I got line edits of my book!! I kept calling them copy edits, but realized we don't get copy edits from London — we get line edits. These are a print out of the entire book with all the lines numbered. It's your last chance to make corrections to the text. Some people see copy edits, which is the marked up manuscript. I got confused because I was expecting that.
But no, these are line edits. Contractually, I have two weeks to read them and communicate any changes to my editor. And there is one major, humongous, gigantic, freak-out worthy change that needs to be made: they spelled my name wrong.
For some reason, people see my name and gloss over the Y in Raye. They leave it out. They have also been known to give me an E on the end of Lynn. But there's no E, only a missing Y. *sigh* Perhaps I should have considered more carefully about taking a pen name. I did not because I'd had publicity already, and I wanted to build on it. Maybe it would have been easier anyway.
Too late now. I have already emailed my editor a panicked note telling her about this major, major mistake. I'm not a fan of my name in the first place, but I am not a Rae. No way, no how.
Aside from that, the line edits look pretty neat. I'm diving in today and seeing what's been done. I did peek a little and everything looks normal on the first few pages. Except one of my scene endings has been changed. I'll be thinking about that, I assure you. It's going to be weird reading this book and seeing those little changes here and there. It feels oddly like someone broke into your house and rearranged your furniture. You might like the arrangement, or you might be absolutely horrified. Guess I'll find out as I read. 🙂
As for the holiday, it was great and Florida was much warmer than Alabama is at the moment. Still, I am SO happy to be home. It was a long drive (10 hours each way), but we listened to audiobooks. We finished up Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential and started Eragon — which, surprisingly, is extremely engaging.
How was your holiday? Did you finish your Christmas shopping and/or decorating yet? I thought Hubby and I would decorate yesterday since we were home — but no, he didn't want to do it. With line edits to do, and a deadline getting closer, I'm a bit worried about getting it done. 🙁
At the rate I’m going with the book, I’ll be doing good to get my tree up and the presents bought. Any other decorating will just be a bonus.
And congrats on your line edits. It’s exciting!
Hi Lynn!
I loved the breaking into the house analogy… I think I’d be pretty horrified either way lol!
I was also fascinated by the info on line edits. Clearly I’m missing a serious part of my education on editing 🙂
I hope you find you love the new furniture arrangement.
Nikki
Hey, PC! We got a tree and set it up. Yeah, we went faux. I’m sorry, but it’s pre-lit, and it was half off, and I couldn’t stop myself. *g* We didn’t decorate it yet though. I really like it!
The line edits are exciting. Except for this past perfect tense that’s driving me crazy. *sigh*
Hi, Nikki! Well, as I thought about it, it did seem like someone rearranging my furniture. See, if the crew from one of my favorite HGTV shows came in and redecorated, I’d probably think that was cool. But if someone with a penchant for black velvet and plastic couch covers came over and did my house in late 70s redneck, I’d probably faint. *g*
Yep, the line edits are quite interesting. It’s your words, but it’s been tidied up some. Sometimes it’s been messed up too. It’s up to you to find everything and make changes. 🙂
Congrats on getting the line edits. What an exciting time you are having. Thanks for sharing it all with us. 🙂
I had a good holiday. J and I got both of our Golden Heart entries finished up and to Houston with an entire day to spare!
verification word was bologiti, sounds like food and made me hungry
Oooh, Stephanie, it sounds like a pasta dish that would be so yummy! Congrats on getting the GH entries out!! I’m cheering you both on!
Hope the line edits are going well – the process is fascinating!