Hi,
So, I wondered, is there a certain person, whose approval means so much to you when it comes to your writing? Or someone who has helped you develop your novel/ideas, or helped with foggy factual areas you needed to brush up on?
Basically for my novel, it involved me needing to know a lot of information about Russia, USSR and KGB agents. It isn't central to my Narrative, it's only background information, but it's still vital I get it as accurate and factual as possible in order for the plot to develop.
So, I stepped out of my comfort zone and asked my Granddad for help. I was positive he'd be more familiar with these topics than me. So when I asked him, and we talked about it, he seemed very interested and keen to help. He said "Don't start writing ANYTHING, until you've sent me and outline of the Novel, so I can make sure you've got your facts right". I didn't particularly want too, it's personal and private, but he insisted so I did. He approved. He's a hard man to please, and his approval is everything.
Does anyone here have someone like that in their lives? Who Perhaps helps you and gives you advice on areas you are unfamiliar with? Or someone who encourages your writing and you find it very motivating?
I wouldn't worry Adrian.
It sounds like Megan’s granddad “advised”, not collaborated. I think there is a subtle difference.
My novel is partly set in Dublin in the 80s. I know Dublin very well, but was not around at that time. So a close friend of mine helped me with all the details to make it sound authentically of the time. What shops, restaurants, clubs were open. What was new in the city that to me seems like it has been there forever. He was happy to help with information. I am sure that a mention of his name in the thanks is sufficient. That is was the “author acknowledgments” is for.
It doesn’t mean that anyone has a claim on part of the proceeds if they give you some information, just as long as you are clear on that.
The idea for the book is yours. Unless they sit down and physically sweat over the creation of it, I don’t believe they have any claim.
JMO
Thanks for your response, Adrian!
Yes, I do agree there. I'm extremely wary about it, but as you said, I don't think my Grandpa poses much of a problem on that note. That's why I asked him. I'd be very reluctant to ask someone else for help.
Yes, I'd quite like an answer to that myself! Would asking someone to check your facts and dates and minor things like that qualify as a collaboration?
Oh, I'd be thrilled if a person well known in the publishing trade paid me such a compliment! Well Done. (: I don't think, personally I'll be excited until I see my book on a shelf!!!
Speaking of finding a voice, I fear that may be something I struggle with, but it's an obstacle I intend to overcome!!
I'd love to have a private literary editor - alas, my funds wouldn't stretch to that!!
Yes I agree!
I haven't shown anyone my work yet, as it's still in the planning/developing stages. That's what I sent my Grandpa, just the basic outline for the novel, so he could double check I had my facts and dates, etc. correct. He said, thankfully, it all seemed in order and actually he thought it could work well if my writing was good enough. I intend to find someone to read the novel when I'm doing it, not just to spot typos, etc. but I've found that when I write I can't imagine the scenes when I read it back to myself like I do when I read a novel. I can see it all so clearly in my mind, until I read it!! I don't know if that's just me though. So that will be the main reason I have someone read it. I want to know if they can picture/imagine it. I think I might allocate the task of reading it to my Grandpa, he seems very supportive and spends most of his hours in the library!!
Interesting post, Megan.
May be I am being paranoid, but I believe that want-to-be authors should be wary of admitting that someone collaborated on their novel. As it is your Grandfather, Megan, I do not envisage a problem.
I believe that an Agent or Publisher would not react kindly to a stranger knocking at their door, claiming they played more than a bit part in the new best-seller by Joe Blogs, and then ask for a share of the royalties.
How much assistance or guidance could be construed as collaboration by other peoples suggestions, or the use of a private literary editor, I am not sure. May be it is not relevant. I would be pleased if someone could clarify the interesting point you raised.
On a less serious note, I did have a well known person in the publishing trade say I was good writer. I believe they did not say it lightly, as they have their professional integrity on the line. But I did not get the slightest bit excited because there are lots of excellent writers out there. Besides, I had much work to do on my novel. However, it was reassuring to know I had found my voice.
What meant more to me, were the very encouraging words of my highly qualified private literary editor who I am not using at the moment, because I needed a different perspective from someone inside the publishing trade. But I hope to use my private literary editor again, at some stage in the future.
How do we as want-to-be authors qualify, genuine approval or genuine praise?
One answer is in how well your novel is received.