So much excitement in the world of The Regulars that I'm thrilled to share with YOU.
Being able to call my parents in Australia and tell them about my first big U.S. book deal was almost as much fun as getting the call myself. They both asked if I was joking, multiple times, then my mother started laughing hysterically and my Dad was so overwhelmed he had to sit down. I got very, er, *happy* with my New York gang that weekend, and when I was back in Australia for a brief if well-timed visit home, two of my beta readers (and close friends) surprised me with a well-stocked little party (who wants one bottle of Veuve when you can have two??) It's so great to share this kind of news with the people who have been there for every step of the way: incredibly rewarding.
I didn't get to meet my editor, Meg, until I returned to NYC in late Feb. From our phone calls, emails and some (light) online stalking, I felt like I already knew her… We met for tapas and happy hour red wine in a new Spanish bar in the East Village and connected immediately. Meg is one of those happy, enthusiastic, energetic people whose positivity just rubs off on you. Plus her insights into the book were fantastic. We came up with a few great ideas right there at the bar (who doesn't want to kick off revisions that way?!). Meg emailed me her editor's letter for The Regulars the very same day we met up, meaning my revision had officially begun.
After an editor acquires a ms (manuscript), the editor writes an 'editors letter' which outlines the work they think needs to be done. Usually, this isn't 'gut renovation' type editing (if they think the book needs a lot of work, they usually don't buy it to start with), more like tightening or amping up ideas. Meg commented on how clean the ms is, which is, of course, due to the two big edits I did prior to submission with Sarah. I knew that hard work in those early stages would pay off in the long run, and it certainly did! Because the ms is in such good shape, my team is able to use it for very early reads and blurbs, which generally wouldn't happen at this stage. Meg was also able to do a line edit, again, something that wouldn't generally happen this early.
Meg's letter pointed to some additional world-building and some lingering questions about two of my three main characters, Willow and Krista. Both of these young women are distinctive characters, and while their arcs and action don't need work, Meg felt the novel would benefit from more of their back stories. So, that's what I'm working on! I have a call with a friend whose a psychologist this weekend, to help delve into Willow's head (she has some mental health issues), and I'm just thinking, making notes, ruminating. My edit is due April 30th.
Happy writing! I'm in LA later this month for some very cool meetings -- hopefully I'll be able to share details of those soon...
Georgia xx