This is no place for joking around!
The last draft before the "Copy Reaper” came for my words.
I was given fair warning at the beginning of the book publication process that “editing” can be a gut wrenching time for a new author. I acknowledged the statement and moved on, knowing I’d deal with it when it came. Well, the “Copy Reaper” finally came for my words, and I feel like I got through it without losing too much of my soul. Maybe I have thick skin, or I’m practical in my decision making, but I can attest to the potential of the editorial changes to cut down to the bone. In this case, the memorable edits included most of my jokes and the word “exotic.”
During one of the zoom sessions, the editor said my jokes either didn’t add to the story or they just didn’t land. Okay, I can see that. Nobody’s ever going to say I’m the funniest guy in the room. In fact, if there were a theoretical room full of funny people, I’d be the fellow down the block, asking for directions to the room. (See what I mean? Not a funny joke.) However, before I agreed to the editor’s recommendation, I put together a little survey and called a half dozen brutally honest friends. (If you don’t have a few of these people in your life, get some. Completely worth the harassment you’ll recieve.) I read the excerpt from the manuscript, and asked about reaction. The most common result was “I get it,” which in the world of comedy translates to “not funny.” Fine, out go the jokes. I’ll always have them in my last draft, if I ever want to impress somebody with my humor.
How about the word “exotic.” What’s wrong with that one? Well, just because I don’t understand the problem doesn’t mean the word can stay. Apparently “exotic” can imply meanings that I didn’t intend. Usually not an issue when talking about antique sports cars, but there are problematic interpretations when applied to people. So, out it goes, despite my long agonizing over what the character would say in that particular situation.
Regard for the Dead is now moving along the production process. I’m looking forward to the next steps, like selection of the cover design. How cool will that be? I’m sure it will be better than the “off the cuff” Transit Authority Map concept I doodled on the draft binder.