tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771775388110854391.post6867564750516815011..comments2024-01-29T06:21:11.353+00:00Comments on Sarah Duncan's Blog: When To Re-Write for an Agent - And When NotSarah Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12530089356370140344noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771775388110854391.post-16169177849128964862012-04-20T09:36:30.970+01:002012-04-20T09:36:30.970+01:00Giles - Golden advice.
Sally - I've known s...Giles - Golden advice. <br /><br />Sally - I've known so many people who have been through this process and some have stopped writing because of it. You're absolutely right.<br /><br />Diane - thanks!<br /><br />Catherine - I utterly related to your comment. Yes, sometimes the feedback is spot on, and just what you needed. But other times it's just destructive. We have to learn to be true to ourselves and make the distinction, as you say.Sarah Duncanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12530089356370140344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771775388110854391.post-50093073503250259792012-04-19T21:52:49.102+01:002012-04-19T21:52:49.102+01:00This can't be said too often - so thank-you fo...This can't be said too often - so thank-you for saying it so clearly! After half a lifetime as a writer you'd think I'd have learnt, and perhaps I have now, but it took me a very long time. The fact is that there are agents, editors (and since I'm a playwright too) directors who can clarify the things you know in your heart, but don't quite want to admit - often, they do it just by asking the right questions. But there are others who seem to be trying to make you write the book or play they think you should have written (and sometimes the book they wish they could write themselves!)If you go too far down that route - and I've been there once or twice - a whole project can implode leaving you with nothing. We have to learn to make the distinction.Catherine Czerkawskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14554969254207924049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771775388110854391.post-87775326390768186272012-04-19T21:25:33.229+01:002012-04-19T21:25:33.229+01:00Top post Sarah. I do agree. Yes I think it is impo...Top post Sarah. I do agree. Yes I think it is important to understand why changes are suggested and to believe that it will enhance your novel and chances of publication. As you say 'It's YOUR book'. :-)Diane Fordhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771775388110854391.post-23748913047600216842012-04-19T14:39:40.933+01:002012-04-19T14:39:40.933+01:00I wish I'd read this many years ago when, youn...I wish I'd read this many years ago when, young and green, I completely rewrote a novel - twice - for a literary agent who had her own ideas about what sort of book I had written. It didn't work and no editor wanted it.<br /><br />At the time I was so grateful that someone--anyone--was taking the time to talk to me that, even though she worked for a well-known and reputable agency, we weren't a good match and I totally ignored my own gut feeling. It wasted a lot of my time and my self-esteem. Be warned.Sally Zigmondhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07520579251842006765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771775388110854391.post-73313989554182923282012-04-19T10:17:51.957+01:002012-04-19T10:17:51.957+01:00Use your head and follow the heart of your book. D...Use your head and follow the heart of your book. Don't ever sell your soul. Count to ten. Take deep breaths. Return to your desk with positive thoughts. Improve your text.Giles Digglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17121206338303291004noreply@blogger.com