I finally had a chance to listen to this yesterday when I was out on my walk. This is a world I know nothing about (literary magazines)--although Amherst is my old stomping ground!
I found so much of this interesting, but one thing I really "glommed" onto is when they said something along the lines that once an author is established (and perhaps, "known") they don't get edited quite as much, and their work suffers for it.
There are a few authors whose post-debut books I read with a bubble over my head that says, "where was their editor?" I'm guessing that once you are successful (and Evelyn, you would know about this) the increased pressure of deadlines induces/compels a writer to produce more quickly than she would like.
I think sophomore novels often suffer, because the writer had years and years without pressure to perfect the first one. But then you're absolutely right that deadlines are harder once you're under contract.
Over the years, I've gotten pretty good at figuring out which of my editors push me, and which ones just say yes to whatever I write. In the latter case, I will seek out critique partners and ask them to help me reach my potential!
Critique Partners—something I haven’t developed but hope to one day. I’m still living in the realm of Freelance Editors—which, as you and I have both said, can be GREAT—when you find the right match…and not so good when you don’t!
Adds Emily’s book to my Goodreads “want to read” section. 🤞🏻 Look forward to it. 🫶🏻
hooray! I'm always so happy when you and others here discover books they want to read from the authors on the show!
I just pre-ordered your new book, too, so lots to look forward to this year. 🤩
This made my morning, Elaine!!
My Goodreads list keeps growing and growing from listening to these podcasts!
YES!!! I love helping you discover more and more books to read, Sophie!
I finally had a chance to listen to this yesterday when I was out on my walk. This is a world I know nothing about (literary magazines)--although Amherst is my old stomping ground!
I found so much of this interesting, but one thing I really "glommed" onto is when they said something along the lines that once an author is established (and perhaps, "known") they don't get edited quite as much, and their work suffers for it.
There are a few authors whose post-debut books I read with a bubble over my head that says, "where was their editor?" I'm guessing that once you are successful (and Evelyn, you would know about this) the increased pressure of deadlines induces/compels a writer to produce more quickly than she would like.
Thanks so much for exposing me to something new.
I think sophomore novels often suffer, because the writer had years and years without pressure to perfect the first one. But then you're absolutely right that deadlines are harder once you're under contract.
Over the years, I've gotten pretty good at figuring out which of my editors push me, and which ones just say yes to whatever I write. In the latter case, I will seek out critique partners and ask them to help me reach my potential!
Critique Partners—something I haven’t developed but hope to one day. I’m still living in the realm of Freelance Editors—which, as you and I have both said, can be GREAT—when you find the right match…and not so good when you don’t!