Between the Sheets: An Intimate Exchange About Writing, Editing, and Publishing

by Thomas T. Thomas, Kate Campbell

Writing a novel is a private process. The author labors alone, sometimes at night—especially if there’s a day job to fulfill. Getting the story down requires space and time to think, dream, and create freely. But submitting that story for editing and preparation as a commercial book is another matter.It’s a collaborative process that calls for the author to stand up for the story and the vision that inspired it, but she also has to realize that it may not be perfect and could be improved. It’s a process that requires trust and respect, a pliant spirit, and intellectual mettle.The editor has to understand that he does not control the story or the vision, but he has a duty to readers who will come after him. His job is to help the author make the story as complete, clear, consistent, and accessible as possible. The editor works on many conceptual, narrative, voice, diction, grammar, and punctuation.Between the Sheets is a look at this collaborative process through creatively charged email exchanges between two old friends and former one a new author who has labored for some years on a first novel, the other a former book editor and author with a dozen novels behind him. Together they explore what it means to be a writer in the digital age, and they offer a peek behind the curtain at writer and editor shaping a story for its ultimate purpose—a book that meets the needs and expectations of readers.

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2012

Reviews

[Jim Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between the Sheets—Thomas T. Thomas and Kate Campbell

A Peek Behind the Curtain—A Journey of Discovery!

Ever wanted to be the fly on the wall? Here’s your chance.

Between the Sheets chronicles the dialogue between writer (Kate Campbell) and editor (Thomas T. Thomas) concerning Kate’s first novel, Adrift in the Sound—which was a fabulous read. Dorothy called it, “Best book I’ve read in a long time.”

Of course, immediately after finishing Adrift, I jumped Between the Sheets, as it were, for an opportunity to find out just how this amazing story evolved into the light of day. The collection of emails between writer and editor discloses more than I’d anticipated. You’ll be privy to a candid, honest discussion, where lives (albeit literary) hang in the balance.

Thomas is a wonderful editor and spirit guide. We would all be fortunate to have him covering our back.

Between the Sheets is a must-read for writing students and seasoned writers, alike.
Writing is a journey of discovery. While yearning for the end—the publishing of our new baby—we bask in the process along the way— whiling away in solitary hours writing, editing, turning over stones, trying on hats, anticipating the next surprise waiting around the corner. Conjuring a story may not be magic, but we certainly hope the final result will be.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining peek into the world of an author and her editor. So much goes into the making of a book! It was fun to see behind the scenes for the birth of this one. Plus, the title is perfect!