Comments on: INTERVIEW: Dave King

by: Joe Parzych

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:52:03 +0000

Congratulations on your new book.A lot of what you said in the interview gives food for thought.

by: Nienke

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:09:58 +0000

Thanks Dave! I wondered about that before I read your interview!

by: Dave King

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:30:16 +0000

Well, shucks, thank you.

I’m comfortable with questions, Nienke. There are editors who specialize in genres, and if you’re writing a solidly genre novel it might pay to find someone who’s familiar with the conventions. But if you’re writing something a little off-genre or ignoring genre altogether, then a genre-specific editor could do damage. All stories are individuals, and trying to force one into a mold will inevitably leave it weaker.

Besides, story is story, character is character. A good editor should be able to help you get the best out of yours, regardless of genre or age group.

by: Edie

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:17:40 +0000

Great interview, Therese! I’ve been recommending Self-Editing for Fiction Writers to other writers for years.

by: Therese Walsh

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 21:07:34 +0000

I’m glad everyone is enjoying the interview.

Thanks for the link from your site, Carolyn, and welcome to both you and Joe!

I’ll pass your questions on to Dave, Nienke, and let you know.

by: Carolyn Bahm

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 06:44:32 +0000

Great interview! I’ll be putting a brief post on my writing blog to encourage people to come check it out. I look forward to reading the second part, too.

by: Melissa Marsh

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 05:26:58 +0000

This was awesome. I have King’s book on my shelf and have found it extremely helpful. Can’t wait until next week to read the rest!

by: Nienke

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:35:58 +0000

Great interview! I’m not sure if the floor will be open to questions, but just in case, here you go:
How does genre play into choosing an editor? Do editors specialize in genre? If they work mostly with one genre - say fantasy or erotic romance - can this affect the quality or style of their editing?

by: Joe Ponepinto

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:51:39 +0000

Thanks for the interview with Dave King. I was particularly fascinated by his explanations about large publishing houses and their profit-only motivations. I’m in two writers’ groups and we often discuss the workings of the industry so that our members have an understanding of what they face in trying to be published.

I believe we are starting to see a backlash against the corporate dominated publishing industry, as smaller publishing houses and POD move in to bring back excellent writing and engaging stories, to replace the mass market drivel that currently passes for literature. The key will be changing the reading public’s perception that the NYC houses are committed to content, when in fact they are committed to profit.

by: Kathleen Bolton

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:31:54 +0000

Fascinating interview, Therese! King’s the king of editing, and I was waiting anxiously for this interview. It did not disappoint.