doing well.
Luanne
Thanks, Ellen. My dad is unfortunately very ill and has entered hospice. I was with him last week.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
I am so, so sorry. I’ll be thinking about y’all. Glad you could be with him. e