Okay, I know half of you want to just spit on me, and I have no right to be tense, stressed, or frustrated. My problems are good problems to have … but how the heck did this just happen to me a SECOND time?
If you’ve been hanging out here for a while, you’ll remember that “Make Believe” and “For the Love of Christmas” released a day apart last year, and I had to do all of the editing simultaneously with two different publishers.
Well, this time around, I hoped I’d get a break. But it was not meant to be.
The first round edits for “The First Day of the New Tomorrow” came in first (which surprised me) So, as I am readying to sit down with them… in come the edits for “Paper Wishes”.
Yes, this is the chance we take when we sign with two different publishers about a month apart.
“Okay,” I thought. “No problem.” Paper Wishes was already published, right? All I needed to do initially is take out the words Astraea considered curses, which I did, so I should be good to go, right?
Ummm… no.
I have a little work to do to bring it more in line with what they want for a Christian novel. Some things I expected (like taming down the make-out scene) but a few of the other things surprised me. I’m going to need to think these changes over to keep the realistic tone of the story, but keep it within their strict, but understandable parameters.
In other words, YES, I have some work cut out for me.
The First Day of the New Tomorrow edits were topped with a nice note from the editor “Thank you for such a clean manuscript.”
But, as always, there are a few things in there that made me cringe.
One was a reference to “Ken Doll” which the editor changed to something else that made me think of blow up dolls. Nope, can’t do that. I quickly hopped over to Mattel’s web site and asked for formal permission to use “Ken Doll” (Which was a decent amount of paper work, but not impossible if you ever find that need.) Now I just have to wait for their approval.
So, yeah, busy week ahead of me here. I’m a little stressed, but it’s a happy kind of stress.
It’s all good.
Jennifer M Eaton 
Sometimes pleasing an editor is tougher than writing a manuscript in the first place. I have every confidence that you will succeed in completing both edits in the allotted time. Just put on that ‘thinking cap’ and plug it in! 🙂
Luckily they have all been great. I am just wired to exceed deadlines. I make it harder on myself, but I can’t help it.
Hey, your stresses are enviable girl! 🙂
I know. But I gotta learn to breathe and juggle the kids and hubby and job – you know?
If you don’t get permission to use “Ken doll,” consider a generic term, such as “action ficture.”
Action figure wouldn’t work, but a friend suggested “Malibu Beach Karl” doll – which would convey”ken” without saying it.
That could work…!
First of all, congratulations! Such problems–lucky you.
You have the right kind of energy for this and will succeed yet again.
That’s not spit raining down on you, it’s fairy dust. That, and best wishes! :o)
Thanks!
Dear Jennifer,
Spit! EEuu. Gross. No spitting. Either way I hope. Good luck with your changes. Stay calm. Believe in you. See it accomplished. You can do it.
Celebrate you
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Sounds like a wonderful problem to have. Good luck with it. Have fun with it 🙂
Congratulations on all your hard work paying off, even though the result is more hard work! Can I just say that your comments about the new name for the “Ken Doll” reminding you of a blow up doll gave me a chuckle!
Ha! Definitely not what I wanted in a YA!
You were right Jenn..I DO want to spit on you. 😛 I wish I had these types of problems. You can do it. xo
Should I grab a hankie?
No…I hear saliva is good for the complexion. 😉
Ha! Extra sloppy kisses are good for you!
You are busy, but it’s a good busy. Even when busy is good, however, it can be stressful and exhausting.
But, hey, you’ve worked hard to get to this level of stress and exhaustion! And you made it! So onward! 🙂
Yay for stress and one day turn around edits! Wahoooo!
That’s the spirit!
🙂
I have been following you for a while and know all will turn up well for you at the end 🙂 Have a great day Jennifer and good luck!
Thanks 🙂
It looks like you’re experiencing what I’ve often read in author interviews—when a publisher takes the book, the work really starts! So roll up those sleeves, do some stretches, and get cracking! 🙂
Oh to have the pain and sorrow you have 🙂 Chin up girlie!
Have faith, you can do it.