I received an email with a question in response to the recent NSSWM newsletter (see blog post), and I thought that as more than one person probably has the same question, I would answer it on the blog.

Here's the question:

“Back in college I got to sit down with one of my professors who wanted to publish one of my poems in a journal that he edited; we went through the poem, talking about different lines and how they might work better, even coming up with a title that I liked better than what I'd originally named it.

"I'd always figured it was the same with fiction; in fact, I'd sort of looked forward to that part, collaborating with an unbiased editor to make my work stronger… After reading your article, though, I'm wondering what the editing processing is really like when a magazine accepts your short story or a publisher accepts your novel. Does the editor go through the piece, marking suggested changes in red, and then send it back to the writer to revise the piece based on that? Or does the editor make those changes himself, and then send the revised piece back to the author for approval? Or does the editor make the changes and the writer doesn't get to see what was done until she picks up a copy of the magazine or novel at her local bookstore? Or does every publisher handle it differently?

"So, would you mind shedding a little light on how that part of the publishing process works, for those of us who haven't experienced it yet?”

~Andi

Andi was correct in thinking that the process is different for each publisher, but it also varies from editor to editor, and editors sometimes deal with individual writers differently. Confused yet? I’ll give you a basic outline and tell you where things can vary.

First off, let’s talk about publishing short stories. For most magazines and journals they don’t have the time (or money) to go through significant revisions with you unless you happen to be a big name author. That said, some will send back your ms with comments/suggestions, even if they wont publish it (but don’t count on it unless they promise to do so in their guidelines).

Usually magazines/journals will only take stories that require minimal revisions, like “Can we cut this one scene?” or grammar fixes. For grammatical issues, the editors frequently wont contact the author about making changes unless they’re unsure of meaning. Some publishers send you galleys, some don’t.  Basically, don’t expect a warm, fuzzy review process for your short stories.

Moving on to novels. Once again, I make the disclaimer that every publisher and editor functions differently and I’m speaking in broad terms.

Once your manuscript is accepted (or sometimes before that), the editor goes through and does some developmental editing. In this stage, they look at concepts and story flow. Does it make sense for the hero to abandon his friend in chapter six? Is that explanation of New York’s subway system too long and convoluted? Does the author consistently have a problem establishing the point of view? The editor makes notes of these things and composes a letter to the author covering all those issues. The specificity of this letter depends on the issues raised and the editor’s relationship with the writer.  

Speaking for myself, when I’m sending comments and suggestions to one of my writers I try to be as specific as possible, especially if I haven’t worked with them very much or they don’t have much experience. Some writers I just say “Do this instead of that” and let them go at it because I trust their ability to understand and apply what I’m asking of them. Others require a more detailed explanation, and some can't revise very well, and after the fourth try I end up doing the revisions (and make a note not to use them again).

Back to the letter. This letter usually accompanies a marked-up version of your ms (print or digital). Many publishers are going digital, so frequently the whole exchange takes place via email. While I still do my initial edits on paper (it’s so much easier to cross reference items and check things, etc.), I use the Track Changes in Word to make notes for my writers. Some changes I will go ahead and make (like cutting sentences) and others I will just leave a note (eg. "This is confusing; do you mean A or B? If you mean A, please clarify in this way. If you want it be ambigous, make the intent clear").

The author gets to incorporate and apply the editor's suggestions. Sometimes phone calls or a series of emails are initiated if the author doesn't understand what the editor is asking or if they don't agree with the suggestions. This the "fun" part Andi was looking forward to. After speaking with authors and editors, this part of the editorial process can be enjoyable, or incredibly painful. Patience and flexibility are needed on both sides.

After the author returns the manuscript with corrections, the editor goes through it again and sees how well the author has incorporated their suggestions. At this point the manuscript is either sent back for more revisions, or the editors take care of it themselves. If the author was asked to make revisions during the submissions process, this is also the point where the editor decides whether or not to take the manuscript.

Sometimes the editor has no developmental edits, and once your manuscript is accepted you have don't see it again until it arrives in book form. 

Once the developmental edits are done, the manuscript is sent to the copy editors for all the nitty-gritty grammar and style stuff. The text is formatted for the book, the editor edits the proofs and voila, we’re done. It’s a rare thing for the writer to be involved after the developmental stage, except occasionally with the cover.

However, unless your publisher is kind of lame, you don’t have to wait until your book arrives in the bookstore to get a copy. Usually you’re sent a copy (or ten) once the books are in-house.

As I said earlier, this is a basic outline and the editorial experience is different for everyone, even for the editors. I hope this answers the question sufficiently. Feel free to chime in with your own experiences.

I'm off for the holidays and wont return until after New Year's. Have a wonderful holiday season and I'll see you next year!

(Yes, I know that was corny but I just couldn't resist.)

It never fails. I discuss something in the newsletter, and then after I have sent in the final version I find an article relevant to something I discussed. Oh well. Here’s an article about some of the alternatives to Kindle.

Speaking of the newsletter, I had a piece in there where I had polled editor's about their responsibilities to writers and readers. Their responses are in yesterday's post, and I would love to hear from the writers now. So if you could just scroll down a bit and leave your thoughts it would be much appreciated.

Enjoy today's slightly/heavily speculative fiction focused feast. (I actually considered trying to make that sentence more alliterative...)

Note to writers: While submitting to newly started/starting publishers can increase your chances of publication, you have to be careful. Since they're not established, there are no guarantees about the quality of the magazine/books produced or how good they are about actually paying you. We don't know yet who's going to be wonderful, who really should stay out of publishing, or who wont stay around long enough to actually publish your story. Some of these are going to take off and be wonderful, but I don't know which ones. Take a look, but be wary and ask questions.

Contests

SFReader Short Story Contest is an annual looking for speculative fiction of 1000-5000 words. The prize is $525 and publication. No entry fee. "We are interested in works that feature well developed characters along with colorful settings and fast-moving plots. There are no restrictions on sub-genres, though all stories must be firmly within the realm of Speculative Fiction. Our interests include, but are not limited to: Hard Science Fiction, Soft Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Cyberpunk, Slipstream, and Alternate History, just to name a few. The speculative element must be integral to the story." Deadline is December 31, 2007.

Submissions

Literary. River Oak Review wants 250-7000 word stories. "We try with each issue to showcase many voices of America, loud and soft, radical and sublime. Each piece we publish, prose or poetry, is an attempt to capture a part of 'us', with the notion that it is through our art that we are defined as a culture." They do not want genre fiction or "lessons of morality; 'idea' driven stories usually do not work."  Accepts submissions by e-mail. Writers receive 2 contributor's copies. Additional copies $10. Pays on publication. Acquires first North American serial rights. Publication is copyrighted. "The voice is what we notice first. Is the writer in command of the language? Secondly, does the story have anything to say? It's not that 'fluff' cannot be good, but we note our favorites stories tend to have meaning beyond the surface of the plot. Thirdly, the story must by populated by 'real' peoples who are also interesting, characters, in other words, who have lives underneath the storyline. Finally, look before you leap."

Comics/GN. Bloodfire Studios is a midsize independent publisher who mostly works in spec fic and manga. “We pride ourselves on maintaining a high level of quality comparable to the big publishers. Art, Story, paper, etc meet or exceed Marvel and DC standards." Publishes paperback originals, paperpack reprints. Ongoing series include Intergalactic, DNA Hacker Chronicles, Kindergoth, Vampyrates. Prefers submissions from writers, artists, writer-artists, creative teams. Follow guidelines posted on their website closely or submissions will be trashed. "We attend major industry shows such as San Diego Comic Con, Wizard World LA and Wizard World Chicago." Responds to mss/art packets in a few weeks. Considers simultaneous submissions. Often comments on rejected mss. Payment and rights varies on contract terms for each book. "Make sure you follow the guidelines to the letter. Make sure the art, writing, etc fits within the other genres published."

New Magazines

Spec Fic. Transmitter will be an online anthology series, and they’re looking for fiction of 500-2500 words, and they’ll pay 5¢/word ($25 min). "Transmitter is seeking speculative fiction stories of any style or theme. We are not a 'hard science fiction' only publisher, so all writers of all sub-genres are encouraged to submit. We do not publish horror or fantasy unless a strong science fiction element is present. No fan-fiction please." 

Spec Fic. Serpentarius Magazine is also new web zine, but this one will be quarterly. They’re looking for fiction, poetry, & non-fiction of 1500-5000 words. Pay is 5¢/word. "We are a Speculative Fiction market. Speculative means genres like Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Fear, Steampunk, Alternate Worlds, Sword and Sorcery, and any other similar trope. Or tripe, as the case may be." 

New Publishers

SF/F/Paranormal Romance/Mainstream/YA. Lilly Press debuted in Canada this year and they do print and e-publishing. They’re looking for stories of 15,000-150,000 works and pay 15-50% royalty. 

Spec Fic. Fiction Reborn is a epublisher debuting in the USA. They’re looking for stories of 15,000-200,000 and will pay 38-45% royalty. "At this time, Fiction Reborn is primarily accepting manuscripts for the following genres: Science Fiction, Traditional and Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal, and Horror. Elements of Romance, Erotica, Action/Adventure, Urban, Christian/Religious and Young Adult are more than welcome (and encouraged), but the primary classification of your manuscript should match what we are looking for. If you have a something not quite described here, but believe it deserves a shot, please send us a query email or letter outlining your manuscript. We’re looking for quality fiction; and we all know that doesn’t always fit into a neat little niche. Authors do not need to have an agent to submit a manuscript."

Anthologies
Catholic SF. Twilight Times books will be doing an anthology called Infinite Space, Infinite God II. They want stories of 3,000-10,000 words and will pay $50 plus a copy of the book. "Science Fiction & Catholic stories only. We're not looking for fantasy. You don’t need to be Catholic, but your stories do! Characters and/or settings must be genuinely Catholic. Catholic theology and practices must conform to the Magesterium--or have an incredibly good reason to veer!" Opens to submissions Jan 1 and runs until filled.