Shannon Stacey


On revisions

Kensington Brava editor Kate Duffy made the following comment on Lori Foster’s message board recently:

But the point is if an editor wants you to revise, she should buy the book first. She’s suggesting revisions that will suit her. She or he should make a commitment to the project. When someone on my side of the desk says, “Here’s what I want you to do to improve your story…” it should be followed up with, “and here’s how much I can pay you to do it.”

I wish every editor felt this way. I’ve had friends go through grueling revisions only to have the editor leave and a form rejection sent for their efforts. I’ve had friends go through revisions only to receive a shrug and “You know…I don’t think this will work after all.” Watching a friend go through huge revisions only to have the manuscript rejected for something that was there in the original draft, but never mentioned in the revision letter is heartbreaking.

I know there are differences in the way certain houses are run, and buying every manuscript that might work with some revision isn’t very practical, but it’s nice that she can do it. She’s got a smart, no-bullshit style that’s definitely earned my respect, although I’ve never submitted to her or had the pleasure of meeting her at a conference. But I sure do love the way Ms. Duffy thinks.

6 comments to “On revisions”

  1. Alison
    Comment
    1
      · March 19th, 2005 at 8:47 pm · Link

    Me, too!



  2. Anna Lucia
    Comment
    2
      · March 20th, 2005 at 7:41 am · Link

    Ah, Shan. Have I mentioned lately how much I love you?

    :smile:



  3. Sela
    Comment
    3
      · March 20th, 2005 at 9:26 am · Link

    Very enlightening, Shannon. Thanks for the links.



  4. Charlene T
    Comment
    4
      · March 20th, 2005 at 9:52 am · Link

    The more I hear from this woman, the more I like her! :smile:



  5. Cece
    Comment
    5
      · March 20th, 2005 at 7:11 pm · Link

    Shan I definitely agree with her on this one. I think rounds of revisions especially when it can take forever with some houses, is damned near inhuman. :mad:



  6. Jill
    Comment
    6
      · March 21st, 2005 at 2:30 pm · Link

    I LOVE Kate Duffy.







  • Get my latest news straight to your inbox!

    I'll only be sending newsletters when I have news to share, and I'll never share your information. You'll receive an email asking you confirm your subscription (so please check your spam box if you don't receive that). You can unsubscribe at anytime.

    Search

  • Affiliation

    Shannon Stacey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com.

    If you purchase a book listed on the site from Amazon.com, she’ll earn a small commission. Thank you!