Writing to Publish

W2P GUEST SPEAKERS

Al Perry

Mr. Perry is a long time professional Editor.

Rhyssa2: Hi room.
Rhyssa2: The old clock has just chimed 6:00.
Rhyssa2: Are we ready for the eWorld fiction Writers Group regular meeting?
RMZWRITER: yeah!!! <cheering>
RMZWRITER: cheering, too!
Amylf1: :::::::::::hi al...::::::::
AlPerryNC: Had trouble getting to AOL. Sorry.
Trina Pink: Hi, Al!
Sushiwritr: Welcome, Al.
AlPerryNC: Hi, Trina. Long time no see....
RMZWRITER: Good Evening, Al : )http://www.cuebon.com/ewriters/archive/guests.html
Rhyssa2: Amy it's all ours. I'll start IMing to let people know what is
happening.
Rhyssa2: Oh, and Hi Al, long time no see. Boy you look great. :)
Amylf1: well... tonight... we're lucky to have a familiar member to talk with
us...
Amylf1: AlPerryNC...
Amylf1: we'll be on modified protocol tonight...
Amylf1: Al will share his experiences with us...
AlPerryNC: Hello to so many good friends...and new members, too. Thanks for
the invite.
Amylf1: Please type a (?), and wait to be called w/your question...
Amylf1: Al, Judy sends her apologies...
Amylf1: she couldn't make it...
AlPerryNC: Tell her I missed chatting w/ her.
Amylf1: she wanted to be here...
Amylf1: shall we begin?
Amylf1: could you hold your comments please?
Amylf1: Al.. how about giving us a short rundown of your background as an
editor...
AlPerryNC: Ok, well, have been editing, mostly non-fiction, for 40-plus years
AlPerryNC: For the last 20, in my own business
AlPerryNC: OK, maybe to start ... any questions what the role of an editor?
Trina Pink: ?
Amylf1: Trina.. go ahead
AlPerryNC: Yo, Trina.
Trina Pink: One of the issues I deal with most is...do I write to suit myself or write for an editor?
Trina Pink: What does an editor say about that?
AlPerryNC: My spin on it. First, strictly for yourself.
AlPerryNC: Then, know what you want the editor to do for YOU.
TidlPom: ?
Amylf1: does that answer your question.. Trina..?
AlPerryNC: Job of editor is not to make your work better, but to help it achieve its purpose: sell, etc.
Trina Pink: Yes, thank you.
AlPerryNC: Yes, TidlPom
NAJURY: Hello all
Amylf1: Tidl.. your next...
TidlPom: I am interested in current trends in mysteries -- plot versus character driven, given the
TidlPom: topic tonight
TidlPom: what do you see currently
AlPerryNC: Outside my expertise, but my preference goes with plot.
Amylf1: Tidl?
Amylf1: any more comments?
TidlPom: Thanks ñ Iíll listen
Amylf1: Al... I have a question about the relationship between
author/editor...
AlPerryNC: Shoot.
Amylf1: can you elaborate on that...
Amylf1: what usually happens...
AlPerryNC: Sure. It is a terrible relationship, and frequently fails.
AlPerryNC: We writers are very sensitive about our work... as we should be.
Amylf1: can you share experiences with us...positive and negative...
AlPerryNC: We are suspicious of editors, who have not suffered the torments
we have suffered.
Cafe Mom: {{{{{{Al}}}}}
AlPerryNC: Hi, Leslie!!!
Trina Pink: Leslie!
AlPerryNC: Yes, negative side first: I worked with a writer for about two years. Really thought...
Cafe Mom: Hi you guys...sorry I'm late.
Cafe Mom: {{{Trina}}}
AlPerryNC: I was being a good editor, and helpful. Then one day....
AlPerryNC: He blew ... really blew ... told me where to go ...poured out every grievance...
Berrins: Hi y'all ((Ditto- sorry I was late}}
AlPerryNC: saved up over two years. Sheesh. I really hadn't helped him --just "fixed" his work.
AlPerryNC: I learned from that. Hope he did.
Nanceeeee: ?
AlPerryNC: So editors and writers must establish some kind of understanding... common ground.
AlPerryNC: Yes, Nanceeee?
Nanceeeee: Thanks for coming tonight, Al. What are the most common complaints writers have about
Nanceeeee: editors AND do editors stifle creativity as some authors believe, or enhance it?
AlPerryNC: Most common gripe is that editor tries to impose own STYLE.
Nanceeeee: How true is that?
AGATHA K: ?
AlPerryNC: I think it's fairly common, sad to say. That's why writers need tough skins and persistence.
Amylf1: Nanceeeee... does that answer your question..?
AlPerryNC: Editors are like other types: good ones help us become more creative.
Nanceeeee: It answers part one, sadly enough......
Amylf1: anything more Al?
AlPerryNC: I gave negative side. Positive side when writer sells work you have helped her or him adapt
RMZWRITER: ?
Amylf1: Agatha... you're next...
AlPerryNC: Good editor takes the time to find out who YOU are and what you are trying to create...
AGATHA K: does my manuscript have to get past an associate before an editor reads it?
AlPerryNC: Yes, in the places I am familiar with. Screeners are necessary, unless you have an agent...
AlPerryNC: ...or another way in.
Amylf1: can you describe the process so we understand it..
AlPerryNC: First, what is purpose of the work? Sometimes, the writer has trouble explaining...
AlPerryNC: Then, writer and editor should (ideally) agree on priorities for editing. Focus. Needs. Etc.
Berrins: ?
AlPerryNC: I'll hold off and answer Berrins. Hi!
Amylf1: how about Tammy next?
RMZWRITER: Are there any similarities between a mentor and a editor?
AlPerryNC: Sorry. Missed her ?
RMZWRITER: ? above mentor/editor
Jfireagle: ?
Amylf1: Al... can you answer Tammy's question?
AlPerryNC: Yes, an editor can be a mentor and vice-versa, but I'm talking more about the formal process
AlPerryNC: Jfireagle?
Berrins: In what ways does the style of a journal effect how you suggest changes to a piece? (Hi!)
Jfireagle: I've been told that 90,000 is max for a first novel - true, false,
maybe?
AlPerryNC: Please clarify your query, Berrins. Sorry.
AlPerryNC: Money, or words, eagle?
Jfireagle: Is the statement true , false or does it depend on the mss?
Berrins: I'm assuming that a publication wants to affect a particular style to attract a specific audience
Jfireagle: words
Buchemo: ?
Berrins: (I'll hang back until Jfire's done)
AlPerryNC: Some pubs focus heavily on style, you're right. Most go for subject (or author credentials).
Jfireagle: 90,ooowds./
Amylf1: Al.. how about finishing up JFireagle's question... since you started to answer it... then finish with
Sushiwritr: brb. server will be down.
Jfireagle: ?
AlPerryNC: Jfireagle, that may be true now. I doubt it, though.
Jfireagle: thank you
Amylf1: Okay.. Roger... can you re ask your question..
Berrins: If you don't have any credentials, what counts more; style or subject? Or does that depend
AlPerryNC: Depends a lot on the publisher, would be my opinion.
Berrins: on the publication?
Berrins: That's it! GA......
AlPerryNC: What counts more is impact. Might be style, but more likely subject.
AGATHA K: ?
Amylf1: Buchemo...you're next
Buchemo: Is it worth the effort to send a manuscript over-the-transom, or is an agent necessary?
AlPerryNC: Again, I'm just an editor. When I finish my own manuscript (yes, editors want to write)...
AlPerryNC: I will throw it over the transom, peddle it to agents, hire flacks, beg, whatever.
Amylf1: does that answer it for you, Buchemo?
Buchemo: yes
Amylf1: Agatha...
Amylf1: you have a question..
AGATHA K: If a bestseller comes out with a plot similar to mine, do I burn the manuscript?
AlPerryNC: LOL. No, just change the setting. Jaws 2 sells.
AlPerryNC: Besides, how many plots are there, anyway?
Ruth Sil: ?
Amylf1: Ruth...
Ruth Sil: How does an editor charge?
AlPerryNC: By the pound (of flesh) .... No, seriously...
Buchemo: ?
Jdfogg: (LOL)
Ruth Sil: :-)
AlPerryNC: If your piece is accepted for editing, and it's not a vanity house, no charges
AlPerryNC: You can hire free-lance editors, but you are probably better off finding an honest friend
Berrins: Vanity house?
Jdfogg: (where you pay them to publish your work)
AlPerryNC: And that's not as easy as it sounds. We writers hate criticism.
Berrins: (thanks_)
Jdfogg: :-)
Amylf1: Buchemo...
Buchemo: What is the proper method of protecting your work from theft after
you send it out? Ruth Sil: Yes, almost finished about 100,000 Mainstream yachting adventure novel.
AlPerryNC: Copyright notices on the work. Send only to reputable houses or agents.
AGATHA K: ?
AlPerryNC: Hope to see it on a bookshelf soon, Ruth...
Amylf1: Agatha...
Ruth Sil: Thanks ME TOO.
AlPerryNC: Also, Buchemo, keep copious dated notes about your work, including all (dated) drafts.
Shebajab1: ?
Amylf1: fiction writers group members... do any of you have questions for Al?
AlPerryNC: BB update, anyone?
Jdfogg: ?
Amylf1: shebajab..
Shebajab1: how common is theft?
AGATHA K: I'm a newbie. What's the advisability of putting work online?
Amylf1: sorry Agatha...
AlPerryNC: Hmmm. Outright manuscript theft: rare. Idea theft: common. We call it research.
Shebajab1: heh
Berrins: :-)
Buchemo: How can you determine reputation? Is there a list or can you recommend a publication?
Rhyssa2: (Al - AZ 48 KY 47 7 minutes left)
Amylf1: can you all wait to be called?
AlPerryNC: Thanks. My team (UNC) lost Sat.
Amylf1: Agatha... you're question is next..
Buchemo: Sorry
Nanceeeee: Condolences....
Berrins: (Thanks Deb- Blizzard here in NE knocked out cable)
Amylf1: can we stop a moment, please...group?
AlPerryNC: Best sources: Networking. Talk to writers who have had work published.
Amylf1: we're trying to finish up a question and answer session w/Al...
Amylf1: let's finish w/the questions... and if there's time.. then please go ahead w/your comments...
AlPerryNC: Agatha?
AGATHA K: Yes. The story online advisability in light of theft
Berrins: ?
AlPerryNC: Yes, sorry, I got sidetracked. My feeling is it's OK to put samples of your work online.
AlPerryNC: Make sure the copyright notice is on the piece.
Nanceeeee: ?
Amylf1: okay... we're down to the last five minutes...
Amylf1: Jd.. you're next...
Jdfogg: Which is easier to get published. .a novel...or a short story, (trying to decide which to
Jdfogg: concentrate on) ga
AlPerryNC: Was Berrins next?
Amylf1: nope
AlPerryNC: Who?
Jdfogg: <--me
Berrins: Is it presumptuous to submit illustrations along with a story?
AlPerryNC: Ok, Jd, I'll dodge that one by saying what sells is something that meets a perceived need.
Jdfogg: (well dodged)
AlPerryNC: If I'm into buying short stories, I don't care about your novel. Write what you write best.
Jdfogg: thank you
Amylf1: Buchemo...you're next..
AlPerryNC: Illustrations? Presumptuous unless the illustrations are part of the work. Thurber lives.
AGATHA K: Thank you Amy & Al.
Buchemo: I'm set for now =thanks.
Rhyssa2: Last Call. We have reached the magic hour of 7:00.
Amylf1: Nanceeee.. your question..
Nanceeeee: Don't forget me...
AlPerryNC: I'm sticking around...
Nanceeeee: Great! What about groups like this one....submitting original work for critique..
Nanceeeee: what copyright notice is needed?
AlPerryNC: Groups like this are the best way for most of us to get rapid and usually honest feedback.
AlPerryNC: "Copyright 1997 Nanceeee. All rights reserved" is all you need. (I'm not a lawyer!!!)
Amylf1: Nanceeeee... does that answer your question?
Nanceeeee: Thank you.....I just have never needed that notification before and didn't know what to put.
Nanceeeee: Yes it does, Amy
Strebe: Nice to see you again, Al. Thanks for coming.
Amylf1: okay... that's the end of the question and answer period...
Berrins: (Score- Ariz-59 Ken-56, 5:24 left)
Amylf1: it's free for all...now...
Jdfogg: Skizholmes said sorry she couldnít make it tonight.....
Amylf1: that's too bad...
Rhyssa2: Thank you Al for being here. Thank you Amy for running the show.
AlPerryNC: I want to thank everyone. I hope it's been worthwhile.
Amylf1: yes it has...
Jdfogg: (she missed a good session)
Amylf1: let's give Al a big hand..
AlPerryNC: Good to visit with old friends. I have missed you folks.
Rhyssa2: I'll have to read the log. I was to busy in the hall
Amylf1: ::::clap:::clap::::clap:::::
RMZWRITER: <<<<<<<<<<<<clap clap>>>>>>>>>>
Jdfogg: Thank you Al ><><><><><><><><><><<<><><><><
AGATHA K: Rhyssa2, thanks for the welcome earlier.
Rhyssa2: :::applause:::
Nanceeeee: Applause! Applause! What a rich, resonant speaking voice you
have, Al! <g>
Berrins: Thanks AL, sorry I stepped on some toes, got a little confused
Cafe Mom: Guess what...one hand clapping doesn't make a sound after all.
Rhyssa2: Your welcome Agatha
Jdfogg: <--counting piggies....all there
AlPerryNC: Not at all. It was a lot quieter than my last time in the group <g>
Sushiwritr: Whew! Missed the whole dang meeting . . .
Rhyssa2: What's in the other hand, Leslie?
Amylf1: <what happened Leslie...?>
Cafe Mom: sheesh
Sushiwritr: (Please send the log asap!)
Cafe Mom: a beer, of course
Strebe: Ewww, Al. Don't remind me.
Amylf1: Paul... where were you?
Rhyssa2: I will Paul
AlPerryNC: Paul, I DIDN'T say anything.
Sushiwritr: The guys up front were taking the company network off line.
Cafe Mom: writer can't write without gettin' liquored up first.
Berrins: Yes; thanks, Debbie, for bouncing. Good work, and a lot of it!
Sushiwritr: No modem in this humble back office.
AlPerryNC: That was mostly my fault, Daan....
Strebe: Writer can't liquor without getting written up first.
Buchemo: It was worth while-controlled well -thatís important-thanks Amy and Al!
Amylf1: <I thought I saw you earlier...Paul..>
Cafe Mom: LOL, daan
RMZWRITER: Yes, Deb...You had your work cut out for you tonight!
Sushiwritr: Leslie! Then how do I write?
Strebe: Hardly, Al! I admire your courage.
Cafe Mom: I am not of this universe
Sushiwritr: OK, missed the second half of the meeting, then.
AlPerryNC: Trailing Hale-Bopp?
Amylf1: <oh oh.... aliens...? >
Cafe Mom: yep, Al
Cafe Mom: It was beautiful tonight
Jdfogg: another space case???
AGATHA K: What's LOL mean?
Rhyssa2: Well, guys I'm closing the log for the last time. It'll be in your
mailboxes in a little
Amylf1: laughing out loud..
Jdfogg: Laugh Out Loud
AlPerryNC: Laughing Out Loud. As in ROTFLOL.
Rhyssa2: while. Al, do you want a copy of the log?
Cafe Mom: This is my first time online. How does this work>
AlPerryNC: Please....
Nanceeeee: Rhyssa2, will I get one, too?
Rhyssa2: Ok. :)
Strebe: Yah. And it's my first time at a computer.;
Sushiwritr: Choking . . .
AlPerryNC: Leslie, surely you jest.... but let a grizzled old veteran show
you...
Rhyssa2: Yep. Nanceeeee
Shebajab1: Al-could you clarify for me?
Amylf1: Leslie... are you really there... or is it someone from your family?
AGATHA K: What's ROTF mean?
Strebe: Al, please don't clarify. You'll be too hard to see.
Cafe Mom: LOL
Berrins: (NCAA update- 65 AZ, 64 Ky, 3:28 left)
Nanceeeee: Thanks!
AlPerryNC: Cream rises to the top.
Jdfogg: <--getting the giggles...
Strebe: :::::: rising ::::::
Cafe Mom: No, it's me, Amy...I'm just joshin'
Amylf1: heehehe
AlPerryNC: Rolling On The Floor....
Rhyssa2: Night All (or is that Nytol)?
Cafe Mom: Seconal
AlPerryNC: Abyssinnia.
Jdfogg: Valium of the Dolls
Sushiwritr: Absinthe.
Cafe Mom: :-D
Amylf1: well... folks... I'm bushed.... >

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