Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Thursday, September 30, 2010

My First Editing Gig

My first assignment editing for WiDo Publishing was with a young man named Gardner "Bud" Browning. He had submitted a long work of about 130,000 words that had exciting potential. First, however, the submissions editor asked him to cut it down by quite a bit (like 50k words!) and change the focus to YA. He graciously complied *note to prospective writers wanting publication* and before long, she had this ms. in hand that was much improved and more in line with how she saw its focus and demographic.

A contract was offered and signed. "Cerulean Isle" by G.M. Browning was scheduled for publication by WiDo, and yours truly asked to edit it. Yay!!

A brief summary of "Cerulean Isle":

Jacob, a Cuban boy, is sold into piracy where he discovers a rare talent with the dagger that gives him a chance for escape. He and his friend Grant, a young pirate with a thieving background and a desire to belong, embark on an adventure that takes them to Cerulean Isle, the abode of a supposedly mythical tribe of Mer People. YA novel CERULEAN ISLE by G. M. Browning is a captivating story of love, loss, adventure and fantasy.

As we approach final edits, I encouraged Bud to get involved with social media, one effective way to help find an audience for this excellent and exciting book. Being the gracious person he is, willing to try whatever his editor suggests, *note to writers currently in editing* he immediately set up his blog, Fiction Addiction. In his first post he introduces himself, mentions his amazing editor *ahem* and talks about his time as a professional wrestler.

I hope that many of you will visit this multi-talented guy at his brand new blog and welcome him to the wonderful world of blogging writers!

34 comments:

  1. Will visit. Sounds like an interesting story.
    Thanks!

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  2. I'll go right over. Thanks for the link. =)

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  3. 130k words how long did it take him to write it? and WTG Karen we are proud of u

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  4. Karen, if we are writers, do we have to keep mentioning that aspect of our lives in our blog?

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  5. lakeviewer, I don't think so. My favorite blogs to read are the well-rounded ones, not the ones that just talk about the current WIP. I'd say mention your writing in your bio, and I've seen writers list their publishing credits on the sidebar, and then post about whatever you feel like!!

    Joanna, I'm impressed by 130K as well, seeing how I struggle to hit 50K in my first few drafts.

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  6. The summary for this story sounds amazing. And holy cow, fifty thousand words is a whole other novel!!

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  7. Wow, interesting! I will have to pop over and have a gander. 130000words...some man!!!

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  8. Congratulations, Karen! And congrats to Gardner as well. That's quite an accomplishment! I'll be sure to check out his blog.

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  9. I can relate to the order to get my butt online! Fortunately not much hacking occurred on my novel - it was already under 80,000.
    Congratulations to both of you!

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  10. I will check out his blog. I want to be supportive of his work.

    CD

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  11. How cool for you AND for him! I'll hop over and say hello. :-)

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  12. How cool for both him and you! Thanks for letting us know about him.

    Jai

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  13. All the best to MG Browning!! His wonderful book is in very safe editing hands!!!
    :-)

    Take care
    x

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  14. His book sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing. :)

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  15. Wow! This is great news - I'll definitely go over and welcome to this nice world! And I'd love to know how it goes with you and editing!!

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  16. Sounds exciting, Karen. I'll definitely pop over to his blog and show a little love.

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  17. Congrats on the editing gig and to Bud! 130,000 words, wow! Will definitely check out his blog! Thanks!

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  18. You're so cool, Karen! Editor plus, I'd say. I just visited his blog, and in addition to his book sounding interesting, he's got a great backstory himself.

    Congrats on nearing publication of your first editing job! He's so lucky to have you.

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  19. Thanks for stopping by my blog and following! Cerulean Isle sounds like a great book -- really interesting. I'm gonna head over to his blog right now!

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  20. Defintiely going over to check it out. I like the sound of the book too.

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  21. I have a 130,000 epic fantasy or high by some standards and the thought of cutting 50,000 gives me a headache. I am impressed by this writer already and will check out his site. Thanks for sharing.
    Nancy

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  22. Oh, how exciting! The book sounds great! *headed over to the blog right now*

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  23. Okay, I'll stop by right now and say hello. Always willing to be neighborly.

    Stephen Tremp

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  24. Hey--sounds like a fun book! How great to be involved with it! I wish you and him luck and will ahve to check out his blog!

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  25. I posted to facebook bout him too. Congrats on the editing.

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  26. I love meeting other WiDo authors! It is so fun!

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  27. That's some serious re-focusing and editing, all of which warms my heart...for everyone saw the talent beneath, so big applause all the way around. I also liked the angle of the story, the freshness.

    About Bogger, the commenter after yours couldn't access her own blog for three days. I, too, have noticed a decline in posts and comments everywhere. Having said that, I've read a post, tried to comment and Blogger wouldn't cooperate so I've had to click out and so on. Also have a Louisiana story I'd like to get out, but by the time I finally log on, I'm too frustrated with Blogger to think straight so wait until the next day and so it rolls. I'd like to hit 200 Followers, but if I can't produce it won't happen. And Blogger's changed the insert pic format. It's all very frustrating, but I don't know what a recourse would be.

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  28. Kittie, I'll consider myself lucky that I got a nice long comment from you before blogger kicked you off. Also, I was able to go around to a few blogs and make comments before things went nuts. Now maybe I'll take a chance on writing a new post for Monday and scheduling it. I'm willing to work around blogger because it is so worth it. Hopefully things will all get fixed soon. On top of it, the internet keeps shutting off on my laptop.

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  29. Ah Karen, I love how supporting you are. A thousand blessings upon your house.

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  30. Karen, An editor is a champion for both book and author. Hey! *That's you!*

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  31. What a story he has toward publication! And congrats on editing it.

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  32. You had me at pirate... I am scuttling off to visit Bud's blog right NOW.

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