http://kathleenscatholic.blogspot.com/2010/02/rewrite-my-friend-rewrite.html

Catholic author Susie Lloyd called it fun and well done and recommended it on Facebook. A nice comment from a terrific writer. Hope you can enjoy.

Perhaps going back to the drawing board is more natural to me, since I began as an editor. I can also say that I've helped many, many writers see through a wall against which they might have written themselves. It is those writers who are commited to each and every word they wrote who find the process painful and frustrating. By far, it is best to be creative and open minded. (That doesn't mean relinquishing your vision.)

If it takes a parent, a family, or a village to publisher a book, it really doesn't matter. It's the writer's willingness to be open-minded and to prayerfully consider suggestions that make the process not only one of publishing but one of growth and, in the end, of delight.

P.S. I'm a homeschooling mom. Obviously, my firm educational choice as a parent does not reflect in any way my professional writing/publishing philosophies.

But that a publisher can change a title and without giving very strong arguments to do so? Wow! That came as a total surprise! Sometimes I have difficulties finding a title for what I write and welcome the help. But other times, the title is just RIGHT for the work and I can't imagine how a publisher could change it. He'd have to come up with damn good arguments – related to marketing issues that I don't know about to convince me.
In Allison's case, it sounds like she had no choice in the end: either go along or not get published. A tough choice!

As for covers, titles and jacket content, I welcome all the help I can get. I admit I stink at titles. I'm not a graphic artist. So, though I may have a particular vision, I go in with my mind open to better possibilities. It would be difficult to have a publisher disregard my wishes entirely; I'd have to consider all the variables before deciding whether to continue with such a partner. Collaboration is good; control without consideration not so much.

So, you might say that I do think it takes a village to publish a book…simply not the village drunk!

Left on my own, in a hovel, writing all by myself in the wilderness, would produce writing that is less than my best. Far less-than. The village makes my work better, but it's still my work.

When I first saw the cover of my book, my heart sank and I lost it for about five minutes. But I was lucky to have a great publisher, open to constructive suggestions. We ended up with a cover that everyone loved: a true village creation.

Similarly with the editing: I swore like a trooper when I got the first batch of edited pages back. But once I'd stopped being precious about 'MY words', I saw that the editor's changes had improved the book. Sarah took on board my objections to certain changes and the editing process was fun – again the village principle in action!

I think it's very easy as writers to get over possessive about our babies – for obvious reasons. But there's so much to be learned from the expertise of agents and publishers. They're not always right but, at the end of the day, we're all on the same side: trying to produce the best possible books for our readers.

However, if those fears were unfounded, if that anxiety was for naught, then that's where my agent comes in and reassures me that the publisher has my best interests at heart and that the concept for the cover/title will work, despite my misgivings.

-Cat

I'd definitely go with a publisher and work with them on the manuscript. Having an agent also is a super-plus, so I'd be looking for one.

I have just re-issued my four children's books and some people see my books as self-published (even though they were previously published). Having a publisher and an agent can be heavenly compared to re-issued or self published, working by myself digging up reviews, marketing opportunities, paying for services, book trailers, blog building, etc.

It's a small incovenience to have a title changed or book cover problem. The way I see it, those things can be worked on in unison within the agent, publisher and author triangle.

I'll bet on Rachelle's abilities to negotiate for Allison's requests!

It may have seemed from MY response that I'm not in the "village" camp, but I'm happy to admit I can't do everything myself. I have no artistic skills. My amazing cover for my forthcoming novel was done by a freelance designer. I also have a CPA from my freelance commercial writing work, and a friend is drawing a map freehand for me. I'm totally in the "village" camp. I just want to be the chieftainess. 🙂

And as far as education, I've chosen to send my kids to a charter school for elementary, public for middle and high, but I have friends who homeschool and I have friends who do private school. None of us see our education choices as an excuse not to parent. When you sign a contract with a publisher, you are, in some ways, giving your "child" (book) up for adoption — or at least sending it to military or boarding school, where your influence is greatly reduced. I choose not to give up that amount of creative control, because I don't want to risk the scenario you described last week.

Thank you again for being so gracious about sharing the story and engaging in the dialogue around the post. You give agents a *good* name. 🙂

Amy