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What a year! The good and the bad of 2019.

From my house to yours…

I hope you are enjoying the festive season.

For me, 2019 has been a year of  ticking off big bucket list items, including swinging through the Daintree Rainforest dressed as Lara Croft (says so on my helmet!) and swimming on the Great Barrier Reef with sharks and sea turtles. For someone who has never been a water person, or liked heights, I did pretty good.

Two weeks later, of course, there was a fatal jungle surfing incident. A couple swinging through the trees on the very same cables, enjoying the same exhilarating experience, fell when those cables allegedly snapped. The incident is still under investigation, but I struggle to understand how this could have happened. The popular tourist attraction is extremely well managed and I had felt perfectly safe with very competent and attentive guides.

I WAS safe. I WAS Lara Croft!

If only super heroes were real. They could swoop in and lead us all into a safe and secure 2020.

Sadly, there would be no undoing the catastrophic bush fires, or New Zealand’s White Island eruption, but imagine how a super hero might give us hope for a brighter, safer decade–because I’m not seeing much hope in our politicians’ actions. (Politicians who think Australia’s unique and precious arts and culture will prosper and grow under the Dept. of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications!!! (We don’t even get a mention in that portfolio title. Out of sight, out of mind is what comes to MY mind!) You can read about this here.

2019 is ending with way too much bad news and some terrible tragedies, and while I’m no Lara Croft and able to save the day, I can continue to write my Australian stories so readers can escape the bad and the sad things in life, if only briefly.

I’m not a huge fan of New Years Eve. I’m one of those grinches who worries about the impact fireworks have on both our environment and our wildlife (and terrified domestic animals). But I do raise a glass to the people I love (past and present) and, as we welcome a new decade, I will be counting my blessings, praying for rain, hoping for sanity, wishing for peace, and, most importantly, donating money, goods, time and/or food to those less fortunate or in need.

We can be super heroes to those in the country struggling through drought. Rural Aid’s Buy A Bale drive is back, so consider doing your bit, even if it means buying one less book. Donate now.

Something else we CAN all do (and it costs nothing) is consider the wildlife (the cute and furry, the feathered, and the scaley) that all need to drink. No matter where you live – country or city – there will be a thirsty critter, so keep those containers topped up. (Don’t believe me? Check out these unexpected visitors dropping by for a drink.)

Most important of all…

Take care of yourself and make the most of each day. While we have it in us to get up and achieve something (or try) we must try. We can’t NOT do things because we are afraid. (Sorry about the double negative!)

I have no idea what the new decade will bring, but I know this….

And this was VERY good news and another bucket list item in 2019.

I self-published for the first time and House of Wishes is exceeding my expectations. Thank you to all who have bought, borrowed read or reviewed. My baby is doing so well (checkout the lovely reviews on Goodreads) that I am energised and madly writing book #7 for 2020. So stay tuned!

Now you’re done decking the halls, it’s time to bedazzle your bookshelf with Australian stories in 2020.

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Manuscript Assessments by Jenn.

How does a writer know if they need an assessment of their novel?

Every published author will agree; reading an assessment report can be a bit like paying someone to throw darts at you. If you don’t take critiques well, perhaps reconsider paying for one. But taking criticism, listening to advice and opinions is part of a successful writer’s life.

My assessment style works best for writers who:

  1. Feel too close to the work to differentiate between good and bad.
  2. Have clear goals for the manuscript.
  3. Want detailed, genre-specific feedback in a professional and timely manner (6 – 8 weeks).
  4. Don’t want it sugar-coated, are open-minded and prepared for criticism.

Is an assessment an edit?

No. An assessment is one part of the editing process that examines the story’s structure. Assessments (also referred to as structural reports or appraisals) should be seperate to the line/copy editing stages.

  • The structural edit: looks at the ‘big picture’ elements of the narrative and characters, examining the elements that are working, and those which could be improved, cut or changed.
  • Line edit: examines every sentence in your book and determines if it belongs, reads well, and is correct. Does it make sense, need clarification, enhance the scene?
  • Copy edit: focuses on technical aspects, like dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s. Is the sentence grammatically correct? Is there a comma missing? Should this compound word be hyphenated? Are John’s eyes blue or green? How many states in Australia? Professional copyeditors have years of experience, are trained in various style manuals, such as The Chicago Manual of Style, and are as close to a literary God as I know.
  • Proofread: the final all-important read through stage is only done once the book is formatted, and just prior to being printed/uploaded. Other than the proofreader’s corrections, you should make no other changes.

Does a manuscript need an assessment?

Every literary work intended for publication benefits from an objective reader critique. Some of the best novelists in the biz admit to getting help from their publisher or agent to ‘rethink’ plots and structure. Writer’s block happens to us all, no matter how many books we’ve written. Of course, your needs will depend on your goals and on where you are in your writing career.

You might be:

  1. Self-publishing – keen to share with friends and family only.
    If so, you can be certain family and friends will love every word you write. For that reason, rather than investing in expensive editing, you might want to write what’s in your heart and spend your money on an outfit (complete with resplendent scarf) to wear to your pretend launch party. I’m serious; every finished literary work should be celebrated because many people never see their story through to those two magic words… The End. Buy Champagne instead.
  2. Indie-publishing for the first time – selling your work.
    Asking people to pay money for your story is serious business. Ask yourself if you’d be happy to spend money on a book when it’s clear the author hasn’t bothered to make the end product the best it can be. Some authors are content spitting out book after book, grammatical gaffs and all, and some readers happily overlook errors because the story is so damn good. Some are not so forgiving.
  3. Heading for hybrid author status – daunted that the buck not only stops with you, but you’ve discovered you’ve relied too much on others in the past and you are, in fact, a crap decision-maker when it comes to what stays and what should go. (Okay, that might be me!!!) Are you feeling a little unsure or insecure, missing your publisher’s feedback on that early draft, and overwhelmed by the self-publishing choices? Maybe you’re unsure if your critique partner is being tough/honest enough because, maybe, you’re already feeling a little bruised? Let’s talk. Check out my assessment offer.
  4. Aiming for traditional publishing for the first time – hoping a professional assessment and/or edit will help you secure an agent or publisher.
    An assessment prior to submission is not an industry standard. A literary agent who is genuinely interested in building your career, sees your potential and is excited about your book may recommend one, but it is by no means a prerequisite.

Should you choose to pay for a full edit of your manuscript, keep this in mind.

The best edit can’t make a bad story good, and while publishers will respect your passion and pursuit of perfection, what they want is a writer who tells a good story. A good literary agent or experienced publisher will overlook bad grammar and typos. They’ll overlook genuine mistakes, but reject sloppy submissions. (There is a difference.) Like a real estate agent appraises a house’s value, seeing through the dust and disarray, a publisher is looking for potential–for solid foundations that a lick of literary paint (a.k.a. a good edit) will fix.

If your manuscript is contracted: it will undergo a rigorous editing process, with the publisher controlling each phase to ensure the end product meets the exacting standards and in-house style guide.

Hiring a freelance editor: will mean forking out about $3,000 for a full professional edit (line+copy edit + structural notes). Unlike the phased approach taken by the publishing house, the freelance editor service may be provided in one go: structural notes+line+copy edits. If, like me, you end up doing substantial structural changes, you may need to pay for further line or copy editing.

This is why, in my experience, it’s best to address the major structural issues BEFORE the line/copy edits.  

Less expensive than a professional edit, a manuscript assessment will help you shore up the story’s foundations. For details, see my Assessments Page. Go there now.

What you won’t get with Jenn’s manuscript assessment:

  1. A full edit, a proofread, or your work rewritten. (Assessing does not involve re-writing or altering an author’s style/voice. I will, however, question/highlight punctuation, grammar and formatting issues that may impact reader enjoyment. If you have bad habits and repeat mistakes, I will let you know.)
  2. My personal opinion on the ‘publishability’ (or if a publisher will like your story).

After all these years watching what does and doesn’t get picked up, there is no way to predict the bestseller. While publishing goal posts are fluid nowadays, the original gatekeepers–the publishers and agents–are more accessible. All hoping the next big thing lands on their desk, regular pitch opportunities (via their websites) invite submissions. While fewer submissions sit idle on slush piles these days (in case they are the next big thing) agents/publishers still want to see an author who:

  1. Knows their craft and their genre,
  2. Has a likeable/suitable voice and fresh plot ideas,
  3. Respects the written word and the craft of writing.
  4. Has a solid storyline.

So, slow down and smell the structural report!

Twice in my career (two different scenarios) I’ve faced a combined edit. That’s a structural report + line + copy edit all at once. For first time was with a publishing house and what I faced was terrifying, daunting, messy and stressful. My recent foray into author-publishing was another occasion. And entirely my fault.

My manuscript wasn’t ready. I was so excited about the story, so desperate for the validation I was used to getting from a publisher, that I rushed into the editing stage, booking a line/copy edit with one of the best in the biz. After what seemed like forever (it was only a matter of weeks) the manuscript arrived in my inbox. As expected, the comments were insightful, with some structural suggestions so obvious I wondered why I hadn’t seen the need myself.

But that’s the problem. No matter how experienced an author, we are usually too close to our work to see those slips in the foundations. We can be so desperate to get the damn thing done, we rush the second that finish line comes into focus.

Even after five books, I let this happen. I’d had a few lovely friends read the earlier draft and provide feedback, but it took the eagle eye of a professional editor to point out the plot’s plentiful problems–like my avalanche of alliteration! For a while, my story (and I) teetered on uncertain foundations. If not for my experience over five previous books I would have struggled with the task. Obviously my editor figured I was capable. So, I sat back, took a fresh look, and wrote like a crazy person for two weeks. The result, was more grey hairs and a much-improved story, but I’d made so many changes I needed another round of edits, which I hadn’t budgeted for. (Enter my good mate–and awesome author–Kathryn Ledson.

There you have it. My very stressful lesson is yours – FREE!

  • Line/copy edits should be done separate to, and well after, structural edits have been actioned.
  • Don’t launch into the expensive line/copy edits stage before you’ve identified and fixed the big structural issues.
  • If you want a phased edit–structural, line and copy edits addressed individually–all three can be done by the same editor, but make sure you request a quote on that basis. (Proofreads are always best done by a fresh pair of trained eyes.)
  • As an alternative to expensive professional line/copy editing and proofreading, you can look to programs/robots* to identify mistakes in your manuscript. Be careful they don’t end up crossing your i’s and dotting your t’s!!
  • Only a human can provide a structural assessment.
  • Don’t assume your family and friends know a good (or bad) structure when they see one and, as tempting as it is to rush to the finishing line, sometimes the turtle’s approach is better than the hare’s. I’d been in such a rush to know my page count so I could do all those other exciting things—like know my spine width and get my book cover design sorted. Good grief!

The biggest rookie mistake I made when author-publishing was not getting an expert opinion to assess the manuscript first.

My mistake does not have to be yours if you follow these steps:

Step 1: Assess

Have your completed manuscript assessed first. A fresh pair of eyes and industry knowledge can take your story to a new and exciting level. Avoid doing structure and line edits at the same time.

Step 2: Line/copy edit

Once you’ve implemented structural changes and reread your ms again and again–confident it’s the best you can make it—consider your options: 1) engage an editor to do line/copy edits, 2) trust a friend/author mate, 3) use a grammar program*.

Step 3: Proofread

Proofreading is the final editing stage, but keep in mind it is rare for the same editor to proofread, as they are too familiar with the work. If you intend using a professional proofreader, you’ll need to book them in advance.

If you still have questions about assessments, send me an email. Or check out my Assessment page on my website.

(I referenced this site for parts of this blog, which has more on manuscript appraisals and a writer’s readiness. https://writersedit.com/fiction-writing/7-must-know-facts-manuscript-appraisals/)

*www.Grammarly.com and www.ProWritingAid.com are the two I use. They are integrated in PC versions of Microsoft Word, but Apple users (like me) have to use Apps which are a bit cumbersome, but workable.

Cheers for now…

 

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My Weird and Wonderful Book Launch 2019

It’s here!

Rather than the clink of champagne glasses and the chirp of book-loving friends and family all talking at once, there is a country hush today, with bird chatter and the odd crow cawing  the only sounds as I celebrate the release of my sixth novel – House of Wishes.

There are a few reasons why it will be a quiet one for me this year. This image from the Fires Near Me App might say more than words. (I’m at the big red arrow)

As I sit, staring out the window at the thickening smoke and ever-diminishing mountain range, I’m silently wishing for rain, or a reprieve of some kind for those closer to the bushfires.

Right now I’m looking after a house in northern NSW (caring for a couple of pregnant cows, a deaf cat and several chooks). I arrived three days ago, and with all the fire activity and handover information about evacuation plans, only to day (release day) did I make myself sit down at the computer.

And as I looked around the place, I realised something amazing…

Ever since 2013 (after releasing House for all Seasons) I’ve looked everywhere for a house that I could photograph that might resemble (in some small way) Dandelion House, which features in the novel. I was never going to find a house built on an island in the middle of the Calingarry Crossing river, but…

As I sat down today, and began some promotional posts on Facebook, I saw the house I’m looking after for the first time. And what did I see?

I saw my fictional Dandelion House with its homestead facade and French windows opening up onto a wrap around veranda. Not only that, this house I’ve found myself caring for has a history. In fact, it was build in the late 1800’s – the same as my Dandelion House.

 

Built my the Mackerell Family

 

This gets even crazier…

Look at the decorator cushion!!! Ladybugs are a motif that runs through House of Wishes.

Yes, the fire situation in NSW has made my new release one to remember, but I’m going to find the joy in how life sometimes imitates art (or is it the other way around?)

There’s a new noise outside now… In the sky… Helicopters are circling.

I’ll go for now, but I will find a moment to enjoy this country celebration – just Jeannette and I. Yes, there will be champagne later today.

Calingarry Crossing Novels are standalone reads. Special two-book price on my web shop for the first two.

Whether you’ve read House for all Seasons and Simmering Season, or you choose to come home to Calingarry Crossing for the first time by reading my new, standalone Calingarry Crossing novel – House of Wishes – you want this good news!!

The good news…

I am extending my ‘new release free postage offer’ on print copies until Nov 30. (Details on my web shop –  www.jennjmcleod,com). Ebooks are also a special price.

The giveaway…

I am also giving away a Kindle version to one lucky person. 

All you have to do to go into the draw is add add House of Wishes as a Want To Read before December 24.  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48269663-house-of-wishes  (Winner drawn Dec 25!)

Come back to the small town with big secrets where Dandelion House has one more secret to reveal. (And you may catch up with a few cameo characters.)

I’m off now to check the RFS Fires Near Me App and make a few wishes.

Cheers!