tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post6597789846345904898..comments2024-01-30T13:57:40.271+11:00Comments on LoveCats DownUnder: Super Super-Editor VictoriaAlly Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352564320902831489noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-67895969636166701262011-02-25T03:35:56.712+11:002011-02-25T03:35:56.712+11:00Rula, Linda please contact me on zanabell@xtra.co....Rula, Linda please contact me on zanabell@xtra.co.nz with your addresses. <br /><br />Thanks<br />ZanaZana Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452523395857120532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-85416196614673288562011-02-25T00:45:07.587+11:002011-02-25T00:45:07.587+11:00Thank you, Zana! I popped in to check on more comm...Thank you, Zana! I popped in to check on more comments/answers and got a wonderful surprise. I can't wait to read TTN. Thanks again for hosting such an amazing and insightful interview.<br /><br />Congrats Linda!<br /><br />My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Christchurch. If any writing groups have organized an effort to help in some way, I'd love to hear about it.Rula Sinarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01703015110251843280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-18755856308715627902011-02-24T17:19:35.531+11:002011-02-24T17:19:35.531+11:00Elizabeth and Mel, great questions but i think Vic...Elizabeth and Mel, great questions but i think Victoria will be asleep by this stage but we'll try to get the answers to you one way or another.<br /><br />It's been a great discussion and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to ask Victoria all the questions I've been dying to pepper her with :)HUGE thanks to Victoria for her generosity and candid answers. It really helps demystify things. And thanks everyone for great comments and questions. <br /><br />Rula and Linda Henderson, please contact me. You are the winners of the giveaways.Zana Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452523395857120532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-10765880081200011972011-02-24T14:19:18.245+11:002011-02-24T14:19:18.245+11:00Hi Victoria and Zana,
great interview, and as ever...Hi Victoria and Zana,<br />great interview, and as everyone has said, so great to hear what goes on from the other side of the publishing coin =))<br />My question, do you often read an author whose voice just seems to fit better in another line? And if so, do you pass it along to an editor of that line or simply inform the author?Mel Teshcohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12945507690555119380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-43368112173513387432011-02-24T12:34:54.874+11:002011-02-24T12:34:54.874+11:00Me again with another question, Victoria. Does the...Me again with another question, Victoria. Does the freelance editor read any revised work or just the initial submission? For example if you suggest a writer revise a partial (my case) or full and resubmit does this go directly to you?<br /><br />It's so great being able to ask these burning questions LOL Thank-youElisabeth Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10847216542954007974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-10483840336621374302011-02-24T07:07:20.359+11:002011-02-24T07:07:20.359+11:00Hi Rula, that's great that you've tagged t...Hi Rula, that's great that you've tagged this as a favorite. and Beth, MANY THANKS for being our poster girl of the moment in the photo with Victoria. What a wonderful achievement to win a RITA. Here's hoping if we follow some of Victoria's tips, we may shoot for the stars too!Zana Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452523395857120532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-80388982088362801242011-02-24T05:06:30.559+11:002011-02-24T05:06:30.559+11:00Hello, Zana and Victoria and all the Lovecats! Wha...Hello, Zana and Victoria and all the Lovecats! What a fabulous blog and what a wonderful, insightful interview!<br /><br />I have to say I'm really glad I'd already decided to cut down my 33 page synopsis before I sent it in, Victoria *g* My CP says it's not a synopsis, it's an in-depth outline. But we'll just let her muddle through it before I send it on to you.<br /><br />I'll have to pick up Robert McKee's Story. I recently read all of James Frey's How To Write A Damn Good Novel series and found them very helpful in regards to theme. <br /><br />Zana, super congrats on your Cata award!!Beth Andrewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01204356784898045866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-90572878125898375642011-02-24T04:30:28.506+11:002011-02-24T04:30:28.506+11:00What a fantastic interview. I have it tagged as a ...What a fantastic interview. I have it tagged as a favorite. <br /><br />Zana, congratulations on your Cataromance win!<br /><br />Victoria, thanks so much for sharing!Rula Sinarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01703015110251843280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-80169573339668740032011-02-24T03:23:38.215+11:002011-02-24T03:23:38.215+11:00Someone asked about back-cover copy, rather frumpi...Someone asked about back-cover copy, rather frumpily referred to as blurbs. Unfortunately the author can’t have much say in this process because there are already so many people/steps involved! <br /><br />It begins with the editor filling out details about the book for a freelance copywriter. We describe the story in one sentence, explain what made us acquire the book, describe the conflict that drives the drama, the tone of the book, pinpoint the most important element to communicate, and indicate what things to avoid, etc.<br /><br />The copywriter gets the revised book, the information sheet from the editor and a copy of the art fact sheet with the author’s information about the book. In my case, I ask for one blurb in the hero’s POV only, and another 100% in the heroine’s POV…because even if the book is titled The Prodigal Son, the blurb might be more effective in the heroine’s POV. <br /><br />The edited blurb then goes to the senior editor and the vision team for approval, changes, and finally, a copy editor goes over the six files for that month to make sure they’re grammatically and stylistically correct. <br /><br />At this late stage, I may still receive the copy back to edit it for length. And then I will see a final copy for last-minute fixes, laid out as if to go to press but minus the cover images. And that’s it for blurbs. I think… I do try to keep the author in the loop, but it’s difficult because there’s so much input coming from so many places.Victoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11608919449095664239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-85632307526699725702011-02-24T03:03:13.028+11:002011-02-24T03:03:13.028+11:00Good morning, lovecats! (I am desperate to be a lo...Good morning, lovecats! (I am desperate to be a lovecat...great name.)<br /><br />Just to follow up on the unsolicited manuscript process: Michael, our regular freelance editor, probably pre-dates me as a reader of Superromance novels…and I’m into my eighth year. He may not be in-house, but he knows what makes a good Super. I would say I agree with his comments 95 percent of the time. And yes, it does help to write a follow-up letter to have his notes to refer to. He's very articulate.Victoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11608919449095664239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-61798185247262177102011-02-24T02:20:50.803+11:002011-02-24T02:20:50.803+11:00A quick, late welcome and thanks to Victoria for b...A quick, late welcome and thanks to Victoria for being so open with her process. I've just tweeted/FB'd madly to make sure everyone gets in here and has a read.<br /><br />Really top quality post. Thanks to you both for arranging it!Nikki Loganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12895929864616916672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-84480400497261230792011-02-23T23:04:12.356+11:002011-02-23T23:04:12.356+11:00Excellent interview! Thank you Zana and Victoria.Excellent interview! Thank you Zana and Victoria.Kandy Shepherdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16992773219169379298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-5876977467202645682011-02-23T19:58:50.995+11:002011-02-23T19:58:50.995+11:00HI Nas and Karina
Thanks for dropping by and for ...HI Nas and Karina<br /><br />Thanks for dropping by and for the congratulations. I was pretty stoked to get the award. However, I literally couldn't have done it without Victoria!Zana Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452523395857120532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-7094864203015657972011-02-23T19:20:02.680+11:002011-02-23T19:20:02.680+11:00Hi Zana and Victoria, coming in late to say how mu...Hi Zana and Victoria, coming in late to say how much I enjoyed both questions and responses. As others have said it's always fascinating to hear an editor's take on process. Congrats, Zana on the Cataromance award.<br />KarinaKarina Blisshttp://www.karinabliss.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-28783394505117775482011-02-23T19:02:26.320+11:002011-02-23T19:02:26.320+11:00Thanks for a very valuable interview, Zana & V...Thanks for a very valuable interview, Zana & Victoria. INashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14984530648140460594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-72992186676956466152011-02-23T18:05:50.427+11:002011-02-23T18:05:50.427+11:00Hi Michelle and Emily
So glad you have found the i...Hi Michelle and Emily<br />So glad you have found the information so useful. Victoria rocks! <br />And Tina, I too was blown away by the length of synopses some writers can produce. <br />I'm really glad to hear your family is fine. It's been amazing to watch the spirit of those in Christchurch as they pull together and cope with the devastation. We're all still praying for more safe recoveries.Zana Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452523395857120532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-62817374984993640722011-02-23T17:53:06.742+11:002011-02-23T17:53:06.742+11:00Thank you Zana and Victoria for a wonderful blog t...Thank you Zana and Victoria for a wonderful blog today - and to Lovecats as always for covering such interesting topics.<br /><br />I have learned heaps about the whole process at Super - but what fascinated me most was the same as Sharon ....<br /><br />that your ''Unsolicited proposals go through a freelance editor first'' and that you take on his recommendations. This is a total eye opener as naively I had assumed that all in-house editors read the 'treasure troves'. So I will be interested to see your comments from her post.<br /><br />I nearly fell off my chair at then mention of a 10 page synopsis and then Joan's 18 page...<br /><br />My thoughts and prayers with the NZ people, I was lucky enough to hear today that my family there were all ok - shaken but fine - a great outcome considering whats happened.<br /><br />Thanks for answering the questions Victoria, its a privilege to have you on the end of a Q & A session.<br /><br />Bye 4 now<br />TinaTina Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04523915072861591464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-81715338677210140412011-02-23T16:21:00.630+11:002011-02-23T16:21:00.630+11:00Welcome to the LoveCats blog, Victoria -- it's...Welcome to the LoveCats blog, Victoria -- it's lovely to have you down here. <br /><br />Fabulous interview! I've learned so much about the editing process and about Supers. Thanks for answering the questions so fully, Victoria -- it's fascinating reading!<br /><br />Zana, you already know I loved TTN, :-)<br /><br />I hope everyone in Christchurch stays safe tonight. It's been heart-wrenching listening to and watching the news. Please let more survivors be found!Emily Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16958085922194448672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-73218767490901540322011-02-23T16:16:26.173+11:002011-02-23T16:16:26.173+11:00Sending thoughts and hugs to all our friends in Ch...Sending thoughts and hugs to all our friends in Christchurch and New Zealand.<br /><br />Victoria and Zana, thank you for such a fabulous and informative interview! Victoria, I love your comments about cliches and style. I have to admit that I have, on occasion, performed the most ridiculous contortions in an effort to avoid an adverb or a "she felt." Have since decided on moderation in all things. :-)<br /><br />And, Zana, many congratulations on your Cataromance Reviewer's Choice Award. TTN was a fab read and deserves its accolades!Michelle Douglashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07748538761711892080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-11293686477136969142011-02-23T14:18:10.541+11:002011-02-23T14:18:10.541+11:00I think I will call it a night, Zana, thanks! I...I think I will call it a night, Zana, thanks! I'll pop in tomorrow morning to share a little about back-cover blurbs and answer any other questions you may have. Take care, everyone.Victoria Currannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-73930295508374683632011-02-23T14:14:16.482+11:002011-02-23T14:14:16.482+11:00It's so great to see lovely Super writers swin...It's so great to see lovely Super writers swinging by. Joan and Linda, you are right, the cover is stunning, isn't it. I was very lucky with that and the blurb which I couldn't have written half so well.<br />Thanks Helen, Barb, Sharon and Anita for kind comments on TTN.<br />Now I suspect Victoria has gone to bed (and if you haven't, V, go now because it's far too late to be up!) but I'm sure she'll check into the blog again tomorrow so please feel free to continue to post here.Zana Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452523395857120532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-41504830335697769272011-02-23T14:03:36.121+11:002011-02-23T14:03:36.121+11:00"A brief spasm of contraction": I like t..."A brief spasm of contraction": I like that turn of phrase, Elisabeth Rose! I look forward to reading your proposal.<br /><br />Helen, I think your advice is the best: read both lines and decide for yourself where you voice best fits. I think Specials Senior Editor Gail Chasen would agree with me when I say Supers are grittier, more firmly grounded in realism, not afraid to examine the dark side of life...because readers know they'll come through the read to a wonderfully uplifting happy ending. That, and the word length, is the biggest difference. I hope that helps!Victoria Currannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-66149133534697760842011-02-23T13:56:59.727+11:002011-02-23T13:56:59.727+11:00Watching the newscasts of the Christchurch quake h...Watching the newscasts of the Christchurch quake has been wrenching - you're all so brave and resourceful and very much in our thoughts at the moment. <br /><br />On a lighter note, this is a wonderful post, Zana and Victoria! Extra great for people targetting Superromance but still fascinating reading to help understand more about the editorial process! <br /><br />Victoria, I was really interested to read that you use a freelance editor for unsolicited material. Do you find that you agree with his assessment of manuscripts all of the time? Most of the time? Do you find it saves you time when you come to drafting the letter back to the writer?<br /><br />I have Stephen King's On Writing which I think is excellent - it's the book that helped me realise that I didn't *have* to know absolutely *everything* about the plot and characters, I could keep moving forward in a story and learn things on the way! So Mr King set me free to explore! And just last week I ordered Robert McKee's Story so I should get the call to say it's arrived any day now !<br /><br />Zana, huge congratulations of your CataRomance Award! I loved your Tempting the Negotiator so I know your winners are in for a treat!<br /><br />:)<br />SharonSharon Archerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06836969154744451542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-51809602544224642682011-02-23T13:50:17.214+11:002011-02-23T13:50:17.214+11:00Great interview Zana - I read TTN and thought it w...Great interview Zana - I read TTN and thought it was wonderful.<br />Hi Victoria - some great advice, I've just directed a couple of aspiring authors I know aiming at Supers to this site to read your responses.<br />A question - since I was contracted with Special Edition recently, I have had numerous writers ask me what is the difference between Special's and Supers - as a lot of aspiring authors seem to jump between the two lines with their stories when they submit. My advice is always to choose the line they love the most, read all the books and follow the guidelines - but can you give a short outline of the basic differences for aspiring authors.<br />Again, great interview and advice.Helen Laceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06430510162241437623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489168146200487747.post-61841242746383129782011-02-23T13:49:58.409+11:002011-02-23T13:49:58.409+11:00Hi Victoria. Your information and comments were a...Hi Victoria. Your information and comments were all very interesting especially as one in your stack of partials will be mine :)<br /><br />I'm so glad the Super word count expanded after a brief spasm of contraction. LOLElisabeth Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10847216542954007974noreply@blogger.com