Tag #communication

Nyssa’s Nuggets

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

“We howl together as a pack.”

Sound on!

Nyssa and her pack howling together, well, except for Wicket.

As they have gotten more comfortable with each other, the dogs have started howling together. It tends to happen when they are all playing and excited in close proximity to one another. Usually Cedar and Wicket are trying to get Dash to run so they can chase him, and Nyssa takes over, as you see and hear above.

They seem to enjoy it, and honestly, I do too. Most times I participate as well. 😄

This communication has brought them closer as a pack and they seem happy to have me in on the event. Good communication often has that effect.

The editor-author relationship is built on communication, in addition to respect and trust. Communication is also the vehicle by which the other two elements are fostered.

Sending your work off to an editor is a huge step. Hopefully it is also one that will contribute to your growth as an author and writer. Most writers have ideas of where their work may be a bit weak, or need some tweaking or building-up. Letting your editor know these areas ahead of time can help them focus on where to direct their attention.

It also lets them know what you perceive as some of your strengths or weaknesses as an author. And how they can best assist you in making your manuscript the best it can be.

Of course there is always the moment when the editorial letter and edited manuscript arrive back in your inbox. Remember your editor is likely nervous too, sending their carefully crafted letter back to you.

When the objective of all parties involved is the same, we have a better chance of understanding each other and having meaningful discussions. We speak the same language about the manuscript in the interest of improving it. We work together, and in the process, strengthen our editor-author relationship.

Just like Nyssa’s pack. Howling together for a stronger bond.

Have a great week! Woof woof roooooo! 🐕‍🦺

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“At Quill & Orb Press, collaboration cultivates drafts and ideas into gold.”🔮✨✏📚

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Nyssa’s Nuggets

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

“Let everyone know where they stand upfront.”

Nyssa and her mentor/buddy Pebbles, a red Siberian husky

At the moment I have two dogs, (Nyssa and Dash), but several times a month we have Pebbles also when she is staying upstairs with my brother and nephew. Pebbles is two years older than Nyssa and helped to raise her, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that now.

As the photo indicates, Nyssa is the boss here. And she makes sure Pebbles knows it from the very first moment she comes through the door. There is no aggression, Nyssa just mutters at Pebbles for a second, wags her tail, and then guides Pebbles quickly past the bone pile while I pick them up. Then they are off to the yard to hang out and chase Dash around.

Nyssa and Pebbles have a long relationship, yet Nyssa communicates her position to Pebbles upfront, every time.

In editing terms, communication from the start of the author-editor relationship is crucial. The more open the dialogue, the smoother the process can proceed.

Good, open communication can often mean the results are better as well. Working together toward the common goal promises an improved manuscript as the outcome.

That said, the success begins during the interview process with honesty on both sides.

Sure, the editor may really want the job, but that shouldn’t cloud their assessment of whether they are a good fit for the manuscript.

Conversely, an editor may have come highly recommended by a friend who writes thrillers, but that does not mean their editing style will mesh with your fantasy novel.

We are often told to play to our strengths—that can be obvious. However, the real magic may happen when we are familiar with our weaknesses and we partner with someone who understands them.

And that is all about communication. From minute one.

Once it is established, though, that communication is easy to return to whenever necessary, and often deepens over time. Like Nyssa and Pebbles, they renew the respect in a few seconds and then its just like they were never apart.

Why bicker over a silly bone pile when there’s a Dash to chase? Come on, Pebbles says. Whatever, let’s just go. 😉

Have a great week! Woof woof rooooooo!🐕‍🦺

Like this post, I value communication and collaboration during the editing process. Want to know if I can help you on your publishing journey? Visit the Quill & Orb Press website for more information.

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