Writing Excuses

19.08: NaNoWriMo Revision with Ali Fisher: Working with an Editor

Feb 25, 2024

Learn about the collaboration between authors, agents, and editors, focusing on shared goals and respect. Discover the art of edit letters and how they enhance manuscripts through structural changes. Explore podcast recommendations 'Rude Tales of Magic' and 'O'These Those Stars of Space'. Delve into the dynamics of author-editor collaboration, emphasizing trust and communication. Understand the importance of communication and alignment between writers and editors.

29:04

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Episode guests

Ali Fisher

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Establishing alignment between authors, agents, and editors is crucial for success in book publishing, fostering a supportive team dynamic.

Edit letters serve as a valuable tool for authors to improve their manuscripts, encouraging collaboration and creative exploration.

Deep dives

Importance of Alignment Between Authors, Agents, and Editors

Establishing alignment between authors, agents, and editors is crucial for the success of a book. Collaboratively working towards a common goal of enhancing the book's quality is emphasized. Creating a supportive and aligned team dynamic where everyone's intentions are understood helps navigate conflicts and challenges effectively. It is highlighted that authors have the final say in their projects and should feel empowered to advocate for their vision.

Introduction

3min

The Art of Edit Letters: Enhancing Manuscripts Through Structural Changes

11min

Podcast Speaker Recommends 'Rude Tales of Magic' and 'O'These Those Stars of Space'

2min

Author-Editor Collaboration

10min

Building Alignment Through Communication and Understanding

3min

An agent, an editor, and a writer walk into a Zoom room and record a podcast... but really... that's (part of) what this episode is!

First off, a reminder that your agent, your editor, and you are all on the same team! They are all trying to make the same book (your book!) a better book. Whether you've published before or are just starting your first short story, we are so excited for you to dive into this episode.

For our final episode in our three-part series on revising your NaNoWriMo manuscript—or any other large writing project—we are diving into how to work with an editor! We wanted to show you a peek behind the curtain that is publishing and editing-- what does this relationship look like? How do you handle differences, conflicts, and priorities? What IS an edit letter?

Our guest for this series has been the inimitable editor Ali Fisher, who works at Tor. Thank you, Ali, for your advice, stories, and time!

Homework:

Take a work written by someone else (anyone else!) and come up with three questions you have for the author that would help them clarify their intention in the text.

This could be a movie you've seen, a project you're beta-reading for a friend, or a short story you've stumbled upon.

Then, apply these questions to your own work in progress!

Thing of the Week from Ali:

Ali has two podcast recommendations for you!

Rude Tales of Magic

Oh These, Those Stars of Space!

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Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Ali Fisher. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

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