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why proofreading (yet again) is necessary
WhyOhWhy is any of this necessary? If it's all stored on a computer disc somewhere already proofread and then printed, bound and sold, why is there any reproofreading needed for another printing? Enlighten us non-writers.
Posted by: asdfg at August 1, 2005 04:54 PM
It's necessary because the manuscript was typeset for one configuration (hardcover) and had to be revised for another (mass market paperback). Errors can sneak in during this process. Lines or paragraphs go missing, stray letters creep in and make nests for themselves. Participles fall and dangle. All manner of chaos is possible.
This is also an opportunity to correct any factual or continuity errors. For example, some time ago there was a discussion of my lack of attention to Charlie LeBlanc's reproductive habits. I gave him a lot of children and then forgot that he had them. But at this moment I can't find that discussion, and so it's going to be hard for me to fix Charlie's predicament. Another example: a carefully written letter from a reader who informed me that I know diddly squat about eagles, had their nesting material all wrong, and should desist from writing about them until I mended my sloppy ways (and in fact, I did get the nesting materials wrong -- mea culpa).
And of course, this is the time for me to deal with anachronisms. If I knew where they are hiding, I would do that. However, if history repeats itself as it usually does, I will get six emails each outlining a different anachronism in great detail -- right after the paperback edition comes out, when it's too late to do anything about it. Which happened with Lake in the Clouds.
So, if anybody wants to say something about Fire Along the Sky, NOW would be the time.
August 1, 2005 05:36 PM
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Comments
I have actually begun to like finding hidden typos in the stories I read. It makes me feel that the English I think I learned/read/speak is alive and well and that I am not asleep at the wheel. My brow does wrinkle though when listening to audio books, the reader gets so involved in the story that a she is called a he or a he a she. Such a small thing, but it makes me smile. So leave a boo boo here or there, it makes your most loyal readers write you a note. These little critics let you know your book is being very closely read. Isn't that why you write?
Posted by: Alice at August 2, 2005 03:54 PM
Why people don"t just read your books or listen to the audio books just for the joy of it is something I don't understand, I love listening to the audio books they are great and keep them comming.
Posted by: Shirley at August 3, 2005 09:38 AM
Well, the problem I have with typos is this: they throw me right out of the world of the story and plop me back in my chair with a book in front of me. Although if I am thoroughly engrossed I will sometimes (but not always) pass right over them without noticing.
Posted by: Rachel at August 3, 2005 12:41 PM
I love all your books, but Fire Along the Sky was the best book I have read in a long time--and I read a great deal. At first, I thought I would savor it, allowing myself only a few pages at a time. But I didn' have the discipline for that so I neglected most of my duties and left for Hidden Wolf, Montreal and Nut Island. Oh, how could you leave Jennet out there? And when will we get her back? Many thanks for all the pleasure your books bring.
Posted by: Suzanne Thomas at August 20, 2005 06:39 AM