This just makes me happy. I appreciate that you acknowledged the greatness of the person who played a part in your success. Your humility (and humor) are a breath of fresh air!
Wow! Such a lovely tribute to a really great editor. It was a pleasure to read about your process. Too few people understand how much rewriting is involved in really great books. And few people beside authors understand how crucial great editors are to that excruciating process.
I too, consider books sacred objects. I've centered my career on designing beautiful books. The art and craft of writing and great editing is foundational to the work I do—and so appreciated.
Anand, I think Jon is right. A book needs to grab the reader, and personalizing it makes that happen. Facts are great, but emotion is better. And copyediting is important, but he's absolutely right that story rules. And you have to be able to root for someone or something as well to stay engaged. The late great story guru Blake Snyder, who wrote screenplays and advised screenwriters, got it right in his Save the Cat books. Have your protagonist literally or figuratively save a cat early in the story and readers will bond with him/her. It's all about the reader.
Such a moving tribute to your friend and editor. I’m so glad you found each other, and am looking forward to my copy of Man In The Mirror now more than ever.
Timely tribute to the unsung heroes of the written word: our editors.
This just makes me happy. I appreciate that you acknowledged the greatness of the person who played a part in your success. Your humility (and humor) are a breath of fresh air!
Wonderful essay on the power of words and how editors make all the difference. Life is an on-going process of revision.
My editor and I. “I” is the subject, noun (along with editor)
A good editor is priceless...
Wow! Such a lovely tribute to a really great editor. It was a pleasure to read about your process. Too few people understand how much rewriting is involved in really great books. And few people beside authors understand how crucial great editors are to that excruciating process.
Exactly this!
Beautiful.
Happy birthday, Mr. Segal.
I too, consider books sacred objects. I've centered my career on designing beautiful books. The art and craft of writing and great editing is foundational to the work I do—and so appreciated.
Anand, I think Jon is right. A book needs to grab the reader, and personalizing it makes that happen. Facts are great, but emotion is better. And copyediting is important, but he's absolutely right that story rules. And you have to be able to root for someone or something as well to stay engaged. The late great story guru Blake Snyder, who wrote screenplays and advised screenwriters, got it right in his Save the Cat books. Have your protagonist literally or figuratively save a cat early in the story and readers will bond with him/her. It's all about the reader.
Wonderful tribute. I am one of Jon’s authors and hope to see you tonight to honor and celebrate him. Kate
Such a moving tribute to your friend and editor. I’m so glad you found each other, and am looking forward to my copy of Man In The Mirror now more than ever.
What a lovely tribute to your editor and to the special bond between a writer and editor.
Beautifully written Anand. Made my day.
What a dream to have an editor like this, a real mentor from beginning to end.
I’d be glad to help if you need an editor. Vastly experienced. Many bestsellers. My website: bronwynfryer.com
Very very moving piece, thank you.