Welcome to Biting-Edge, a blog shared by authors and vampire experts, Mario Acevedo and Jeanne Stein. We’ll cover urban fantasy, vampires, pop culture, and all things Joss Whedon. Unlike other fantasy blogs, we don’t insist on body cavity searches (unless you ask politely). Snarkiness is most welcome...though we won't promise not to bite back!

Monday, May 15, 2006
  Revise
I've been writing for a long time. I have one novel out, submitted the second, and am working on the third. I also teach classes about writing the genre novel so I like to believe I know what I'm talking about.

And then I get from my editor the five-page revision letter for my second novel. It starts: "I really like the story," which leads to the punch line: "You've got a great start."

Great start. Code for: "you’re off the mark, pal." I know, that's what I write on critiques.

I wonder about those writers who brag that their manuscripts didn't get even one requested change. My first thought: "Your editor must not have read your book very carefully."

Then I heard Robert Crais at a luncheon. He mentioned the process behind L.A. Requiem. Robert was under contract to write a sequel and instead he submitted a stand-alone. His editor called back. "This isn't a sequel. However, this story blew me away. It's so good we're upping your advance."

Admittedly, that was my fantasy when I turned in X-Rated Bloodsuckers, the sequel to Nymphos. I wanted to hear, "Mario, you wowed us with your prose. We love you. Here, take what you can carry from our vault. Wait, bring a wheelbarrow."

The beautiful part of writing is that you don't have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon.
--Robert Corimer

My editor calls them as she sees them, that's her job. I value her expert opinion and revising the manuscript is part of the process in bringing a book to press. I want reviewers to rave about the sequel, and more to the point, I want to satisfy the most important people in this publishing business--you the reader.
 
Comments:
I read the beginning of X-Rated Bloodsuckers. "You've got a great start." Really.
 
In my first book I got a seven page edit letter. The suggested changes did for make a better story.
 
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Well, I really enjoyed Nymphos, so I'm really looking forward to the sequel. Does it continue on with some of the same characters?
 
Felix is back in the sequel. All the other characters are new. Look for Coyote.

Carmen and Gilbert (the alien) return in book three.
 
Wendy was an interesting character, but it makes sense that she's not in the second book. They're about Felix, not Felix and Wendy. Besides, I'm sure after a while Wendy would start to get on one's nerves. ;)
 
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