Benchmark

Well, the report has come back from the editor and it’s a doozy, as our cousins across the pond would say.

Very drastic rewrite is needed, with the intended market not being right for how I’ve pitched it – it’s still a historical fantasy, but the Editor has determined that there are two books in here, with very good commercial potential.

I think I shall be pursuing the core thread of the book and focus my attention in one direction – but remember ladies and gents, throw nothing away. What doesn’t get used now, goes into the left-overs box – which I really must collate at some point.

I had strong concerns about the MS going in – but the problems I had a year ago have mainly been solved:

POV Use: Fixed, no problems

Dialogue: Excellent

Humour: Clever and appropriate

Spelling/Grammar: Good, no problems (the odd typo!)

However plot is a bit up and down still, with some confusion and too much subtlety – although the reason for this is because it’s a first foray into a different genre/market for me, but the editor also said this book with some polish is ready to go as is, into the adult market.

When a professional, experienced editor tells you that they enjoyed the book, loved working on it, that it was well written and the tone and theme occupy a rare slot in the publishing world – and that you, yes YOU – are “obviously an experienced writer” it feels like the the world just turned.

I know my friends will be smiling and thinking “told you so” and fair play to them, let them enjoy this moment too – because tomorrow, the real work begins. The ball is in my court and it’s time to start belting over the net – once I get up off the Chaises-Longues.

Have a Great Day Adventurers 🙂