LEAVE MY WORDS ALONE
I've been in the throes of terrible self-defense for weeks now, and I decided to check myself out. I have two books coming soon, and I've been edited like crazy--something that never happened to me before, so I wanted to look back at my history.
Sure enough, this makes no sense. My two editors over six novels were Kathryn Harrison and Jack Shoemaker. A writer would be hard-pressed to find two more distinguished editors. Kathryn's gone on to huge fame as a writer; Jack launched Annie Lamott and publishes Wendell Berry, Gary Snyder, MFK Fisher, and dozens of others. And what do Kathryn and Jack have in common: they NEVER edited my work.
In turn, I've looked at my reviews, and I've been consistently praised for my style...my voice...my flair. Clearly their choice not to edit me was a good one.
So why, when I've written a simple little book for a minuscule press, did the editor tear up every word on every page? I asked her why she did when Kathryn and Jack hadn't, and she said, "Well, they didn't have money invested in your books." Excuse me? They kind of had reputations, and their reputations are golden. When the book was finished, I asked to publish under a pseudonym. I was turned down. I'm not going into publication with a lot of enthusiasm.
I'm also struggling with another novel, editing by committee. But I'm getting more respect. Anything after the other editor is fresh and comfortable.
But I'm mystified. I know writers hunger for Maxwell Perkins. Maybe Kathryn and Jack should have paid more attention. But I've always felt proprietary about my words, and they knew that. I guess I'll be the way I am after most books: in just a matter of months,both will look to me as if someone else wrote them anyway. I never recognize myself.