Eileen Goudge

New York Times - BestSelling Author

I’M STILL HERE

Poking my head from my writing cave to say hey, and let you know what’s been happening. You haven’t heard from me in a while because I had two crazy deadlines to meet on the rewrites for my new book that’s coming out in the Spring of 2024. The Third Pass looms on the horizon, and I will tackle that after my summer vacation.

Now, you may be wondering what’s with all the rewrites? Was her book that bad that it needed those massive rewrites? Quite the contrary. In my experience, the more enthusiastic an editor is about a book he or she has acquired, the more extensive their editorial notes.

I’m reminded of a story told to me by a fellow author years ago. She had turned in the first draft of her manuscript for the second book of a two-book deal, and the editor got back to her after reading the manuscript with the following comment: “It’s good to go. I have no notes.” Now, if you know nothing about publishing, you might think this was a good thing. You might imagine said author doing a happy dance, thinking she wrote such a brilliant book it required no editing. Instead, as a seasoned pro, she knew the truth, which was contained in her words to me. “I knew then my writing career was over.”

Because, you see, even the best writers and the best books need editorial guidance. When an editor can’t be bothered to provide notes it’s because he or she has basically written off that author or that book. The book may still get published, but the publisher won’t do any more than the bare minimum to market it, and forget about a promotional budget.

In short, it’s the publishing equivalent of being ghosted.

Thankfully, that’s never happened to me. I’m also happy to report that my soon-to-be-published book, due to the combined efforts of my editor at Lake Union Press and the freelance developmental editor they hired to work with me, has resulted in reams of editorial notes, and me working 24/7 for weeks on end, has benefited immensely. It’s given the book more depth and a sharper focus than in the first draft. The goal here is to give you, my faithful readers, your money’s worth by presenting an absorbing read, one that you will enjoy and recommend to others. Hopefully, you will find that I will have achieved that goal when all is said and done.

I’m excited about this book. Excited to see what the future brings. You’ll be the first to know when I have a final title and pub date, and I’ll be offering a “sneak peek” in advance of publication, so stay tuned!

Hope you’re having a good summer! I’m on vacation right now, but as you can see from this blog post, the writing never ends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. GREAT NEWS!!! I am SO looking forward to reading your new book… As I have said, before, I have been a “fan”since the early 90’s, and I believe I have read ALL of your books ( except the cook book..sorry😊)
    So this is truly wonderful news!! ( Nice explanation of editing…) I do understand it. One of my dearest friends is also a well known published author. Enjoy your well deserved vacation!!

    • I ain’t gonna lie, the editing process has been brutal. But with each new draft I see the book taking shape like a diamond from its rough cut state to its finished state, and that is so rewarding to me as an author.

  3. Thank you for sharing some inside info on the editing/publishing biz, very interesting.
    I am enjoying your journey you have shared with us, your move, remodel and your book writing.
    I have no doubt your next book will be just as wonderful as all of your previous books have been. I envy but am also grateful your talent. I have always thought that being a writer has to be the best career since you can do it from anywhere especially now with the technology we have. Thanks again😁
    Nancy

    • Thank YOU, Nancy. I couldn’t do what I do without the loyalty of readers such as yourself, and your abiding belief in my writings. On dark days when I wonder, “Will anyone want to read this book?” I think of you.

  4. I’m waiting, Eileen! 2024 is around the corner, but not fast enough for me. Am a total book worm and have currently gotten into the first 50 pages of The Invention of Wings by author Sue Monk Kidd. Not a normal book, to say the least….have to think about this one seriously.

    Live in Metro Vancouver, BC, so careful about being outside with the smoke and particulates in the air today, due to all the forest fires still not under control in the Okanagan and other locations in British Columbia.

    Take care and keep on trucking, Eileen.

    Regards, Elaine

    • Stay inside, and be safe! Air quality is so important. Take it from someone who was 2 years recovering from a respiratory illness. And thank you for your patience. Part of the reason it’s been so long between books was due to the aforementioned illness. Happy to report and in excellent health now.