Even though I’m an agent, I still do a great deal of editing for my clients. Lately, I’ve been working with a writer I’ve known for over 25 years. By now, it’s like we’re an old married couple. I know her strengths and weakness. She knows my pet peeves and prejudices. We bicker about the same things, agree about the same things. Sometimes we don’t have to say anything at all. When I suggest a more apt word, move a paragraph, change the tense, she’s delighted. Calls me a genius. A small halo lights up over head. No change is too small. And I am thrilled when she takes a chance, makes a leap, says “look ma, no hands” with a string of sentences that blows my mind. In the end, it’s the dance. The call and response. The trust that if I know you’ll catch me, I am free to fall.
Who do you trust with your writing?
photo: Antique Boutique
Filed under: Uncategorized |
Betsy Lerner 
This is music to my heart. Thank you.
I trust my writing group to an extent. If 2 or more people agree, I take a comment more seriously. Mostly, I trust my own judgement.
I’d like someone like that. alas…
I trust myself, but that isn’t always wise. I am looking for a writers’ group after ten years of caregiving and now, as a new widow, cut off from the writing community. Any suggestions? Jax Peters Lowell
I’d start with your library or local bookseller. They are often hubs for writing groups. Or start one through your place of worship if you have one. Community colleges have writing classes. Google! There may be workshops in your area. These can lead to literary friendships. And very sorry for your loss. A decade of devotion and care is a remarkable thing.
I trust Pat Dobie who is a wonderful editor and a fine friend to have. She seems to just get it and do only what needs to be done.
I’d start with your library or local bookseller. They are often hubs for writing groups. Or start one through your place of worship if you have one. Community colleges have writing classes. Google! There may be workshops in your area. These can lead to literary friendships. And very sorry for your loss. A decade of devotion and care is a remarkable thing.
“Who do you trust with your writing?”
I invest a certain amount of professional trust in any editor or agent. I may not always agree with their feedback, but I always give it careful consideration.
I definitely trust my agent and editor.
When I’m working on a project before those particular eyes see it, I trust myself the most. I have a couple of people reading my latest, and honestly? I feel like I’m doing it because they asked. I’m bad about sending pages b/c in a way, I’m not wanting any critiques or comments except from the ones who “matter.”
(am I weird???)
My editor is amazing. She likes what I send her and runs it. I get emails from readers who like my shit. What’s better than that? (more$ would be nice). I’ve gone beyond what I ever imagined because I trust the readers most.