How working with an editor helped me score a publishing deal

How working with an editor helped me score a publishing deal How Working with an Editor Helped me Score a Publishing Deal Leslie Heath recently secured a publishing contract for her novel "The Last Mayor's Son". She attributes a large part of her book's success to her editor. In this article, she shares glimpses into the editing process and her advice on how to maintain a good author-editor relationship.A good editor can take a mediocre story and help make it into something phenomenal, but that requires lots of communication, knowledge, and above all, a strong relationship between the author and editor.Important note: a good editor doesn’t actually change the story  - they make suggestions that the author can accept or refuse. It is ultimately the author’s responsibility to make any necessary revisions to the prose, storyline, or characters.Finding the right editorWhen working on my novel,  The Last Mayor's Son, I first tried finding an editor  on author forums and web searches - without much luck. I did begin to work with one individual, but that arrangement quickly fell apart for many reasons, some of which I should have seen coming. First, I figured out almost immediately that this "editor" was not a professional - despite the claims on his website. When I asked him about his cringeworthy grammar and punctuation, his response was that those things were not his concern. This might have been funny if it wasn’t so frustrating. Finally, I asked around for advice, and several people recommended Reedsy as the best place to find a genuinely professional editor.Reedsy's briefing process was simple, and  within no time, I had accepted an offer from one of their vetted editors, Maria D’Marco. Initially, I asked her for an editorial assessment to point out flaws in the plot and give me a general idea of where to improve. I expected a short two- or three-page overview, but I got so much more. Maria gave me an in-depth, twenty-page written assessment plus notes in the manuscript. She not only showed me the areas that needed work but also highlighted pl aces where the story shined.How to facilitate a good author-editor relationshipThis is a good place to point out the most important aspect of the author-editor relationship: the author must be willing to accept constructive criticism. It is astounding how many authors ask for input, then get offended and angry when the editor or reader finds an error or suggests a change. I didn’t agree with every suggestion, but I used them as jumping-off points where I could improve my story. Also, this is where the author needs to have a plan for the story. There were several places where Maria suggested something that wouldn’t work for my idea of the storyline. Instead of getting upset at her feedback, I saw it as an arrow pointing to a problem. Clearly, my idea didn't get across in that passage, so I rewrote it to say what I wanted it to. A good author-editor relationship requires  the  ability to accept constructive criticism. One instance of this is a scene where it necessary to the story for a character who is swimming in a lake to head for deeper waters. After reading this scene, Maria felt it was a bit random and that I needed to specify why this character dives deeper. She suggested the character notices something sinister in the shallow-end and therefore swims away. While this was intriguing, it didn’t fit the story. To fix the clarity problem, I added a few lines of dialogue at the end of the scene where the character explains that something brushed his leg, startling him into jumping toward deep water.The importance of editing for fantasy novelsFantasy stories can require more work than other types of fiction, especially when the author has to keep track of all the details about how the world works. The world I had created for "The Last Mayor’s Son"  has 3 moons which orbit in different directions and in different time schedules. This is an issue at one point in the story when two c haracters must  wait until the slowest moon is full again before they can be freed from their temporary prison. A sharp editor is essential in these situations, as they can see inconsistencies that the author may not have noticed.Several months after Maria’s initial assessment, I returned to Reedsy - and Maria - for a full developmental edit. I was eager to see what her reaction would be to the changes I had made. This time we got more into the nitty-gritty of each individual scene, and she also pointed out some bad grammatical habits I had fallen into. Specifically, she walked me through improving the flow and coherence of the final, epic battle scene, where the main character leaves his home to help defend a  forest village, he must face the enemy. While I had the major events of the battle already defined, Maria helped me organize them so the flow made sense and readers could easily follow what was happening. I would go more in-depth here, but I don’t want to give away the ending!Professional editing helped me score a publishing contractAfter more revisions and reworking those scenes, I started sending off queries to publishers and agents. Within a few short weeks, I received a request for a full manuscript, and then an offer for a contract with a small independent publisher. I have no doubt that Maria’s help was instrumental in landing the deal because she helped strengthen the weakest parts of the book. And after working with a talented professional, I can say with confidence that a good editor is instrumental in creating a book people will want to read. A good editor is instrumental is to creating a book people will want to read. Just remember - know the story you are trying to tell, but keep your pen open to suggestion and you will find working with an editor to be a fruitful and happy process.The Last Mayors son is available from Class Act Books, and on Amazon in paperback and  Kindle.  What have been your experiences working with an editor? Do you have any additional tips for creating a good author-editor relationship?  Leave your thoughts, experiences, or any questions for Leslie  in the comments below.

Motorsport Technology A Subsystem Of A Modern Racing Car Essay

Motorsport Technology A Subsystem Of A Modern Racing Car - Essay Example By regulation, the tyres feature a minimum of four grooves in them, with the intention of slowing the cars down. A slick tyre, with no indentations, is best in dry conditions. Both front and rear tyres are typically 660 mm in diameter. They can be no wider than 355 mm and 380 mm at the front and rear respectively. Slick tyres are rumoured to be reintroduced as of 2009 but the FIA regulations (though they can be changed) still have Formula One using "grooved" tyres in 2008. There are several factors affecting the performance of formula 1 cars' tyres that should be considered before designing it. These factors include the road conditions, temperature, humidity, contact area with the ground and a few others. In tyre design, there are three main considerations - the profile and size, the tread, and the compound. Racing tires are highly specialized according to vehicle and race track conditions. Tyres are specially engineered for specific race tracks according to surface conditions, cornering loads, and track temperature. Tyres have also been specially engineered for drifting. Racing tyres are often engineered to minimum weight targets, so tires for a 500mile race may run only 300miles before a tyre change. In 2005, tyre changes were disallowed in Formula One, the compound was harder as the tyres had to last the full race distance (around 300km). Tyre changes were re-instated in 2006, following the dramatic and highly political 2005 United States Grand Prix. For the 2007 season Bridgestone is the sole tyre supplier and have introduced four compounds of tyre, two of which will be made available at each race. The harder tyre is more durable but gives lesser grip, and the softer tyre gives more grip but is less durable. Both compounds have to be used by teams in a race and the softer tyre has a painted white stripe in the second groove. Each team must use each specification during the race, unless wet or intermediate tyres are used during the race, in which case this rule no longer applies. In extremely wet weather, such as that seen in the 2007 European Grand Prix, the Formula One cars were unable to keep up to the Safety Car in deep standing water due to the risk of hydro planing. Rubbers used in tyres are generally styrene-butadiene co-polymers, natural rubber, or polybutadiene. These can be blended in whatever ratio is desired. The styrene content can be varied to give a hard wearing rubber, or a high styrene cling rubber to maximise wet grip at the expense of heat build up. Everything is a compromise aimed at giving the best performance for a particular application. For example, when a new circuit is laid down the surface is very abrasive, and polybutadiene has a superb abrasion resistance to sliding on sharp surfaces. However, it is hopeless in the wet, since grip suffers appallingly. In car racing of course, grip is everything. The second most important variable is the carbon black type that is used. As a general rule, the finer the carbon black, the higher the abrasion resistance, and the higher the heat build-up in the rubber compound in service. There is another variable, the "structure' of the carbon black, a measure of the agglomeration of

The Exemplary Leadership Style Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Exemplary Leadership Style - Assignment Example In order to discuss various dimensions of leadership and exemplary style of leader, Mahatma Gandhi, who is considered as the best example of an exemplary leader, has been chosen. In this paper, a brief synopsis of Mahatma Gandhi and his journey would be discussed, followed by his style of leadership, and a comparative analysis would be done with the other probable leadership styles. Then in the next part, the leadership models and theories would be discussed to understand the exemplary leadership style of Mahatma Gandhi better. The challenges that he had to face and developments or success that he achieved would be included in the later part of this study and a conclusive summary would be included. Exemplary leadership is considered as a difficult principle to be followed because of the amount of responsibility and hard-work attached to it. Though successful leadership styles have many characteristics in common, in case of exemplary leadership, the leader has to first blend and adapt those situations and contingencies before preaching others to follow. So it can be said that exemplary leaders are born leaders and there are some rare qualities in an exemplary leader which cannot be copied or cultivated. It is an attitude of a person since birth. Exemplary leadership is actually an approach of being, even when the person is not leading others. Exemplary leaders are facing, extending, centring, and blending the essential qualities. An exemplary leader symbolizes realistic wisdom, grounded compassion, and skilful action. Mahatma Gandhi is regarded as one of most popular exemplary leaders in the world.

Analysis of Euthanasia Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis of Euthanasia - Assignment Example Most of the countries consider non-voluntary euthanasia illegal. Involuntary euthanasia is considered murder even if the patient has a terminal illness and is in great pain. Non-voluntary euthanasia is one in which there is no consent and takes place by terminating the medication of sufferer and it is against patient’s will and is illegal in the Netherlands under Groningen euthanasia rules. Euthanasia carried out with the consent of the patient is known as voluntary euthanasia. In Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands active voluntary euthanasia is considered legal by the law. Interchangeably the term assisted suicide is also used to describe a physician-assisted death. Many countries refuse treatment for patients who become comatose (Dowbiggin,13). Referring back to the history of euthanasia it started in the era of Emperor Augustus who died in the arms of his wife without suffering (Dean, 276). The term euthanasia was firstly used by Francis Bacon in the early 17th century. The main aim of this practice was to have an easy, painless and happy death. There is a great debate-related to euthanasia which discusses both its pros and cons. The points which favor euthanasia includes the patient’s right to have a peaceful end of life, helping the patient in dying might be more beneficial for the patient rather than leaving him to suffer. There are many social and moral values when the topic of euthanasia arises. There are a lot of controversies. Arguments regarding euthanasia often vary with the method adopted for the patient’s death. Oregon death with dignity act made it legal for their residents and they were allowed to request for lethal injection (Perrett, 368). Â  

The Product Differentiation Strategy Marketing Essay

The Product Differentiation Strategy Marketing Essay Excellent Shoes Manufacturing Pte Ltd has the options of using different strategies in their business; using appropriate examples, describe your understanding of these different strategies and suggest what strategy you might recommend the Company to use. In present day the economic is flexibility and the company that be able to survive in this field should know how to manage their own resource in the maximum efficiency and need to follow the market change and movement, the way to do this depends on the different technique and operating diversely on strategic management of the company. Especially, in the consumer markets which there is a high level of competitive. It is the essential that every single company should open up its market in new area, expanding further with modest ambitions or operating in additional differentiation products in markets annually. These factors are main causes to bring successfully to business which I believe that it depends on how the company maintain competitive advantage in business strategies? , What types of strategies are available in the business environment? Another important aspect is that the company can use flexibility standard strategies or develop its own strategy or not? In term of Excellent Shoes Manufacturing Pte Ltd, with the size of medium business, I feel that the company can use different of business strategies, according to its situation. For example, at the beginning, when the company was established, it may face different challenges than at the present. Moreover, the business strategies that it is implemented may be different from its competitor. In my point of view, I believe that there are four types of business strategies by following these: 1. Growth Strategy A growth strategy conduces introducing new products or adding new features to existing products. Sometimes, the company may be forced to modify or increase its product line to keep up with competitors. By using the new technology of a competitive company is a core concept to play on growth strategy. For example, the company is likely constantly adding new features or discovering new technology for shoes healthy design in order to save customerà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s feet while they are wearing. As a result, shoes companies that do not keep up with consumer preference would not stay in business long period. Moreover, the firm may also adopt a growth strategy by finding a new target customer group for its products. Sometimes, it can find new one for its products by chance. For example, as a result of the company is a specialises in the manufacturing and supply of high fashion leather shoes and the manufacturer may discover through marketing research that young teenagers in school like its products. Hence, in addition to selling fashion leather for students in order to distribute to retail stores or shoes shop in school, the company could design the shoes product in format of school styles. 2. Product Differentiation Strategy Most of companies will often use a product differentiation strategy when they have a competitive advantage, such as superior quality or service. For example, the shoes manufacturers may set themselves apart from competitors with their superior engineering design or manufacturing technology. Obviously, companies use a product differentiation strategy to set themselves apart from key competitors. However, I believe that a product differentiation strategy can also help a company build brand loyalty. It can see that today, the company is known in the local industry and it is amongst the top companies who can produce a high quality pair of sports shoes and ladies fashion leather shoes. 3. Price à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ Skimming Strategy A price-skimming strategy involves charging high prices for a product, particularly during the introductory phase. The company will use a price-skimming strategy to quickly recover its production and advertising costs. However, there must be something special about the product for consumers to pay the excessive price. An example would be the introduction of a new technology. By doing this, it may be the first to introduce a new type of new sport shoes aerodynamic design or leather formal shoes modern styles. Because the company is the only one selling the product, customers that really want in trend by wearing new one and willing to pay the higher price. 4. Acquisition Strategy According to the size of company with extra capital may use an acquisition strategy to gain a competitive advantage. An acquisition strategy conduces purchasing another company. For example, the company may purchase a polyester factory or a leather factory in order to expand its operations and to control cost of shoes raw material. 5. Cost Leadership The benefit of formulation this business strategy is that the company will consciously choose to position its company as a provider of products or services at the low end of the pricing point compared to its competitors. Moreover, it could make up in volume what they may forfeit in terms of a high price point. On the other hand, Cost leadership is a business strategy that allows a company to become the lowest cost production company in an industry. Traditionally, businesses have two key options for improving profits by increasing sales or decreasing costs. By doing this, the company need focus more on acquiring raw materials that are the highest quality at the lowest price. Another important aspect is that the company must also use the best labour to transform raw materials into valuable consumer goods. Low-cost leadership usually translates into high-quality goods at low consumer prices. The capability to undercut a competitorsà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ price often leads to increases in market share. In term of suggestion, what types of strategies should be formulated for Excellent Shoes Manufacturing Pte Ltd; I claim that the company could bring the result from the step of strategy analysis and to consider in these questions, what the external and internal environments that are confronting are? How the company can organizes and combines its resources in order to build its strengths, to eliminate its weaknesses and to sustain core competencies? How the company can achieve to find good opportunities for growing the business and to keep changing of posing a threat. From the consideration in those questions, I feel that I could recommend the company to use cost leadership strategy. As of the issue that Mr. Pattakorn is worried about the return of the investment in terms of profit is not as good as it was during his fatherà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s time. Conversely, the firm seems to have grown bigger with the manufacturing of many more pair of shoes. It is likely that the firm would have the problem from too high production cost. I believe that if the company can review and to control production cost, it will bring back the outstanding profitability. To sum up, sometimes, businesses would look for a combination strategy to please customers looking for multiple factors such as quality, style, convenience and price.

Subliminal Messages :: essays research papers

Subliminal Messages in Advertising: The Case For and Against Lisa Caswell Syracuse University Running Head: Subliminal Messages Subliminal messaging and subliminal perception are controversial topics in the field of psychology. Many studies have been conducted to determine if subliminal messaging does in fact work. Many people think that subliminal messages in the field of advertising are much more successful than subliminal messages for self-improvement, such as tapes sold to help the consumer lose weight, gain intelligence, or do something else to improve themselves simply by listening to a tape. Subliminal advertising can be defined as "embedding material in print, audio, or video messages so faintly that they are not consciously perceived." Rogers and Smith (1993) surveyed 400 households. When asked if they believed advertisers deliberately included subliminal messages, 61.5% responded 'yes'. A 72.2% 'yes' answer was obtained when asked if subliminal advertisements were effective. Based on these results, it can be concluded that consumers are aware of subliminal advertising, and believe it is effectively used by advertisers to influence their decisions. The term "sub-threshold effects," first popularized by Packard in 1957, preceded the popular notion of "subliminal advertising," whose originator is James Vicary. Subliminal advertising first came to the public's attention in 1957 when Jim Vicary conducted a subliminal advertising strategy of interspersing "drink Coca-Cola" and "eat popcorn" messages on a movie screen so quickly that they could not be seen consciously by the audience. His research initially reported increases in the sales of both Coca-Cola and popcorn as a result of the subliminal messages. Later, however, when he was challenged and could not replicate or even produce the results, Vicary admitted that the results of the initial study had been fabricated (Weir, 1984). Key (1989) has more recently claimed that hidden or embedded messages are widespread and effective. Key's theories have been widely discredited by scholars who have examined marketing applications scientifically (Moore, 1982). Although a few scholarly studies have reported certain limited effects of exposure to subliminal stimuli in laboratory settings (Greenwald, Klinger, and Liu, 1989), most academic researchers on the subject have reported findings which indicate no practical or predictable effect in an advertising setting (Dixon, 1971). The 1957 Vicary study has been largely disregarded in the scholarly community due to lack of scientific documentation of methodology and failure to replicate. However, scholarly findings and industry assertions may have had little or no effect on the average American, who has been exposed to popular articles and books promoting the notion that subliminal advertising is used and is effective. In addition, Americans have been exposed to advertisements claiming that self-help audio-tapes and videotapes containing subliminal materials can help the purchaser with weight loss, better relationships, an improved golf game, quitting smoking, and even birth control. Awareness of Subliminal Messaging by the Public

Indigenous Religions Essay

(1) In chapter 2, the textbook author uses various terms for â€Å"indigenous religions†: traditional, aboriginal, indigenous, tribal, nonliterate, primal, native, oral, and basic. Select four or five of these terms and discuss why you believe each of those terms is applicable to the religions covered in this chapter. (2) Why do so many indigenous religions have such a reverence for nature? Indigenous religions have such a reverence for nature because they have deep respect for Earth. It has strong spirit, and lots of item that could contain spirit. Mother Nature offered them so much land to love and to do a favor back in return and shows their love to her. Nature is a living energy to some people belief the same as people. The word indigenous refers to land and earth as well, which involved nature itself. (3) Discuss several of the sacred practices that are common in indigenous religions. Some several sacred practices that are common indigenous religions are that they do are having dances around the fire. They sometime huddle together and do some kind of sacrifices or ceremony to show their holy respect for their belief. (4) Discuss the state of indigenous religions today. Short Answer Questions (2 points each): (5) What is animism? (6) In general, what is the relationship between the human and animal worlds among indigenous religions? (7) How do indigenous religions, in general, select their â€Å"sacred spaces†? (8) How are ancestors viewed in most indigenous religions? (9) What â€Å"big events† in life are usually marked by ceremonies in indigenous religions? (10) What is a taboo? What are some examples of taboos in our modern culture, and are they religious or cultural in nature? (11) What is a shaman, and what role does the shaman play in indigenous religions? Shaman is a scholar who help guide people on their spiritual journey.